Blu Release – 4.5/5
Tetsuo: The Iron Man
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Killing, Haze)
Starring – Tomoro Taguchi (Non-Stop, Green), Kei Fujiwara (Organ, The Neptune Factor), and Nobu Kanoaka (Tokyo Fist, Tetsuo: Body Hammer)
Release Date – 1989
Rating – 3.5/5
A few years ago I went on a Japanese horror kick. I was buying up any and every Japanese horror movie I could find. Most of the ones I grabbed were released in the last 10 years but a few older films did catch my eye. One film was the 1989 cyberpunk Shin’ya Tsukamoto film Tetsuo: The Iron Man. I was unable to pick it up because the DVD was way too pricey. I decided to hold off and I’m glad I did. Sometime back Arrow Video announced an awesome collection of Tsukamoto’s films and the first in the set is Tetsuo: The Iron Man. I really wanted to see this one so I went ahead and ordered a copy so I could add it to my collection.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a man who has a metal fetish. He crams a rod into his thigh and goes to sleep. He awakens to an infection on his leg with maggots crawling on the spot. He panics and flees into the street where he is struck by a car. His horrible ordeal is far from behind him. Soon he finds his entire body being transformed and metal replacing his flesh.**Spoiler Alert**
When I toss in a Japanese horror movie I typically expect to see over the top action and so much blood. Tetsuo: The Iron Man was nothing like that. In fact, this movie was nothing like I expected which could be why I enjoyed it so much. The movie is surreal, hypnotic, and very intriguing.
The acting in this one is works for the film but it’s difficult to judge in a traditional sense. The film mixes arthouse with cyberpunk resulting in a very unusual film. It’s because of this that we get non-traditional acting. The cast is really dedicated to their roles even though it was very demanding. They do a fantastic job and really make the movie what it is. The story for this one is completely fucking bonkers. Honestly, it’s simple as fuck but the imagery and the way Tsukamoto tells the story just draws you in and holds you. Cinematography tells this story and it’s fucking perfect.
Finally, the film doesn’t really have on screen deaths in a traditional sense but we do get some great practical effects and prosthetics. Watching the two go through their transformation is absolutely amazing. I could watch this movie again and still be mesmerized by these scenes. Overall, Tetsuo: The Iron Man is not your typical horror film. This horror/sci-fi hybrid cyberpunk film could easily pass as an arthouse feature. The blu looks great from Arrow Video and I can’t recommend it enough. Check it out.
Tetsuo II: Body Hammer
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Haze)
Starring – Tomoro Taguchi (Doctor X, Danger Dolls), Shin’ya Tsukamoto, and Nobu Kanaoka (The Adventures of Denchu-Kozo, Tokyo Fist)
Release Date – 1992
Rating – 3.5/5
Tagline – “Destruction is all I need!”
I had originally set out to have a 10 movie marathon last week while I was on vacation. I wanted to sit down and watch the Solid Metal Nightmares box set that was recently released by Arrow Video. However, after watching Tetsuo: The Iron Man I had to take a break to watch a few indie flicks that was sent my way. However, the second I was finished with those it was time to focus on the set. I was really impressed with Tetsuo: The Iron Man and couldn’t wait to dive into the 1992 follow up, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a man who watches a group of metal fetishists kidnap his family. Beaten and broke he turns to himself and finds inner strength in the form of a bio-mechanical gun. The same people that kidnapped his son try to capture him in order to study him but that only further pushes him to change in to a dangerous weapon. **Spoiler Alert**
The first film was a little difficult to follow and more arthouse than substance but this follow up was leagues better in terms of narrative and storytelling. Honestly, I feel foolish for waiting so long to check these two films out.
The acting in this one is a little better than the first film. The characters do have much more personality than the previous film but the reading of the subtitles does take your attention away during a few of the scenes. Nevertheless, the cast does a fantastic job. The story for this one is mostly a similar premise to the first film except the story is more straight forward instead of feeling like a fever dream. The film almost has that superhero vibe but with a cyberpunk tone. I really enjoyed what it delivered and how it was able to build upon what was established in the first film.
Finally, this film is full of amazing costumes and practical prosthetics. It does have some blood and several on screen deaths but the costumes and weapons are the clear focal point of the film. Overall, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer is the bloody action film you were looking for. It doesn’t require the first film to enjoy this one but I would highly recommend watching them both back to back.
