DejaVecu Blog

Under discussion:

MPD Psycho 1  (2000)

This six episode Japanese TV mini-series is an example of how to use TV as a medium.  The cinematography is amazing.  Miike is known for some fairly intense violence in his films and fans will not be disappointed here--I am very impressed with how they were able to hint at extremely graphic acts without cutting them from the story.  Of course, there is no way a story like this could be done on network American television, but it definitely shows how to push boundaries by exploring the manipulation of film with technology (a lesson I wish the networks would bother to learn).

The tale of a police officer who suffers a severe breakdown (complete with personality splits) after the brutal slaying of his wife evolves into a much larger darker vision of a plot to insert genetically altered creatures into society.

Expect quirky characters and surreal plot points.

This series is based on the manga (now available in english from Dark Horse) by Eiji Otsuka.

Under discussion:

Undead  (2003)

I gotta catch this one again, but overall I just didn't get too into the story...in fact, it had a sci-fi aspect that I really did not care for at all.

That being said...why do I want to see this again?  Ok, it had some really good gore.  I hate giving it 2 stars because some of the scenes were rather good and over the top fun.  (Others have mentioned the airplane scene and I have to agree...it was fabulous.)  Also, I really zoned out towards the end (not because of the film) and I can't stand it missing even a few minutes of anything. 

Under discussion:

Karate for Life  (1977)

...Now I have to kill you. 

A gem of dialogue.  It's clearly a product of the time (1977), but it was fun to watch if you love those stylized kinds of films.  An added plus: there is a fight scene in a hall of mirrors and those are always a good time.

I'm not exactly neutral about it, but I don't feel it deserves more than three stars.  It was fun to watch, the soundtrack has the required "waka-cha-waka" that you want it to have, the fight scenes weren't too shabby etc.  You know what scenes and shots a film like this is supposed to have and this one delivers, but it doesn't bring anything unique or new.  Worth a watch though.

Just remember: Sonny Chiba will kick your ass.