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Akai Tenshi (1966)
While most Japanese movie fans may be familiar with director Masumura Yasuzo's eerie "Moju" (AKA Blind Beast; 1969), "Akai Tenshi" (Eng. Lit. - Red Angel) is one of the director's more somber films. Set against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937) Masumura focuses on the life of a newly transferred Japanese Army medical nurse Nishi Sakura (Wakao Ayako) and the horrors she sees and experiences as she tries to cope with the human casualties of that senseless war. In the course of her duties Sakura befriends the stoic doctor/surgeon Dr. Okabe (Ashida Shinsuke) who is a Chief Medical Officer for the Army. Although much older than she, Sakura finds herself hopelessly in love with the doctor whom strangely reminds her of her own father who had passed away when she was a child. To escape the realities of the war, Okabe has become addicted to morphine, which he has Sakura administer. Eventually Sakura helps Okabe break this addiction and soon becomes his lover. The two lovers are soon transferred to the frontline where they have to tend to a group of cholera-infected soldiers. Can their love survive the slowly escalating conflicts surrounding them? While the film touches upon a number of exploitative elements, it is surprisingly very conservative in its handling and depictions of the more salacious aspects (there is very little nudity and the sex scenes are done tastefully and without the usual gratuitousness expected from these films). The film definitely does not condone the acts of the Japanese Military of the time and goes out of its way to show the human casualties of the conflict, often in very graphic detail. War is hell and this film hammers that point across in its depictions of the war wounded and the psychological trauma these soldiers suffer.
Akakage (2001)
The tale of three ninja sent by a daimyo to spy upon a neighboring fiefdom now being run by the widow of a former rival, who supposedly has a powerful secret weapon. What they actually discover is a plot to ensure safety and peace in the area, and a betrayal that threatens to kill them all. Hip, modern tale of ninja and samurai. Love of chambara not a pre-requisite.
Akarui Mirai
Two friends, Arita and Nimura, waste their lives away in a deadend job until one of them kills their boss and is sent to prison. Slowly the line between reality and fantasy blur for the remaining friend.
Amidado Dayori
<<no description given>>
Another Heaven (2000)
Matched English title: Another Heaven
Several horrific murders and the disappearance of a university student trigger the investigation by a hard-boiled cop and his young partner, who believes there may be a supernatural connection.
Ashita Ga Aru Sa: The Movie
When a down and out businessman has the chance to take a ride in an amateur-built rocket to the edge of space, he decides to go for it despite all odds.
Ashura - Jo no hitmoi (2005)
Matched English title: Ashura (2005)
Set in 19th century Edo is a city ruled by Lust, laughter and money where Demons lurk, disguised as humans, awaiting the return of Ashura. An elite government-appointed 'team' of swordsmen rule the city - Demon wardens who are feared by Demons and Humans alike. Izumo [Ichikawa Sumegoro] and Jaku [Watabe Atsuro] are Demon wardens whose lust for killing Demons remains unquenched until one day Izumo kills [on request] a young child and he retires in hiding as a Kabuki actor hiding from his own demons. One day Bizet, a beautiful demon nun who arrives with tales that Ashura will soon awaken - "When Ashura awakens her castle will rise upside down from the skies and the Demons will rule the world" ready with her army to spread darkness. Meanwhile Izumo, upon a chance meeting, meets a beautiful performer named Tsubaki unaware that Jaku is also after this mysterious girl, who only remembers the last five years of her life, but for reason Izumo has yet to understand. A visually splendidly gorgeous film which is a direct adaptation of 'Blood gets in your eyes' the 2000 stage play blending kabuki and J-pop culture which also starred Ichikawa Somegoro and art direction by Yuji Hayashida who brought to us the blindingly beautiful CASSHERN. If you are looking for a film which contains Martial Arts, fantasy, magic, drama, horror and stunning visuals this film has it all. Any fans of Ryuhei kitamura will also love this film.
Azumi (2003)
A samurai out for revenge takes in several small, orphaned children and turns them into killers. Among them is Azumi, a swordswoman of extraordinary skill. Sent on a mission of revenge she encounters opponents who will push her to the very limit. Based on a manga by the same name.
Rokugatsu No Hebi (2002)
Matched English title: A Snake of June
A woman working a phone counselling center is being stalked by a former caller who says he is trying to repay her for the good deed she did in saving his life. Though his method is questionable... blackmail. Directed by cult director Shinya Tsukamoto. Shot in black and white. Surreal.
Shoujo
Matched English title: Adolescent
<<no description given>>
Taiga No Itteki
Matched English title: A Single Drop of Water in a Mighty River
<<no description given>>