Adventures of Electric Rod Boy
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tokyo Fists)
Starring – Kei Fujiwara (Organ, Id), Nobu Kanaoka (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer), and N. Senba
Release Date – 1987
Rating – 3.5/5
My Shin’ya Tsukamoto marathon is still in full force as I work on my third out of then films in the new Solid Metal Nightmares set. So far I’ve enjoyed myself with the first two films; Tetsuo: The Iron Man and Tetsuo II: Body Hammer, but I was very curious how this 40 something minute sci-fi horror comedy about a boy with an electric rod pultruding from his back was going to work. Regardless, I went into it with an open mind and really enjoyed myself.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a young man with an electric rod growing out of his spine. He is often the target by local bullies but is able to use his electric rod to power a time machine where he goes 25 years into the future. He arrives in a dystopian future where vampires wreak havoc. It is up to him and an old friend to stop them before they build a machine that can wipe the human race off the face of the Earth. **Spoiler Alert**
Honestly, I had no idea what was going to happen with this one when I tossed it in but I have to say that this one is my favorite in the set so far. It was funny, creative, and really threw a lot at the viewer with overwhelming them.
The acting in this one is very enjoyable. The cast does a great job at taking their not-so-serious roles seriously. They made the scenes fun and really dedicated themselves to their roles. The story for this one is unique and fun. We have a man with an electric rod, vampires, time travel, and apocalyptic hardened school teachers. The film makes great use of it’s time and doesn’t over do it. Clocking in around 45 minutes makes this one well worth your time.
Finally, the film has a little blood and some make-up effects but my favorite scene involves a vampire melting. It’s not the best effects for a scene like that but I really liked how it looked on film. Overall, Adventures of Electric Rod Boy is unlike the films Tsukamoto is known for. It’s extremely clever, strange, and unique. I doubt another film with resonate with me from this set like this one did.
Tokyo Fist
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Haze, Killing)
Starring – Kaori Fujii (Ju-on: The Curse, Swallowtail Butterfly), Shin’ya Tsukamoto, and Koji Tsukamoto (Gemini, Bullet Ballet)
Release Date – 1995
Rating – 3/5
If you want to make a career out of making movies then you have to learn to adapt. If you continue to give fans the same thing over and over again they will become bored and move on to the next filmmaker they discover that is offering up something different. Shin’ya Tsukamoto is a very versatile filmmaker that blends genres together creating something very unique. After watching the first two Tetsuo films along with Adventures of Electric Rod Boy I moved on to the next film in the Solid Metal Nightmares box set which was the 1995 action drama film Tokyo Fist.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a young man who encounters an old friend. While talking about their lives he learns that his old friend is a boxer of sorts. Soon his jealousy over his friend’s profession leads him to suspect that his girlfriend is cheating on him with the boxer. This puts his relationship in a strain and he starts training to become a boxer so he can confront him and settle it in the ring. **spoiler Alert**
I knew this one wasn’t horror when I was going into this one. Like the Tetsuo films, Tokyo Fist is another one I had heard about when I was looking for other Japanese horror films to add to my collection. I skipped over it because I was on the hunt for horror but looking back I feel like this was another bad choice in a long line of bad choices. I really enjoyed this one.
The acting in this one is great. Hell, it’s probably the best acted Tsukamoto film I’ve seen yet. The characters are very enjoyable and they do a fantastic job carrying the film on their back. The boxing setting worked very well for the characters and their personalities. The story for this one is very intriguing but it does get rather dry during some of the later scenes. The film starts out with great pacing but by the third act you find yourself paying less and less attention.
Finally, the film is not one with a body count but you do get some blood and some impressive fight scenes with amazing cinematography. Honestly, cult cinema fans will really enjoy these fight scenes. Overall, Tokyo Fist may not be the film that Tsukamoto is remembered for but it is a fantastic watch. I highly suggest it.
Bullet Ballet
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Killing)
Starring – Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Kirina Mano (Tokyo Eyes, Adrenaline Drive), and Tatsuya Nakamura (Triple Threat, Killing)
Release Date – 1998
Rating – 2.5/5
I’ve just reached the halfway point in my Shin’ya Tsukamoto marathon. So far I have to admit that I’ve really enjoyed myself with Tsukamoto’s unusual films. After the first two Tetsuo films, followed by Adventures of Electric Rod Boy and Tokyo Fist, I am now on the fifth film. Up next is the 1998 crime drama Bullet Ballet. This is another popular Tsukamoto film that I often here cult cinema fans talking about so I couldn’t wait to toss it in.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a young man who is madly in love. However, the love of his life commits suicide for an unknown reason. Devastated by her death, he finds himself spiraling out of control and becoming obsessed with firearms.**Spoiler Alert**
I knew that this wasn’t a horror flick but I wasn’t prepared for how intense this one was. Intense as it was, it still had it’s fair share of pacing issues which really made it difficult for me to finish. That doesn’t make this one a bad film but I don’t see myself revisiting it.
