Arabesque No. 1

love center

2008-07-14T19:36:55Z

Movie Title: Love Center
Date released in Japan: July 19, 2008
Directed by: Tetsuhiko Tsuchiya
Starring: Rika Adachi, Goki Maeda, Mari Iriki, Kenji Mizuhashi

Synopsis:
Chikako, an ordinary high school girl without a boyfriend. In an attempt to spark her love life she wishes for true love at a Shinto shrine. Afterward, she receives a strange email on her cell phone with a sign-up page for “Ai Ryutsu Center”. She thinks it’s just junk mail, but in her attempt to delete it she mistakenly registers herself for the service. Later, a clumsy but likable salesman shows up to assist her in finding love. As a result of his bumbling efforts Chikako ends up in a love triangle with ex-boyfriend Kenta and her best friend Haruka.

Thoughts:
Based on a mobile phone novel. These mobile phone novels are quite popular over in Japan huh? I don't understand how that works. -_- Goki Maeda looks really cute in it though. I can't wait to hear his love confessions~ I don't know any of the other cast, but I think I did see one of the lady school teachers from Gokusen 3 in there.

Trailer:
on website

Website:
http://www.love-center.jp/top.html

Sand Chronicles

2008-07-04T20:26:24Z

Movie Title: Sunadokei aka Sand Chronicles/Sand Clock
Date released in Japan: April 2008
Directed by: Shinsuke Sato
Starring: Nao Matsushita, Kaho, Shunya Isaka, Sosuke Ikematsu

Synopsis:
An is a 12-year-old girl who, with her mother, has moved in to her mother’s parents’ house after her parents divorced. In her new life in an unfamiliar countryside surrounding, she meets some wonderful companions with whom she can relate. At that time, however, her mother commits suicide… With the support of her circle of friends, she is able to regain her smile again, but then suffers heartache over her romance with one of the friends which had just begun, and experiences heartbreak.

Thoughts:
Sunadokei is from Hinako Ashihara's popular manga series. My sister randomly picked up the manga and after looking it up I realized that it was being turned into a movie. It was also adapted as a daytime drama spring 2007 that spanned 60 episodes. It looks like one of those epic tearjearker movies. =)

Trailer:

Website:
http://www.sunadokei-movie.jp/index_pc.html

L: Change the World

2008-07-01T23:35:44Z

Movie Title: L: Change the World
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Hideo Nakata
Starring: Youki Kudoh, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Erika Toda

Synopsis:
L, the mysterious detective from Death Note has 23 days in which to solve a case involving a virus designed to kill criminals and evil people and create a new world.

Thoughts:
I should have posted this a lot earlier (a lot) but I always forgot it. Now that the movie has been released with subs, those of you who haven't already downloaded and watched it, can check out what everyone has been raving about. I plan to watch it once I finish dling it, but if anyone has already seen it, let me know what you think about it. You can include spoilers, just warn me first. ^^

Trailer:

Website:
http://wwws.warnerbros.co.jp/L-movie/

Shrill Cries of Summer

2008-06-25T06:34:18Z

Movie Title: Shrill Cries of Summer (Higurashi no naku koro ni)
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Ataru Oikawa
Starring: Aika, Rin Asuka, Ayako Kawahara, Goki Maeda

Synopsis:
Early summer, Keiichi had just moved to a remote mountain village. As he becomes close friends with a group of girls, he was enjoying his life in the village. However when he starts to become suspicious that Rena, Mion and the others that Keiichi trusted may be deeply involved in successive murders that occur every summer, the situation around Keiichi gradually starts to turn. As if the girls' characters had completely changed, a sewing needle is found in his food, he is chased by mysterious men, and is involved in an accident which could have killed him. He could no longer trust anyone, and then... One mystery leads to another, bringing out a shockingly bloody ending!!!

Thoughts:
The story was originally a murder mystery novel series which got turned into a game, manga, anime, etc. I checked out what the anime looks like and it's so cutesy. i would have never figured it to be a horror anime. i hear that it's pretty popular though, and it's in it's third season already. There was an incident in japan about a murder case about a 16 year old girl who murdered her father with a hatchet. They related her case to this anime and another anime which caused them to get cancelled. But later I think after the media calmed down, they continued to air the episodes.

