The Taste of Tea

"The Taste of Tea" is a film directed by Kastsuhito ISHII and stars Maya Banno(as the adorable daughter), Takahiro Sato(as the love-stricken son), Tatsuya Gashuin(as energitic grandpa), and Tadanobu Asano(who starred in the "Ichi The Killer"). The film follows an eccentric family through their individual adventures and problems. There is very little detail I wish to share about the movie's plot, simply because I feel it's best if you see it without knowing. I LOVED this movie. The Cinemaphotography is gorgeous and contemplative. The Soundtrack was very interesting, using mainly nature or environmental sounds for ambience with very little music. However, when there was music, it was used perfectly. The Actors and Actresses were great, especially when it came to Maya Banno and Tatsuya Gashuin.
The film is quirky and whimsical, and has a very positive perkiness to it that I found extremely refreshing. It's a long film, clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, but when it's over, you feel satisfied and refreshed. I loved the imaginative way the special effects were used. I can't suggest this film enough....I look forward to discovering Kastsuhito's other films. I give this 10 out of 10.
Rent this wonderful film today!!!

The Tsunami Diaries

"The Tsunami Diaries" follows director Timmy Turner, a well known surfer, as he enlists the help of friends and strangers in an effort to bring disaster relief to lesser known parts of Indonesia. At first, I questioned his motives....was it all done for a movie? Was it just a gimmic in the disguise of a humanitarian quest? My final answer.....no. When you see the impacted lives not only do you feel sympathy and relief that these people are getting help, but you also feel the weight of all those that could not be on screen, that were never helped in anyway. It was a massive disaster, that will continue to claim victims for years to come. Timmy did what he could, and I think the film itself shows what a single person CAN do if they only refuse to let the thoughts "who am I, what can I possibly do." to dominate their minds. Their are times where technically I wish they'd edited a few seens differently...but that is such a minor complaint. The documentary is only about 49 minutes long but you will feel overwhelmed as the screen darkens. You will also feel a bit more comfortable in your own circumstances, realizing how good your life is and how fortunate you truly are. I applaud Timmy Turner for doing the impossible and bringing much needed help to those who need it. I have to give this 8 out of 10.
Rent this movie now through netflix!!!!

Sex and Fury

Sex and Fury is an Asian Cinema "cult classic". It's part of "The Pinky Violence DVD Collection"
and stars Legendary actress Reiko Ike and Christina Lindberg(Most famous for playing "One Eye" in the fantastic film "Thriller: A Cruel Picture".
Reiko Ike plays a woman determined to get revenge on those who killed her father.
I popped this Dvd in the player, with child-like giddiness...expecting something that would absolutely thrill me, especially since it's been stated as being on of the movies that helped inspire Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill". I was a bit dissapointed, however. My main complaint comes in the sword play, which, except for the one exception where a character fights naked, falls flat on every other level. The choreography was unbelievable and uninteresting, and the plot let me down completely. I was unhappy how some of the characters were handled including Christina Linberg's character and her love interest. I felt all the actresses talents were a bit wasted...and the cinematography could and should have been brilliant, but also seemed to lack inspiration, as if the director Norifumi Suzuki was worried more about a pressing schedule than giving the film any true substance.
It's worth seeing, if only to see Christina Lindberg in another film. It's a shame it wasn't worthy of her, or Reiko Ike.

Available on Netflix!