rancors summer movie madness

[rancor]

Away from Tokyo on vacation for the summer, so I've shut down my retail site and have begun hosting movies through Youtube until I return. Last year my "film festival" was popular beyond expectations so I've decided to do it again with a new crop of must-see titles about Japan.

http://www.tokyoshmups.com/

This summers movies include:

Histoire Du Shooting Game / History of Shooting Games - An amazing French documentary about the history of shooting games / STGs in Japan. Features interviews with dozens of important people in the scene and industry. If you haven't seen if before, YOU MUST WATCH THIS. If you have seen it, watch again because I've cleaned up the translation and added a few other tidbits of useful info.

My Name is Good Time Charlie - This documentary follows "Goodtime" Charlie Nagatani, a Japanese country music legend who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry more than ten times and is more or less the sole reason there is a country music scene in Japan. The movie follows him from one of his appearances on the Opry, back to Kumamoto, Japan, where Charlie lives and runs a honky-tonk bar where he does five sets a night, 365 days a year. Dozens of cameos from legendary country music performers. Its seems anyone and everyone knows Charlie.

Rack Gaki - The trials and tribulations of being a Japanese graffiti writer.

Suicide - Secret Life of Japan - Suicide and Japan go together like peanut butter and jelly. Hear a few stories about the hows and whys.

The Japanese Version - A fun film about how the Japanese appropriate things from western culture, put a bizarre twist on it, and then call it their own.

The New God - Impossible to summarize in less than a paragraph, but I'll try. A young, ultra-nationalist, right wing girl who plays in a punk/noise band comes to grips with her beliefs after an eye-opening trip to Pyongyang, North Korea. She desperately needs something to believe in aside from Japans consumer-driven, materialistic culture which often times props foreign cultures above it's own. You'll probably finish this movie just as confused as this girl was.

Zero Hour - Terror in Tokyo - A documentary about the 1995 sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway system by the Aum Shinrikyo (Universal Religion of Truth) cult.

Bringing Godzilla Down to Size - Behind the scenes look at the SFX of the Godzilla series.

Skeletons in the Closet - A look at the history behind Japanese horror, and how it got to where it is today.

Last years films are included as well and contain titles such as....

Hell Bento
The Great Happiness Space
Shinjuku Boys
Otaku
Akihabara Geeks

If you're wondering where to start, I highly recommend "The Great Happiness Space", and "The Japanese Version".

[drauch]

Sweet! I'll definitely try and catch a few of those. Especially the one on suicide.

[njiska]

Yeah count me as another one interested in the suicide one. I've always found it to be one of the more intriguing aspects of Japanese culture.

[Skykid]

Rancor, neat stuff! Been looking for some new docus to watch, I'll see if I can get through these, thanks.

[GaijinPunch]

Two movies which may or may not have been released that should be looked into based on their content.

From the Shadows is look into the fist fuck of Japanese parental abduction, and subsequently the judicial system if you think about the situation even on the surface. At least one of the film makers is happily married with children. I'm not sure what the inspiration of the film was. Probably one or some of his friends have been stung, as since he's American, that's one of your stripes you earn before your 5 year mark of long term residence in Japan. I've not talked to him in a while, and I know this project has been in the works for over 5 years. Not sure what the hold up is -- it's almost not even shocking any more.

Hafu which I also haven't seen, talks about "half" Japanese kids (I think the only reason they didn't use the once cool term "double" was to underscore the negative connotation) and how despite the fact that many of them grow up in Japan (resulting in many being monolingual) they are decidedly "not Japanese".

Hopefully you will find neither on Youtube.

[Skykid]

From the Shadows

Interesting. Terrible, also.

...And the most overused trailer music in the history of the universe.

[GaijinPunch]

Hafu which I also haven't seen, talks about "half" Japanese kids (I think the only reason they didn't use the once cool term "double" was to underscore the negative connotation) and how despite the fact that many of them grow up in Japan (resulting in many being monolingual) they are decidedly "not Japanese".

Talk about small world, cycling home from a very frustrating lunch break at various official buildings, I whizzed past David from this trailer, as we went opposite directions on a familiar street. Interestingly enough, his Japanese side dominates when he cycles, as he was clearly not wearing a helmet. He has a nice, shiny dome. Needs to protect it better.

[powersoul]

Much appreciated, rancor! I have always heard about the stressful life in Japan, and that video on suicide should give me an insight about it.

[hzt]

Man I was being all productive and shit this morning and now I see this. Thanks a lot rancor, there goes the rest of my day.

[Teufel_in_Blau]

Why am I not allowed to watch those movies? Are you hosting something that is too dangerous for my innocent little German brain? It says: "This video is not available in your country".

[Mischief Maker]

The Great Happiness Space

Very highly recommended. When's that last time you watched a Documentary with a surprise twist?