This movie is an adaptation of the first story arc and there is also talks of a live action sequel. I picked this movie b/c of all the hype around the anime and also Goki Maeda who has an extra role in "Gokusen 3".

Trailer:

Website:
http://www.higurashi-movie.com/index.html

Chîchan wa sôkyû no mukô

2008-06-20T21:49:54Z

Movie Title: Chîchan wa sôkyû no mukô
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Atsushi Kaneshige
Starring: Kento Hayashi, Riisa Naka

Synopsis:
I have no idea what the movie is about after searching for some kind of synopsis for it. I'm guessing from the trailer that it's a school romance that deals with some afterlife elements.

Thoughts:
Kento Hayashi broke out into the scene with his debut movie "The Battery". I've yet to watch it, but I have it somewhere. I heard it was pretty good, so I started to find out other movies he's been in. Riisa Naka can be seen in a lot of various dramas. I saw her in an episode of Hachi-One Diver. She's also in the drama Binbo Danshi and the main voice in Girl who leapt through time.

Trailer:

Website:
http://chiichan.net/

Bura Bura Ban Ban

2008-06-13T21:32:27Z

Movie Title: Bura Bura Ban Ban
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Yohka Kusano
Starring: Beni Arashiro, Yuki Fukumoto, Masaki Okada, Osamu Adachi

Synopsis:
Beni Arashiro plays a member of the group who normally acts maturely, but whenever she hears good music, she goes wild and begins embracing and kissing the men around her.

Thoughts:
I only looked into this movie because of the cast. It has Masaki Okada, Adachi from D-Boys, which i'm guessing he shot this movie when he wasn't a member of D-Boys but was still under the company. There's also Wakaba Ryuya. =D I'm also not sure how correct that synopsis is.

Trailer:
on website

Website:
http://www.buraban-movie.com/

Negative Happy Chain Saw Edge

2008-05-15T23:17:23Z

Movie Title: Negative Happy Chain Saw Edge
Year released in Japan:
Directed by: Takuji Kitamura
Starring: Hayato Ichihara, Megumi Seki, Yosuke Asari, Haruma Miura

Synopsis:
Handsome schoolboy Yosuke (Hayato Ichihara) is attracted to daring schoolgirl Eri (Megumi Seki) after she rescues him from a cloaked giant wielding a chainsaw. Straight from the Gogo Yubari school of martial arts, Eri does battle every night against this demon from the moon, whose arrival is heralded by suspended snowflakes.

Thoughts:
I haven't watched any movies of Hayato in a long time. He's so different from what I thought he would be like. He's so much more wacky than I thought he would be. That's meant in a good way though. =D Also, Miura is in this. He's sporting the blond hair. The main girl was in the drama Life. She tends to play the strong women characters. I wouldn't really watch this movie based on the synopsis, but I like the actors and I want to see some special effect fighting.

Trailer:

Website:
http://www.nega-chain.com/

Tokyo Boy

2008-05-01T16:19:24Z

Movie Title: Tokyo Boy
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Shunichi Hirano
Starring: Maki Horikita, Takuya Ishida, Reiko Kusamura, Mitsuru Hirata

Synopsis:
Minato (Maki Horikita) was abandoned by her parents at a young age and forced to live with her senile grandmother, a situation which traumatized her deeply. To pass the time she starts corresponding with a pen-pal named Night, a boy of about her age. Through her letters to Night she chronicles the daily goings-on of her life, and eventually even admits to him that she's falling in love with a boy she's met named Sho (Takuya Ishida). One day she notices Sho is apprehensive around her and acting oddly. She suspects Night may be the cause but when she arranges to meet with him in person and sort this out he never shows up. What she isn't consciously aware of, however, is that Night is actually her overprotective split personality and bullies Sho to drive him away from the more trusting Minato.

Thoughts:
Ohh, split personality~ Hm....the only thing i'm pretty apprehensive about is how Maki will be able to pull this type of role off. Her acting skills...
When I think of split personality movies and the actors that play in them, I think of actors with depth. Like say, Edward Norton (Primal Fear) I know Maki could never come close to that, but I just feel like she doesn't have much depth personality wise, so it shows when she acts. Also the fact that her split personality is a guy is kinda, ehhh~ I'd like to see if she can pull it off though.

