Real Bout High School (2002)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ching Yee

Ryoko is the undefeated champion at Daimon High but sitting at the throne means there are always going to be challengers trying to knock her down. One is Azumi, who not only wants to kick her ass in the ring but is also vying for the affection of Tatsuya, Ryoko’s high school crush. Ryoko’s other challenger is Kusunagi, who has since skipped school after being pummeled by Ryoko in the last K-fight showdown.

Being the school champion means being feted … (read more)

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Return Engagement (1990)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Alison

Well, those hoping for a big dose of Andy Lau will be the first to be disappointed with this film: the headlined star gets only about 15 minutes of screen time. The real star is Andy Tang, who does well enough, and really looks the part of a triad kingpin released from jail and searching for his daughter, but he’s not Wah-jai. Others might not be overly thrilled when they discover that the Wong Kar Wai who penned this script … (read more)

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The Returner (2002)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

There’s pretty much only one reason to watch this film. If you happen to be of the male persuasion, then it’s going to be Anne Suzuki, who plays young damsel-from-the-future-in-distress Milly. Personally I’d never heard of her before, but apparently she was in Snow Falling on Cedars (which dang it I always meant to watch but just never got around to) and she’s got one of those sweet, youthful faces that kind of looks like a lot of other sweet, … (read more)

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Ring (1998)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ching Yee

This is a rather late review, the movie was released in 1998, and only just wound its way to Australia. Unfortunately, when I did rock up to watch it on Wednesday night, it was on its last day.

We entered the cinema and to our surprise, it was just the two of us in a vast, empty cinema. Luckily for us, a few more people trickled in at the last minute. Lucky because of what followed, it was definitely ‘safety … (read more)

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Rurouni Kenshin (2002)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

Possibly the longest awaited anime series known to Western shores, and has the wait been worth it? Well if the first two DVDs, eight episodes in all, are anything at all to go by, then hell yes! Kenshin is cool!

Based roughly on a real-life, feared swordsman of the Meiji period, Kenshin Himura is the ultimate hero. Deferential and likeable (hell sometimes even cute) one moment, a cold, lethal killer the next. He’s the kind of hero you want to … (read more)

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s-Cry-ed (2001)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

An inexplicable disaster, a rebellious teenager with super-human powers and a government agency showing totalitarian tendencies are the mainstays of Japanese manga and anime. As are acronyms which s-CRY-ed launches into early on to soften up the viewer. A government agency HOLD and its Alter User arm, HOLY, seek to capture and recruit Native Alter Users. So it’s not long before teen rebel Kazuma comes into conflict with HOLY.

It’s hard to get excited about s-CRY-ed. It trots out … (read more)

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Samurai Champloo (2004)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

I have a feeling this review is going to be about a hundred words long.

Why? Well, come on, be honest. Is there any point in me going into any great length on it? I mean, the minute I answer The Question you’ll be off, either straight to the store to buy a copy, or to your room to lock yourself in and watch reruns of Sailor Moon until you can get over the disappointment (or cultivate enough denial).

It’s … (read more)

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Samurai X – Reflection (2001)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

Reflection is the sequel to the Samurai X / Rurouni Kenshin legacy, and a conclusion that I find myself contemplating with a few mixed feelings. After the brilliance of Trust and Betrayal, and the sheer volume and breadth of the Rurouni Kenshin TV series, it was a hedged bet as to whether Reflection could live up to its predecessors while labouring under such expectations.

Which is where the mixed feelings come in, because while I don’t believe it failed … (read more)

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