[rancor]

Why am I not allowed to watch those movies? Are you hosting something that is too dangerous for my innocent little German brain? It says: "This video is not available in your country".

PM'd. Lemme know if that works.

You could also try to download the two videos that are blocked in Germany (and only Germany ) by using the savevid.com link on the main page.

[BIL]

Awesome, thanks for doing this again. Enjoyed last year's crop (esp. Great Happiness Space), imma watch the story of Goodtime Charlie right now.

[moh]

OH SICK!

more shit to waste my time with at work

[nZero]

From the Shadows is look into the fist fuck of Japanese parental abduction, and subsequently the judicial system if you think about the situation even on the surface. At least one of the film makers is happily married with children. I'm not sure what the inspiration of the film was. Probably one or some of his friends have been stung, as since he's American, that's one of your stripes you earn before your 5 year mark of long term residence in Japan. I've not talked to him in a while, and I know this project has been in the works for over 5 years. Not sure what the hold up is -- it's almost not even shocking any more.

Based on the website and trailer, the movie seems focused on mixed foreigner+japanese couples. Is there any mention about japanese/japanese couples where one partner cuts and runs with one or more of the children? The stories I've heard make it seem like the court system just applies the old adage "posession is nine-tenths of the law" to custody battles.

[Daigohji]

Bringing Godzilla Down to Size - Behind the scenes look at the SFX of the Godzilla series.

Great documentary. It's included with the Classic Media DVD release of Rodan and War of the Gargantuas if anyone is looking for it. The moment where the three generations of Godzilla suit actors (Nakajima, Satsuma, and Kitagawa) march down a street together while doing their Godzilla stances gave me goosebumps. There's also a fascinating sequence at the end where one of the golden age Toho effects team shows the process of recreating a classic explosion effect using nothing but paint and a water tank.

[Skykid]

Started with the suicide club.

Bit disappointed to be honest, it barely scratches the surface as to the social conditions, codes and regimentation that causes workplace pressure in Japan. Stories about suicide is all well and good, but the underlying reason would have made for more interesting viewing.

I was hoping it would look other driving factors outside of company restructuring: things like the surpression of expression and emotion, communist-style workplace regimentation; the chronic state of the recession and overpowering commerciality and idealistic materialism.

Not there unfortunately. GP's parental custody one looks interesting so I'll try to find that next.

[moh]

Started with the suicide club.

Bit disappointed to be honest, it barely scratches the surface as to the social conditions, codes and regimentation that causes workplace pressure in Japan. Stories about suicide is all well and good, but the underlying reason would have made for more interesting viewing.

I was hoping it would look other driving factors outside of company restructuring: things like the surpression of expression and emotion, communist-style workplace regimentation; the chronic state of the recession and overpowering commerciality and idealistic materialism.

Not there unfortunately. GP's parental custody one looks interesting so I'll try to find that next.

yeah, i started with the suicide one as well.

and i totally agree, it may very well have been called "suicide due to workplace restructuring"

the stats claim that only 11% or so were due to debt and unemployment? so you would think that they would have spoken more about some other causes for depression.

[rancor]

Agreed - It wasn't all that great, but it did touch on the suicide forest a bit, which I can never get enough of. Vice did a great film on that subject which you can find here. I wish someone would take me up on the offer of spending Halloween there one year.. haha..

[xbl0x180]

I wonder if the graff docu will come on disc over here in the U.S.

[MX7]

Jesus, this looks like an amazing selection. Particularly interested in the appropriation of culture documentary. I've always felt that the reason why Japanese film and music is so special is the fact that it appropriates aspects often wily-nily, to create an effect that is sometimes disquieting, and often completely refreshing. I want to write about this more, but I'm in bed with a stinking cold and I can't feel my fingers. I.E the perfect time to watch a bunch of cool documentaries! Thank you so much

[greg]

Away from Tokyo on vacation for the summer, so I've shut down my retail site and have begun hosting movies through Youtube until I return.

I'll be in Tokyo the next two weekends, and I was going to see if you wanted to meet up. I'll take that as a "no." Where will you be vacationing?

Agreed - It wasn't all that great, but it did touch on the suicide forest a bit, which I can never get enough of. Vice did a great film on that subject which you can find here. I wish someone would take me up on the offer of spending Halloween there one year.. haha..

Dude, I live just south of the suicide forest. I was in the area just today, actually. I wanted to go there to look for a place to walk around, but my wife wanted to research hiking trails on the Net first instead of just driving around, looking for a place to turn off. We went to a trout farm near Fuji. The forests there can be so dark and ominous. I walked around in one patch of forest and the ground was so soft and damp. Sunlight barely filters through the canopy of trees to the forest floor.

[GaijinPunch]

Based on the website and trailer, the movie seems focused on mixed foreigner+japanese couples. Is there any mention about japanese/japanese couples where one partner cuts and runs with one or more of the children? The stories I've heard make it seem like the court system just applies the old adage "posession is nine-tenths of the law" to custody battles.