Trailer:

Website:
http://w3.bs-i.co.jp/cinemadrive/boy/index.html

Soshite, Harukaze ni Sasayaite

2008-04-26T17:58:05Z

Movie Title: Soshite, Harukaze ni Sasayaite (Takumi-Kun Series)
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Kazuhiro Yokoyama
Starring: Tomo Yanagishita, Keisuke Kato, Yasuka Saito, Yukihiro Takiguchi, Tetsuya Makita

Synopsis:
Takumi, a second-year student at the countryside all-boys school Shido Gakuen, has just met his new dorm roommate Giichi Saki (Keisuke Kato). Giichi Saki, also known as Gii, has looks and grades that make him the idol of his class. As such, other male students wait in the wings to spring on him, like the jealous Izumi Takabayashi (Yasuka Saito), Takabayashi's admirer Michio Yoshizawa (Wataru Hatano), Takumi's admirer Daisuke Nozaki (Tetsuya Makita), one of the few people that understands Gii, Shozo Akaike (Yukihiro Takiguchi), Takumi's close friend Toshihisa Katakura (Ryo Sakaguchi), and world-class violinist Sachi Inoue.

Thoughts:
The movie will tentatively cover the first novel (Soshite, Harukaze ni Sasayaite) I don't normally watch BL movies but it seems that most of the Tenimyu actors can't get a break and have to do them b/c JE is taking all the drama roles. So in order to see some of my favorite non-JE actors i've come to start watching BL. o_o

Trailer:

Website:
http://takumi-kun.com/

cyborg girl

2008-04-23T22:45:39Z

Movie Title: Cyborg Girl aka Boku no kanojo wa saibogu
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Jae-young Kwak
Starring: Haruka Ayase, Keisuke Koide

Synopsis:
One day, a beautiful cyborg girl appears in front of a dull university student. Even though the cyborg starts to like him, she can’t truly feel emotions, so the boy has no choice but to say goodbye. Missing her, he continues his lonely existence. One day, a disastrous earthquake hits Tokyo and the cyborg girl saves his life. In that moment, she starts to have feelings like a real human being.

Thoughts:
I thought it was pretty interesting that a korean director is making this. So it'll probably be dramatic, heheh~ I don't believe i've ever watching haruka ayase in any movies/dramas, so I don't dislike her...although I don't think she's very strong acting wise. Keisuke Koide...he's so popular right now...and i don't really get it.

Trailer:

Website:
http://cyborg.gyao.jp/

Aquarian Age

2008-04-16T18:43:51Z

Movie Title: Aquarian Age
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Hidetaka Tahara
Starring: Dori Sakurada, Rakuto Tochihara, Takuya Uehara, Keita Kimura, Toshikiyo Fujii, Nao Nagasawa, Go Ayano, Masami Horiuchi

Synopsis:
The film is based on the Japan's most popular domestic trading card game, the characters from the female-oriented Juvenile Orion spinoff. The story focuses on several high school boys who discover that they inherited latent genetic traits from among other things, wings that sprout out of their backs. They soon find themselves caught in a millennia-old war, with each representing one of several different factions.

Thoughts:
I noticed that a lot of movies/dramas are being based off of video/card games nowadays. That's kinda weird. I don't know anything about this game, but the thing that attracted me to this movie was Sakurada Dori. I've been into the Prince of Tennis musicals and he plays Echizen Ryoma as part of the 3rd season cast. I think this is his first role in a movie so I wondered how his acting would be on screen. There's also Rakuto Tochihara who I first saw in "RH Plus" a popular BL crime fighting vampire drama.....yeah...=D

Trailer:

Website:
http://www.aquarian-movie.com/

Dream

2008-04-16T18:29:16Z

Movie Title: Bi Mong (Dream, Secret Dream)
Year released in Japan: 2008
Directed by: Kim Ki Duk
Starring: Jo Odagiri, Lee Na Young

Synopsis:
A mysterious film in which dreams and reality merge together. The main character (played by Joe Odagiri) dreams that he caused a car accident, then goes to the place where the dream occurred, only to discover an actual hit and run accident. The police track down the suspected driver (Lee Na-young), who they find in her home sleepwalking. She’s arrested but insists that she was never involved in a car accident. Joe then admits to having caused the accident and their dreams and reality start to become intertwined.

