August 28, 2008

Midnight Meat Train (2008 film)

Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. Written by Jeff Buhler. Based on the short story by Clive Barker.


Leon Kauffman is a young photographer trying to capture the heart of New York City. But, try as he might, he can't sell his work, so he and his waitress girlfriend struggle their way along. Until one night when he photographs a girl who goes missing and finds himself drawn into an ages old conspiracy.

August 24, 2008

One Wonderful Sunday (1947 film)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa. Written by Keinosuke Uegusa and Akira Kurosawa.

Now why doesn't this movie get more play on TCM?

In the years immediately following WWII, Japan is still pulling itself together amidst bombed out streets and economic recession. A young couple, too poor to get married, meets every Sunday to do whatever they can on as much pocket change as can be spared.

August 22, 2008

No Regrets for Our Youth (1946 film)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa. Written by Eijiro Hisaita and Akira Kurosawa.

Imagine an idyllic day. Young students skipping through fields of grass and flowers, singing songs, exuding the joy of youth and innocence. The moment is interrupted suddenly by machine gun fire and the body of a dying soldier. This masterful sequence is our introduction to a tale of personal and political turmoil.

August 20, 2008

An Instance of Treason: Ozaki Hotsumi and the Sorge Spy Ring (1964 book)

Revised and expanded in 1990. Written by Chalmers Johnson.


I've spent over two weeks slowly chipping away at this sucker and, sorry to say, I'm at a loss.

August 6, 2008

The Incredible Hulk (2008 film)

Directed by Louis Leterrier. Written by Zak Penn and Edward Norton. Based on material created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.


You all know the plot by now: scientist Bruce Banner is exposed to gamma radiation, which causes him to turn into a raging monster in times of emotional distress. Since the origin story was already covered in the 2003 film by Ang Lee, this sorta-sequel/sorta-reboot picks up with Bruce deep in hiding as the government continues its search. The two, of course, end up colliding when Bruce sets out to find a cure.

August 1, 2008

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail (1945 film)

Written & directed by Akira Kurosawa. Based on the play Kanjincho by Namiki Gohei III.

In a time of feuding houses, a wily porter is surprised to discover the band of monks he's been hired to lead through the woods are actually Minamoto no Yoshitsu, prince of an overthrown clan, and six warriors dedicated to smuggling him across a road policed by a rival house.