VividSimon Simply Perfect

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Gutsycurene Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

Juana what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

jinkblt This is a film which oozes with social commentary. Apparently, this was originally written to be made with a completely French cast and crew, but was changed by the Director into a Japanese/French hybrid cast and crew. This is apparent by the French songs sung by the characters.***minor spoiler below*** On its surface, this film is about a young vigilante, intent on scaring badly-behaving people good by putting on thick glasses and shooting a horribly inaccurate (but precise) gun. A girl discovers more behind the man deemed "Four-Eyes" by the media. However, a plot description doesn't do the film justice. It's really a commentary on a disenfranchised generation of youth, lost in a sea of urbanization and "advice" from the older generation. In this context, I find this film beautiful, not to mention great acting and cinematography by all involved. Definitely worth watching, especially if you have an interest in Japanese culture.

DICK STEEL Somehow I had thoughts about Leon The Professional when I watched this film. Just the bit parts about how a girl chances upon the professional killer and struck a friendship with him. Here, a girl chances upon a press-hyped hit-man, and begins a romantic relationship.There's something peculiar about the modus operandus of the hit-man, K (Shinji Takeda), in this movie. He'll don a pair of Ultraman inspired spectacles to blur his own vision deliberately, before whipping out his specially crafted pistol (ok, no naughty thoughts here), and dispatches his prey. He doesn't make money for performing his hits, but rather rewards his own ego by shooting at anyone who irritates him at that point. Which makes him rather hard for the cops to predict where and who he'll strike next, and this frustrates the authorities. It doesn't help that the press builds up the hype of this crazy, masked "four-eyed" vigilante, and despite having a photo-kit of his face plastered on the front page, this anti-hero eludes the cops and remains an enigma.Cue cute Japanese schoolgirl with huge expressive eyes (drool) Hinano (Hinano Yoshikawa), whose brother happened to be a cop taking on the case. On one hand, she's attracted to him, though she does not condone his violent acts, and on the other hand, wonders if she should follow her civic duty and report him to the police, or her brother. Bad boys almost always get the cute chicks I'd say.The movie has the look and feel of a classy indie, and being a French-Japanese production, it has this Euro-techno soundtrack infused, which I enjoy. Oh, and legendary Takeshi Kitano has a cameo as well, as what else, a Yakuza member. But don't hold your breaths as he only appears towards the end, and doesn't do much in his scene. The best scene in the entire movie will probably belong to the tense moment between K and Hinano as they square off and a piece of trivia gets unveiled. That one will make you go "ahhh...", while other scenes which you will probably enjoy are those scenes where K goes on his spree. Other than that, it's most plain lovey-dovey talk between lovers.Code 3 DVD contains no extra features, except for the usual English subtitles, a photo still gallery and the interactive scene selection. There are also some trailers (its own and other kinky films) included, but nothing worth a closer look.

mandy.rigtering I've seen this movie four days ago and it still bothers me. This movie does not only give you an outline of what it must be to live in Tokio in the 90ties(as well as in any other big city), but transmits the atmosphere 100%! The actors do not talk much and still everything is said. The music is absolutely well chosen. I went out of the cinema with a feeling I never had before after watching a movie. It's like being understood for the first time. You must see this film! And if you like Takeshi, watch Takeshi's castle. If your neighbors complain about you laughing, invite them and they will understand.

WaterRat I really enjoyed this movie, especially since it had a "guest" appearance by one of my favourite Japanese actors, none other than Takeshi Kitano. The movie is a mix of suspense thriller and commentary on the life and attitudes of people in large urban areas (not necessarily just in Japan) and reflects some aspects of life in Tokyo quite well. Highly recommended.