Thoughts:
I haven't really watched any Kim Ki Duk films although they are highly popular, but I'm really interested in this one. Lee Na Young is one of the few korean actresses I don't find super annoying and Jo Odagiri is such a great actor. (i'm not going to go into how i think his new wife so doesn't deserve him, hahah XD) I wonder how they are going to break the language barrier in this.

Trailer: N/A

The Bandage Club

2008-02-21T18:35:34Z

Movie Title: The Bandage Club
Year released in Japan: 2007
Directed by: Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Starring: Yuya Yagira, Satomi Ishihara

Synopsis:
Based on a bestselling novel by Tendo Arato, Hotai Club, a.k.a. The Bandage Club, is the latest film from renowned director Tsutsumi Yukihiko (Memories of Tomorrow, Love Collage).

High school girl Wara (Ishihara Satomi) accidentally cuts her wrist one day, and gets taken to the hospital. While she's fidgeting with her wrap bandage, Dino (Yagira Yuya) suddenly shows up at her side, takes her bandage, and ties it to a railing. Wara is taken back by Dino's odd actions, but stranger yet she feels better afterwards, as if she's been healed. She uses the same method to heal her heartbroken friend, tying a bandage to a swing at the park where she was rejected. Wara, Dino, and four other friends decide to start the Bandage Club, answering online requests for healing and tying bandages all around the city.

Thoughts:
It's good to see Yuya Yagira in another movie. He was so young when he did "Nobody Knows" and now he's all grown up. I've grown to like Satomi Ishihara because I watched her drama "Hanayome to Papa" I thought her character was cute and it was a way better image of her from when I first saw her in "Kimi wa Petto" as the annoying ex-girlfriend. I like the idea of this movie and I'm excited for the subs to come out. I really love friendship movies where they work toward a goal of helping others as well as themselves.

Trailer:

2 Faces of my Girlfriend

2008-02-21T18:22:43Z

Movie Title: 2 Faces of my Girlfriend
Year released in Korea: 2007
Directed by: Lee Seok Hoon
Starring: Bong Tae Gyu, Jung Ryeo Won

Synopsis:
23-year-old Gu-chang has never been kissed and his friends always make fun of him
not having a “proper” experience. One day, he picks up a lost purse, which leads him
to meet the owner of that purse, Ani. He falls in love with this lovely girl who is also a
bit strange and wild. She seems to be a perfect girlfriend for Gu-chang only until he
finds that Ani has multiple personality disorder due to a harsh memory of her
ex-boyfriend’s death. Ani is just one of her alternative characters, and her real name is
Yuri.

Thoughts:
I don't really like Jung Ryeo Won like everyone else in Korea. I first saw her in "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" drama series and was annoyed by her character and I reflect it on her...so bad~ But she reminds me of how Aoi Yuu looked like in the "Honey and Clover" movie. =D Bong Tae Gyu tends to get the comedic movies and although he's not conventionally good looking he plays his roles well. The story line is familiar, but there have been a lack of unique movies coming out lately. A friend told me that this movie was cute so maybe I'll give it a try.

Trailer:

Summer’s Tail

2008-01-13T03:54:24Z

Movie Title: Xiatian de weiba (Summer’s Tail)
Year released in Taiwan: November 1, 2007
Directed by: Wen-Tang Cheng
Starring: Enno, Bryant Chang, Dean Fujioka, Han Lin

Synopsis:
Because of her heart condition, Yvette (Enno) is taking a break from school. She leisurely passes her time, strumming her guitar, biking through her quiet countryside town, and hanging out with best friend Wendy (Hannah Lin) and Japanese exchange student Akira (Tatsuo Dean Fujioka). Yvette takes an interest in problem student Jimmy (Bryant Chang), whose relationship with a teacher leads to his expulsion from school. Both rather hardheaded, Yvette and Jimmy begin a hesitant friendship as the four youth wile away the hours under the lazy sun, waiting for the real world to slowly catch up.

