AFI FEST 2005 Reviews

My reviews, posted at Twitch:

SPL (Hong Kong)

My initial reaction was "Zowie!!" The action is fierce and fabulous, the picture looks terrific -- neon-tinged primary colors dominate the palette -- and it's wrapped up in a classic police story.

A second viewing still rocked my house as I became more attuned to the melodramatic flourishes, the finely-tuned performances by the underplaying Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung, the continual, subtle nods to films like THE KILLER (and possibly THE WARRIORS?), the razor-sharp, efficient editing by the superb Cheung Ka-Fai, and the thunderous musical score by Chan Kwong Wing and Ken Chan. (more ... )

INITIAL D (Hong Kong)

Automotive porn in the finest sense, INITIAL D will please those who have both a racing fetish and a tolerance for broad Hong Kong-style humor. (more... )

THE RED SHOES (South Korea)

Dazzling, bruising, and hysterical, THE RED SHOES doesn't so much tell a story as assault the senses. (more... )

THE SUSPECT (Japan)

With an occasional light touch, the film is not oppressively dark or grim. Muroi may not be a joyfully berserk rebellious cop, yet his rigid determination to do the right thing is strangely reassuring. (more... )

Interview originally published in AFI FEST Daily News:

THE SUSPECT Crosses the Pacific, Samurai Spirit Intact

Quiet, stubborn and honorable in a dishonorable world, Chief Inspector Shinji Muroi could best be described as a modern-day samurai. Ryoichi Kimizuka, writer/director of THE SUSPECT, would be pleased. (more...)

Coming soon: reviews of DEAD RUN, SHANGHAI DREAMS, and AMU.

Gather Ye Forces

Kenji Mizoguchi's UGETSU (1953) came out last week. It sounds fabulous (details here at the Home Vision site).

The PINKY VIOLENCE COLLECTION has been delayed a few weeks, and is now set for release on December 6. Read the details at the Panik House Entertainment web site.

Wong Kar Wai's THE HAND was the first and best segment of the three films that made up EROS; the trilogy will be released on February 7. A rental will be recommended, but THE HAND is very much worth the time and effort to see.

With no new Asian releases this week, you may want to check out THE BEAT THAT MY HEART SKIPPED, new on DVD, which is tough, downbeat, and stylish. It's a remake of James Toback's FINGERS, but has a direction and rhythm all its own.

Post Fest Mode

AFI FEST concluded this past Sunday. I saw 30 films, many quite good, and others not to my taste.

Of the Asian films, SPL was the stand-out, but SUNFLOWER was extraordinarily powerful.

I could admire the artistry of SHANGHAI DREAMS but not love it. DEAD RUN began in a more straightforward vein before plummeting into the abyss. Strong stuff.

THE SUSPECT received, surprisingly to me, a rather cool reception. I thought it was a very good, subtle drama, but maybe people were expecting something else.

AMU was conventionally told but passionate and illuminating. INITIAL D was happy brainless fun. THE RED SHOES confounded.

I'll post links to my reviews of these once they're all posted at Twitch, as well as my interview with the producer and director of THE SUSPECT.

Off to See the Wizard

No Asian films out on DVD in Region 1 this week.

American Film Market starts today, so check the trades for deals daily; all the reports are that this is expected to be a very busy market.

AFI FEST starts tomorrow night with the Opening Night Gala Presentation of WALK THE LINE.

Andrew Lau and Alan Mak's INITIAL D gets things rolling for the "Asian New Classics" section on Saturday night at 6:00 pm; Alan Mak is reportedly in town. The film also plays Sunday at Noon.

Ryoichi Kimizuka's THE SUSPECT has its North American Premiere on Sunday at 9:15 pm; the director will be present, and the film is quite good; recommended. The film also plays Monday at Noon.

Zhang Yang's SUNFLOWER screens Monday at 6:30 pm and Tuesday at Noon.

Sabu's DEAD RUN has its US Premiere on Monday at 9:45 pm and also plays Tuesday at 3:00 pm. Practically the only way to see one of Sabu's films in the US is at festivals, so check it out.

Xiaoshuai Wang's SHANGHAI DREAMS screens Tuesday at 6:45 pm and Wednesday at 3:00 pm. From the director of BEIJING BICYCLE and the excellent DRIFTERS.

Seijun Suzuki's PRINCESS RACCOON screens Tuesday at 9:30 pm and Thursday at 12:15 pm. An obvious "don't miss."

Hopefully more next week. Meanwhile, check Twitch for more of my reviews during the next few days (thanks Todd!) and I also have several stories that will be running in the AFI FEST Daily News, distributed on-site during the festival.