Strait Jacket (2007)

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Posted on September 1, 2009 by Samson

Strait Jacket is an anime that tells the story about demon hunters. It features demons on killing rampages, fierce battles between demons and their hunters, and one particular demon hunter with a dark past who is constantly looking for ways to atone his sins.

It is a world where people make use of magic in every field. As a price for doing so, those who use magic thoughtlessly lose their minds and have their bodies transformed into demons, either through … (read more)

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Ponyo (2009)

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Posted on September 1, 2009 by Andy

It may be heresy to say, but quite frankly, Studio Ghibli’s last two outings have been major cause for concern. Howl’s Moving Castle and Tales of Earthsea (the latter directed by Miyazaki’s son Goro) were disappointments, but of more concern was that both suffered from similar issues. To say any Ghibli film suffers from issues let alone repeat them is like suggesting that Shakespeare should work on his characterization. With themes close to Miyazaki’s heart, it is easy to see … (read more)

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K-20 (Kaijin niju menso den) (2008)

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Posted on August 23, 2009 by Deni

It was bound to happen; in fact, it actually hails from a fairly respectable lineage. Films like Jet Li’s The Black Mask, a whole swag of masked kamen riders and power rangers too numerous to name, as well as legendary thieves like Lupin and A.J. Raffles are definitely where K-20: Legend of the Mask draws some of its narrative quirks. But there’s a strong Western feel to the film too; the way it looks and plays out are a … (read more)

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Election 2 (2006)

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Posted on August 11, 2009 by Samson

With this sequel to the excellent 2005 film Election, Hong Kong director Johnnie To adds yet another great film to his long and impressive list of work. Few other directors have managed to make so many movies and maintain the same high standards in one film after another. Election 2 sees the return of all the characters (at least those who managed to survive) from Election, and guess what; it’s time for another triad election.

It’s been two … (read more)

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Ouran High School Host Club Part 1 (2006)

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Posted on August 11, 2009 by Samson

Since its release in 2006, Ouran High School Host Club has established itself as a fan favourite. It has a reputation for being a bit strange, but also extremely funny. This is my review of Part 1, which consists of the first 13 (of a total of 26) episodes of the anime.

The Ouran Host Club is where handsome boys with too much time on their hands entertain and charm girls, who also have too much time on their … (read more)

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Let’s get MIFFed!

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Ching Yee

It’s certainly been too long in between yum-chas since the last Heroic Cinema MIFF reports! I hope those of you in Melbourne are braving the wintry conditions to sample some of the goodies on offer – it will warm your head, heart and get your pulse pumping!

I kicked off MIFF 2009 with the sublime All Around Us by Ryosuke Hashiguchi. Seemingly just an exploration of a couple’s evolving relationship over time, (like all good films) it is actually much … (read more)

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Gurren Lagann (2009)

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Posted on August 7, 2009 by Andy

Kudos to Madman for posting episodes of Gurren Lagann as part of their free streaming service: Screening Room. While miserly companies would have hosted lesser titles, with prime cuts like fan favourite, Full Metal Alchemist and top shelf work like Gurren Lagann from Studio Gainax, Madman is giving fans a real gourmet selection of titles to taste.

Studio Gainax is best known for Neon Genesis Evangelion and it sure must be one hell of a place to work. Up in … (read more)

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5 Centimetres per Second (2009)

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Posted on August 7, 2009 by Andy

Yep, trying to write a synopsis for a new Makoto Shinkai anime is a thankless task. It comes off sounding like a TAFE writing course exercise veering off into high school therapy territory. But in the hands of Makoto Shinkai, a master of creating emotional landscapes, the result is entirely the opposite. There aren’t too many creators like Makoto Shinkai. He is a true iconoclast in the world of anime. He writes, storyboards and directs his projects. The content of … (read more)

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