Thoughts:
I've been waiting for Bryant Chang to finally be in something after seeing him in Eternal Summmer. I don't watch many Taiwanese movies, so I didn't know what to expect acting wise and story wise, but I found Bryant mesmerizing in the movie. Plus, I usually like these lazy summer friendship movies, so hopefully I'll like this one too.

Trailer:

Website:
N/A

kids

2008-01-11T02:45:24Z

Movie Title: Kids
Year released in Japan: Feb 2008
Directed by: Higishima Tatsuya
Starring: Koike Teppei, Tamaki Hiroshi, Chiaki Kuriyama

Synopsis:
Koike Teppei stars as Asato, a sensitive young man with the ability to transfer other people's wounds to his own body. His strange healing powers lead to friendship with the troubled Takeo (Tamaki Hiroshi).

Thoughts:
Sorry the poster picture is really bad. There isn't much info out on this movie, but I felt like I should post it b/c it stars some actors I like. The movie is based on a short story. Hagishima previously directed "Kimi ni Shika Kikoenai," also based on a story by the same author. Gah~ from the trailer, it looks sad~

Trailer:

Closed Note

2007-12-30T04:22:52Z

Movie Title: Closed Note
Year released in Japan: 2007
Directed by: Isao Yukisada
Starring: Yusuke Iseya, Erika Sawajiri, Yuko Takeuchi

Synopsis:
Based on a popular novel by Shizukui Shusuke. When college student Kae (Sawajiri Erika) finds a diary left in her apartment by its previous tenant, she doesn't think too much of it, busy as she is with work, school, and a blooming relationship with artist Itoshibi (Iseya Yusuke). Leafing through the diary casually one day, Kae realizes that the writer, Ibuka (Takeuchi Yuko), is an elementary school teacher. An aspiring teacher herself, Kae takes an interest in Ibuka's diary entries, which share thoughts about her romance and struggles as a new teacher. As time passes and pages turn, Kae realizes that her own experiences in life and love are beginning to mirror that of Ibuka's.

Thoughts:
I almost let this movie slip by because I was too focused on dramas at the time. But having heard of the big uproar Erika caused at the opening event caught my attention. She was already known to have a bit of a diva reputation and this was just not a good thing for her to do. I watched her uncaring comments from that event on youtube. It was seriously one of the most viewed videos up there at the time. It didn't help that her look was completely immature looking. (she had blonde hair and tons of "garu" makeup on) Then for her apology video she all of a sudden had a much more mature look (dark hair, tons of makeup and intense eyebrows). Of course she ended up crying a bit. But other than the news of her personal life I try to see her seprately as an actress. I also really like Yuko and I haven't seen her in anything for a while, so I'll probably watch this when it comes out. =D

Report from Toykograph:
Early on Tuesday, actress Erika Sawajiri issued an apology on her official website for her unprofessional conduct this past weekend. She showed up at a PR event for the opening of her new movie, "Closed Note," but she was visibly upset about something and spoke only three brief sentences during the event. The incident reinforced her negative reputation as "Erika-sama" and drew sharp criticism from the media, other celebrities, and fans.

The actress was vague regarding the reasons for her attitude, but she acknowledged her lack of professionalism and admitted she had betrayed her fans. She also recognized that just an apology would not end the matter, so she plans to make amends for it in the future.

Trailer:

Website: http://closed-note.com/index.html

Koizora

2007-11-30T00:28:13Z

Movie Title: Koizora
Year released in Japan: 2007
Directed by: Natsuki Imai
Starring: Aragaki Yui, Miura Haruma,

Synopsis:
"Koizora" is a love story that was originally published on the popular cell phone site Mahou no iRando. It was authored by new writer Mika, and is based on her own experiences. The story was released in book form last October, selling more than a million copies in its first month.

The story revolves around Mika (named after the author), who falls in love with her classmate, Hiroki, upon entering high school. But over the course of the novel, she ends up suffering through many trials, such as rape, abortion, and betrayal.

Thoughts:
Yay, a new love story. I've been hearing really good things about this movie. It was pretty popular when it came out in Japan. I haven't seen the male actor in anything, but I think Aragaki Yuu is so cute. Also, if i'm not mistaken the song in the trailer is Yuu's debut single as a singer.

