Yakuza Apocalypse

I have no bleeding idea what I just watched. I knew I was getting a movie about Yakuza vampires, but the trailer made this seem like a pretty straightforward thriller. But it was about the time when the head Yakuza vampire was fighting a dude in a big plushy green frog suit, and the dude in the suit took the suit off to reveal a man with a frog head and hands, who then grew to be 200 feet tall and started breathing fire on the world.... well..... that was when they lost me. So... yeah. 2/5

Yakuza Apocalypse on Netflix

In the Realm of the Senses

I had heard many tales about this film and finally decided to watch it. I was frankly stunned by the explicit nature of it, given it was shot in 1976 in Japan. I found the first half hour somewhat erotic, but the movie quickly took on very disturbing tones. The intensely graphic sex lasted for virtually the entire film, which dulled the effect of it in my view. The ending was just profoundly disturbing. I had no idea how accurately this film displayed details of a true incident that happened in Japan until a couple of minutes ago when I read the article in Wikipedia. If you don't mind really explicit sex, this is an interesting film to see, and certainly an important one in the history of Japanese cinema, but be prepared to be disturbed by much of it. 3/5

In the Realm of the Senses on Netflix

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

This Japanese drama smartly played for tragedy instead of humor but the ending should be darker. 3.5/5

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter on Netflix

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Miike proves he doesn't need gore to tell a tremendous story with a powerful message. Amazing. 4.5/5

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai on Netflix

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo

Maybe it was me but I couldn't sink into this as I needed to - it felt long & slow to me. Meh. 3/5

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo on Netflix

Beyond Outrage

This bloody Japanese crime thriller sequel is far better than the original - I can't wait to see how it ends. 4/5

Beyond Outrage on Netflix

Outrage

This Japanese action thriller had a complex chess-like plot but so many characters it got confusing to follow. Still, I was interested enough to want to rent the newly released sequel. Brutally violent and yet cerebral - interesting. 3/5

Outrage on Netflix

13 Assassins

Takashi Miike is at the height of his powers in this epic action adventure. Tarantino - this is how it's done! 4.5/5

13 Assassins on Netflix

Nobody Knows

This Japanese drama is both chilling & heartbreaking with phenomenal acting. I can't believe it's a true story. 5/5

Nobody Knows on Netflix

Ugetsu

This Japanese classic is strangely beautiful & oddly hypnotic. I wish I understood more about the period 3.5/5

Ugetsu on Netflix

Who's Camus Anyway?

This was far better than I'd expected - great acting & an intriguing yet subtle plot. Nicely done. 3.5/5

Who's Camus Anyway? on Netflix

Death Note L: Change the WorLd

This isn't a Death Note movie but rather an excuse to let Matsuyama be f'n awesome as L again. 4/5

Death Note L: Change the WorLd on Netflix

Death Note II: The Last Name

This very worthy sequel is in every way the equal of the original in quality. Simply stunning. 5/5

Death Note II: The Last Name on Netflix

Picture Bride

This was like a bad Hallmark film - saccharine, shallow, unbelievable & predictable. Could have been more. 2/5

Picture Bride on Netflix

Rashomon

It was a great idea, but I found the execution of it so faulty & awkward that this film failed on nearly all levels. 2/5

Rashomon on Netflix

Shall We Dance?

This Japanese original is less witty than the American remake but more charming, honest & lovely. Well done. 4/5

Shall We Dance? at Netflix