In this movie, no, b/c it's most likely going to add one more layer of fuck: lack of visa for the left-behind father. The same thing happens to Japanese dads. They're probably a bit less shocked though.

[Skykid]

It looks like In The Shadows still isn't finished. IMDB says 2012 release.

Sure is taking a while to get it done, been in production for 4 years. I hope that donation money is going to the right place.

EDIT: Just watched The Japanese Version. This was fantastic.

In spite of being well aware of how Japan appropriates western things, this documentary focusses so neatly on it that you can't help but come away with an entirely new perspective.

I don't really know what to make of it. They seem happy with the cultural assimilations, but when you watch them getting involved in western activities, it just looks really out of place. The superficiality is what's so striking. To have a Christian wedding because it looks 'neat' and not because you have any understanding or care for the religion seems radical. Singing TV adverts as reception karaoke?!

The historical side of it was really insightful too. I always thought a lot of the introduction of Americana into the culture was a result of post WWII politics - I didn't realise Japan had such a long history of borrowing aspects from foreign cultures and never giving them back, such as the Gakuran from 18th century Japan, and architecture from China and Korea.

It's all a bit weird, slightly sad, because I think traditional Japanese culture should really be better preserved, but very interesting.

Of all the things, why the fuck did they take country music, lol! Should have left that at the door.

[GaijinPunch]

Japan's entire culture is based on "borrowing" from other cultures... and "making it better". In reality, only some things they have made better. French pastries is one. This basically runs the span from written language and religion, to modern cuisine. Japan has invented very little from scratch. Methamphetamine is the only one I can think of.

As for what the occupational forces introduced, a bunch of fucked up laws. It's ironic that modern conservative Japanese have their heads in the sand on such issues as illegal drugs. Hemp was abundant before McArthur put an end to it. Don't get me going on the cabaret laws.

[Skykid]

Japan's entire culture is based on "borrowing" from other cultures... and "making it better". In reality, only some things they have made better. French pastries is one. This basically runs the span from written language and religion, to modern cuisine. Japan has invented very little from scratch. Methamphetamine is the only one I can think of.

As for what the occupational forces introduced, a bunch of fucked up laws. It's ironic that modern conservative Japanese have their heads in the sand on such issues as illegal drugs. Hemp was abundant before McArthur put an end to it. Don't get me going on the cabaret laws.

It was a funny documentary, but it saddens me a bit to think that it's a nation that spends so much time profiting and celebrating aspects of foreign culture that realistically mean very little to a Japanese person. They look with nostalgic fondness at the icons of 1950's America, as if it were their own history, it's kind of bizarre.
I'm really interested in Japan's less diluted old world, probably why I latch onto videogames and manga that are based during the ancient period.

[Mischief Maker]

I'm really interested in Japan's less diluted old world, probably why I latch onto videogames and manga that are based during the ancient period.

You mean when they were looking back with nostalgic fondness at the icons of China?

[Skykid]

I'm really interested in Japan's less diluted old world, probably why I latch onto videogames and manga that are based during the ancient period.

You mean when they were looking back with nostalgic fondness at the icons of China?

Ha ha, is that what they were doing?

I'm sure at some point Japan had a purer cultural identity. Most peoples derive aspects of their own culture from foreign lands, it's not totally unheard of. Look at the US - a relatively new country - took its language, city, land names, and national sport from the UK.

It just seems Japan struggles more in the present day to know 'what Japanese is.' America has it's own identity now, whereas Japan is kind of a smorgasboard of everyone else's. Weird place.

[Mischief Maker]

America has it's own identity now

If ever you hear an American sneering at French Culture, it's because long ago we were English subjects and England's longtime nemesis was France. We still frighten children with tales of the "Boogey Man" which was originally "The Boney Man" a name used by English propagandists to describe their enemy, Napoleon. Hell, we're still using the imperial measurement system, based on the body proportions of a long-dead English king, when even England has gone to Metric by now.

[GaijinPunch]

It just seems Japan struggles more in the present day to know 'what Japanese is.' America has it's own identity now, whereas Japan is kind of a smorgasboard of everyone else's. Weird place.

Which is totally ironic as it has the highest homogeneity amongst the G7. I'll go out on a limb and say it's the most xenophobic as well (and seems to becoming even more and more reclusive). I think if you asked any historian when did Japan have it's own identity, a fairly educated one would give you a time in the Tokugawa era (1603-1867). The country was shut off from outside influence. Christians were martyred. Japanese that were out of the country at the time were not allowed back in. All kinds of evil shit. It's also the first step in what not to do, for anyone writing a handbook. Most argue that it is the origin of the xenophobia Japan is infamous for.

Would love to talk more on the subject but I just spilled my last scotch all over my dick and balls. Glenfiddich 12 year for anyone that cares. Unfortunately on the rocks.