Trailer:

Website: http://koizora-movie.jp/index.html

Welcome to the Quiet Room

2007-11-19T16:18:31Z

Movie Title: Welcome to the Quiet Room (Quiet room ni yokoso)
Year released in Japan: Oct 2007
Directed by: Suzuki Matsuo
Starring: Yuki Uchida, Kankuro Kudo, Yu Aoi

Synopsis:
28 years old freelencer writer Sakura Asuka (Uchida Yuki) wakes up ti find herself tied in a white room. The white room is a protected room located in an isolated ward of a psychiatric hospital. Sakura first became unconscious because of heavy alcohol use and a drug overdose, which was mistaken as a suicide attempt.

Sakura tried to talk to the nurses and doctors but they didn’t listen to her. She tried to explain the apparent misunderstanding but is not allowed to leave until she receives permission from her doctor and her boyfriend (Kankuro Kudo), whom admitted her in the first place.

It is in this place that she meets lots of other patients who have psychological problems, one of them being another patient Miki (Yuu Aoi), who suffers from an eating disorder. At first, she refuses to believe that she could be one of them, but eventually she becomes used to life there, subconsciously letting her defenses down and getting into a situation that will force her to rethink why she is here. Living there lead her to understand the unknown world and rethink about her own behaviour in real life and whether she has been affected and unconsciously becoming just like the people in the ward.

The film is based from the novel of the same name.

Thoughts:
I saw the main character in the "Bambino" drama and didn't think much about her acting skills. But I'm really interested in how she'll pull of this role. For some reason, I love these quirky hospitalized stories. It kinda reminds me of "Girl, Interrupted" in a way. There are a lot of familiar faces, such as Aoi Yuu and even a crazy Satoshi Tsumabuki.

Trailer:

Website: http://www.quietroom-movie.com/

Crows Zero

2007-11-15T14:29:35Z

Movie Title: Crows Zero
Year released in Japan: Oct 2007
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Starring: Oguri Shun, Takayuki Yamada
Based on the comic by Hiroshi Takahashi

Synopsis:
Leading the pack is Tamoe – a soft eyed gentle looking kid with the punch of a mule and a love for a good fight – and his crew and every challenge is met with a vicious kick or a hard elbow. Into this mix comes Genji, a transfer student with something to prove to his yakuza father – if he can tame Suzuran, he can inherit his father’s gang some day. With the help of a low ranking yakuza he begins to form alliances with other gangs in hopes of getting enough numbers to take on Tamoe

Thoughts:
I love the music in the background. And as my friends know I love watching these type of school gang/violence movies (not in real life though please, let's keep it in the movies) Oguri Shun is very versitile in his movie roles and you can tell he chooses his roles when they have a certain meaning to him.

Trailer:

Website: http://www.crows-zero.jp/index.html

Tennen Kokekko

2007-10-31T03:51:20Z

Movie Title: Tennen Kokekko (aka. A Gentle Breeze in the Village)
Year released in Japan: 2007
Directed by: Nobuhiro Yamashita
Starring: Kaho, Masaki Okada

Synopsis:
The first-love story revolves around Soyo (Kaho), the only student in her year at a rural branch school with a total roll of six, and Osawa (Okada Masaki), a handsome transfer student from Tokyo.

Thoughts:
This looks cute. All the little kids~ Okada Masaki has been getting increasingly popular. He was also in the really popular drama "Hana Kimi". This story is also based off a comic.

Trailer:

Website: http://www.tenkoke.com/

Don't Laugh at My Romance

2007-10-13T17:03:53Z

Movie Title: Don't Laugh at My Romance
Year released in Japan: Oct 2007
Directed by: Nami Iguchi
Starring: Kenichi Matsuyama, Yu Aoi, Shugo Oshinari, Hiromi Nagasaku

Synopsis:
The story tells the amorous relationship between Yuri (Hiromi Nagasaku in her first starring role), a 39 years old supply teacher at an art college and her 19 years old student Mirume (Kenichi Matsuyama). Joining them are Yu Aoi, in the role of Mirume's girlfriend, and Shugo Oshinari.

