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Reviews
Wôtâ bôizu (2001)
And I thought Chaplin was the funniest
"Waterboys" is the featured film on the opening night in this year's Eiga Sai in Manila. I didn't anticipate I would be laughing my toxins out. It's a hilarious movie. I thought I'd never laugh so hard again after watching a Charlie Chaplin movie years back. This Japanese film is incredibly and enjoyably funny. It totally amazes me how the Japanese are able to evoke the whole range of emotions in their audience, i.e., laughter in comedy films, profound sadness in drama. (I still haven't gotten over the heartache from watching "Grave of the Fireflies".) "Waterboys" has a very simple plot. It would have been banal and jejune in the hands of an ordinary storyteller. The storytelling technique was effortless, but the use of slow motion matched with a perfect comedic timing produced a remarkably hilarious film. To be able to make people laugh from one's belly and in so many continuous fractions of a minute is a gift. "Waterboys" cast and crew are gifted. I've never cracked up so hard in my whole life. The adrenalin kick from watching it is yet to subside. One disadvantage: I don't know if any Hollywood comedy films can ever make me laugh again.
Hotaru no haka (1988)
profoundly penetrating/moving film
Few movies can touch one's being to the core. Its impact was totally unexpected as I watched the film only because it happened to be the other feature in the 2 film-in-1 DVD I purchased. I had absolutely no idea what the film was all about. Now I can't get those profoundly moving scenes, Setsuko's face and voice off my mind. Though the film depleted my energy/vigor at the end, it was a welcomed feeling as it leaves one in touch with one's "forgotten" sense of humanity. Or the film heightens it, if it's not forgotten. I was utterly silent, deeply sad, "devastated" and brokenhearted when the final credits rolled. I felt both the actual and potential ugliness and beauty of being human all at once. Many films have been existentially moving, but few are as simple, direct though subtle, and as matter-of-factly as "Grave of the Fireflies". It's an unforgettable and emotionally "haunting" film; beautiful and painful at the same time.
The Last Samurai (2003)
a beautiful blend of hollywood and Japanese aesthetics
TLS is one of those films that teach so much, about a people and an aspect of their culture, without having to come across as didactic. It does this almost effortlessly by demonstrating-- cinematography, the scenes' mood, production design, great acting, etc. The viewer, if he is 'empty cup' (in the Zen sense), is simply engaged. Although Bushido can be controversial, TLS succeeds as a work of art in evoking sentiments and touching an audience's soul without needing to justify an ideology or give supporting arguments. After all, it's a film-- not a philosophy book. TLS is soft yet strong, gentle yet firm. The battle scenes though violent aren't gory and sensationalized. There is still that sense of humanity and tender feelings even in the killing field. After all, this is not really a war film but a film about a people and a culture permeated by so much beauty, profound realization of impermanence, honor, pride, commitment, filial piety and sensitivity despite the presence of conflicts, imperfection, human frailty and 'birth pangs' that often accompany change. It's one of the best introductions to Japanese culture. I have seen the film 7 times (and intend to watch it again).