Movie Time
Apr. 5th, 2006 03:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bluegargantuaHi,
So the Independent Film Festival of Boston will be starting up in a couple of weeks. I've looked over the listings and been rather underwhelmed.
However, there are two movies that look like they might be real winners:
Death Trance
Japan, 2006, 100 min
In Japanese with English subtitles
Directed by Yuji Shimomura (VERSUS) and starring Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, GODZILLA: FINAL WARS), this intriguing samurai story delivers the agile fight scenes and vivid imagery fans have come to expect from the martial arts genre—but it adds more than a few of its own surprises. The unusual production design combines traditional elements and a Noh-inspired color palette with a post-apocalyptic, punk sensibility. The enigmatic storyline keeps the viewer guessing about the inscrutable characters and supernatural events. Fans and newcomers alike will revel in the visual feast of this evocative, action-packed fable.
For centuries, one order of monks has protected a mysterious coffin, the contents of which are unknown. Some say treasures lie inside; others say the coffin grants wishes. Still others claim that breaking the seal of the coffin will bring about the end of the world. When it is stolen from the seemingly impenetrable temple, a timid apprentice monk must search for both the coffin and the chosen one who can wield a unique sword. But the thief is ruthlessly destructive, and the legend of the coffin draws a growing number of warriors who want to steal it from him and keep it for themselves.
District B13
France, 2005, 85 min
In French with English subtitles
Directed By: Pierre Morel
It's 2010, and the French government has cordoned off the most dangerous areas of Paris in a desperate attempt to cut down on crime. Mob boss Taha has taken control of District 13, where he reigns over a kingdom of drug trafficking and grand theft. Leito, a young vigilant who grew up in District 13, makes it his mission to take down Taha in any way he can. Meanwhile, Damien, a rising star in the French military, works in covert operations to rid the city of its criminal element. When Taha kidnaps Leito's sister and gets his hands on an experimental nuclear bomb, Leito and Damien team up to destroy Taha's empire once and for all.
Produced by Luc Besson (THE PROFESSIONAL, THE FIFTH ELEMENT), this lightning-paced action flick packs a powerful wallop with inventive visuals, fluid camerawork, and some of the most inspired fight and chase scenes in recent memory. Leito's gravity-defying escapes bring to mind the best in martial arts cinema, while Damien's undercover tricks introduce an element of the spy genre. Like a comic book come to life, this thrill ride delivers its high-octane action with an invigorating dose of visual stimulation.
These are the after hours movies with late showtimes on 4/21 and 4/22. I'm definately interested in District B13, but the samurai movie looks good too.
So if you're interested in seeing either of those, let me know and perhaps we can organize something.
later
Tom
So the Independent Film Festival of Boston will be starting up in a couple of weeks. I've looked over the listings and been rather underwhelmed.
However, there are two movies that look like they might be real winners:
Death Trance
Japan, 2006, 100 min
In Japanese with English subtitles
Directed by Yuji Shimomura (VERSUS) and starring Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, GODZILLA: FINAL WARS), this intriguing samurai story delivers the agile fight scenes and vivid imagery fans have come to expect from the martial arts genre—but it adds more than a few of its own surprises. The unusual production design combines traditional elements and a Noh-inspired color palette with a post-apocalyptic, punk sensibility. The enigmatic storyline keeps the viewer guessing about the inscrutable characters and supernatural events. Fans and newcomers alike will revel in the visual feast of this evocative, action-packed fable.
For centuries, one order of monks has protected a mysterious coffin, the contents of which are unknown. Some say treasures lie inside; others say the coffin grants wishes. Still others claim that breaking the seal of the coffin will bring about the end of the world. When it is stolen from the seemingly impenetrable temple, a timid apprentice monk must search for both the coffin and the chosen one who can wield a unique sword. But the thief is ruthlessly destructive, and the legend of the coffin draws a growing number of warriors who want to steal it from him and keep it for themselves.
District B13
France, 2005, 85 min
In French with English subtitles
Directed By: Pierre Morel
It's 2010, and the French government has cordoned off the most dangerous areas of Paris in a desperate attempt to cut down on crime. Mob boss Taha has taken control of District 13, where he reigns over a kingdom of drug trafficking and grand theft. Leito, a young vigilant who grew up in District 13, makes it his mission to take down Taha in any way he can. Meanwhile, Damien, a rising star in the French military, works in covert operations to rid the city of its criminal element. When Taha kidnaps Leito's sister and gets his hands on an experimental nuclear bomb, Leito and Damien team up to destroy Taha's empire once and for all.
Produced by Luc Besson (THE PROFESSIONAL, THE FIFTH ELEMENT), this lightning-paced action flick packs a powerful wallop with inventive visuals, fluid camerawork, and some of the most inspired fight and chase scenes in recent memory. Leito's gravity-defying escapes bring to mind the best in martial arts cinema, while Damien's undercover tricks introduce an element of the spy genre. Like a comic book come to life, this thrill ride delivers its high-octane action with an invigorating dose of visual stimulation.
These are the after hours movies with late showtimes on 4/21 and 4/22. I'm definately interested in District B13, but the samurai movie looks good too.
So if you're interested in seeing either of those, let me know and perhaps we can organize something.
later
Tom
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no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 07:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 07:35 pm (UTC)I have the French poorly subtitled version on DVD (Banlieue 13).
The fight sequences meet today's standards for hard-hitting martial arts film's but what will really stand out are the over the top "parkour" stunts (called "free running" here in the states).
You can find some great video clips if you search for "b13", "banlieue 13", "parkour", or "free running".
The plot is swiss cheese, and the best acting happens when no one is talking. There is a great scene with Leito's sister during their escape in the first vignette. But the stunts and fighting are the stand outs.
no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 08:31 pm (UTC)"The fight sequences meet today's standards for hard-hitting martial arts film's but what will really stand out are the over the top "parkour" stunts (called "free running" here in the states)."
Oh look, I have just spontaneously purchased tickets for this show!
Tom
no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 08:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 08:21 pm (UTC)These both look fun. Count me in.
no subject
Date: 2006-04-05 09:00 pm (UTC)-steph
no subject
Date: 2006-04-06 05:09 pm (UTC)