Thoughts:
I like the cast and at first looking at the poster I thought it was more of an adult themed movie, but after watching the trailer it doesn't seem so anymore. Yu Aoi is always cute ^__^ and i think this role will help Kenichi come out of that "L" role and show a different side of him.

Trailer:

Website: http://www.hitoseku.com/

My Tutor Friend II

2007-07-30T21:30:24Z

Movie Title: My Tutor Friend Lesson II
Year released in Korea: 2007
Directed by: Ji Kil Woong
Starring: Lee Chung Ah, Park Ki Woong

Synopsis:
Junko, a Japanese of Korean ancestry, comes to Korea to find her sweetheart. She finds lodging at a guest house that provides room and board. Unfortunately, the room that she is supposed to stay in belongs to the owner’s son, Jong-man. On her first night in Seoul, Junko is forced to share the room with Jong-man. Junko wants to find another place, but the owner desires to keep Junko as a guest and offers Junko free Korean lessons from Jong-man.

Thoughts:
I saw the first "My Tutor Friend" and this storyline is so different other than the whole tutoring thing. I don't get why they couldn't just give it a whole new movie title.

Trailer:

Attack on the Pin-Up Boys

2007-07-25T06:01:05Z

Movie Title: Attack on the Pin-Up Boys/Attack on the Pretty Boys
Directed by: Lee Kwon
year released in Korea: 2007
Starring: Super Junior

Synopsis:
Described as a high school comedy-mystery, the film is about three good-looking high school boys played by Choi Si Won, Kim Hee Chul and Kim Young-woon (also known as Kang In), who become the target of attacks.

Kim Ki-beom plays the narrator who sees a pattern of attacks against pretty boys, while Lee Dong-hae helps him investigate. The rest of the Super Junior members play supporting roles.

Thoughts:
Super Junior is a group that actually dove me into fangirl land. (The challenge of trying to remember 13 members names really gets your energy up somehow.) Somewhere in there I ended up getting sucked into JE and haven't really kept up with Super Junior's activities that much. I always saw them though b/c they are on basically every korean tv program. So when I heard they were doing a Spice Girls type movie featuring themselves I had to make a post. =D If you don't like Super Junior then I seriously don't recommend anyone to watch the crack that lies ahead. But if you want to start getting into them I included the music video that goes along with the movie, for some of their singing and behind the scenes stuff.

Extra Facts:
the group's leader who is also known as Lee Teuk, said he hopes people would not judge the film as just an ``idol movie." ``Since we debuted (as a group), we announced we will work not just as singers, but also as MCs and actors. I hope people will get rid of their prejudices a little, and watch us as new actors, not as singers," he said, during the film's press conference at Imperial Palace Hotel in Apgujeong, Thursday.

Twelve out of the 13 Super Junior members were cast in the movie, except for Cho Kyu-hyun who is still recuperating from a car accident last April.

Trailer:

Wonderboy MV:

Waruboro

2007-06-12T18:18:05Z

Movie Title: Waruboro
Year released in Japan: Summer 2007
Directed by:
Starring: Matsuda Shota, Aragaki Yui, Fukushi Seiji, Ryo Kimura, Furuhata Katsutaka, Shirota Yuu

Synopsis:
Adaptation of Gettsu Itaya's semi-autobiographical novel, Waruboro, which seems to be a play on the Japanese pronunciation of Marlboro. Set in Tachikawa, Tokyo during the 1980s, it's a story of friendship and fisticuffs between junior high school boys. Matsuda plays the protagonist "Kochan" (modeled after Itaya, himself), a hot-headed delinquent, but diligent student whose childhood friends drag him into an exciting new world of snarling rebellion.

Thoughts:
i love the look of this movie and the time frame it's set in. i also love shota. he's really coming into popularity slowly, but in his own way. i think he'll do a great job in this movie. i'm currently watching him in the drama "Liar Game" which is incredibly popular in japan right now. other familiar faces would be shirota yuu and ryo kimura. both of these guys are going to be in the new drama series Hana Kimi starting in July. i can't wait for that to come out. ^___^

also, i haven't updated in a long time b/c i'm starting school and when i do have time i get lazy. but i hope you all will continue to enjoy my random posts. i enjoy all the comments i receive, thanks!

Trailer:

Website: http://www.waruboro.jp/