The acting in this one is solid but I found myself becoming disconnected with the characters. I understand how they played into the story but on the same note I didn’t care for them enough to see them through. The cast worked with what they had but their performances and the characters made this one a tough sit. The story for this one is intense at times and I feel as if it was very personal to Tsukamoto. With that being said, I feel as if the story could have been told in less than an hour. It could easily be edited down to a more manageable time.
Finally, the film does have some blood but the film is more story driven and not focused around carnage. Overall, Bullet Ballet is not what I was expecting. This dark drama moves painfully slow but it still has some entertainment value. So far it’s the weakest in the set in my opinion.
A Snake of June
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tokyo Fist)
Starring – Asuka Kurosawa (Silence, Cold Fish), Yuji Kotari (Koraku Zaru), and Shin’ya Tsukamoto
Release Date – 2002
Rating – 3/5
Last week I set out to watch the ten films of Shin’ya Tsukamoto that make up the Solid Metal Nightmares box set from Arrow Video. This was something I started out really looking forward to but as each film moved on I found myself becoming a little burned out. Not that these films are bad, because they are not, but because these are not the type of films I typically watch. Regardless, I have five behind me now and 5 more to go. The next one up is the 2002 erotic thriller title A Snake of June.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a beautiful young woman who is married to a below average looking man. She has hidden sexual desires but does not explore those with her husband. One day she receives a package containing photos of her masturbating and soon begins receiving calls from a man threatening to tell her husband unless she does as she is told. She reluctantly agrees and soon finds herself entering a sexual awakening. **Spoiler Alert**
I bought this set for the exclusive reason of finally watching Tetsuo: The Iron Man and Testuo II: Body Hammer but the other films, for the most part, were an added bonus. Adventures of Electric Rod Boy is easily my favorite but A Snake of June really appealed to my exploitation side. It was a great and I could see Mondo Macabro releasing it in their library. I really enjoyed the sleazy and thrilling story with a great cast.
The acting in this one is pretty damn good. I really enjoyed the characters that we were given. I don’t mind reading sub-titles. Hell, I’ve been doing it for decades now but sometimes you miss certain things in the scene while taking the time to read. However, the slow moving dialogue and pacing made for a much smoother viewing experience.
The story for this one is what you would expect to find in a late 80s or early 90s release that Vinegar Syndrome would put out. A woman being forced out of her shell by a voyeur is sleazy bit Tsukamoto makes it tasteful. It’s not a softcore attempt at an erotic thriller. Instead, if a tale about a woman in a loveless marriage forced to confront her sexual desires.
Finally, if you are wanting blood and gore then you need to check out another film. However, if women exploring their sexuality is more your speed then you are in luck. Overall, A Snake in June is another fantastic Tsukamoto films. The horror crowd may not respect it but fans of sexploitation and erotic thrillers will truly appreciate it. Check it out.
Vital
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tokyo Fist)
Starring – Tadanobu Asano (Thor: Ragnarok, Tokyo Zombie), Nami Tsukamoto, and Kiki (Starfish Hotel, Pandora’s Box)
Release Date – 2004
Rating – 4/5
I was excited to continue my trip through Solid Metal Nightmares after watching the sexually fueled thriller A Snake in June. The next film in the set was another dark thriller. This time on the chopping block (which is fitting so to speak) is 2004’s Vital. This is one I’ve seen a few horror-minded friends share in the horror groups so I was very excited to finally check it out. I will admit that I was not aware that it was a Shin’ya Tsukamoto film.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a young man who loses his girlfriend in a horrible accident. He was in med school before the accident and decides to return after her death. However, he does not recall the accident and a lot of his memories before the accident. During his studies he is to dissect a corpse and he becomes infatuated with it. Studying the body day in and out and while doing so he starts to remember his lost love and the accident. **Spoiler alert**
I went into Vital still thinking about A Snake of June but after 20 minutes I had forgot about the film to focus on what was before. Vital was not the kind of movie that I was expecting but god damn was it fantastic.
The acting in this one is extremely uneven. Tadanobu Asano is fantastic as the film’s lead. His emotionless approach to the role really brings a new depth to the film with his eerie performance. The supporting cast hits hard in a few of the scenes but in others they do come across as very underwhelming.
The story for this one is as beautiful as it is morbid. A man loses the love of his life but soon finds passion in his studies while dissecting a body of a stranger that, it turns out, is actually his lost love. It’s depraved and poetic. I absolutely loved it and Tsukamoto’s pacing is a delight in every scene.
Finally, this is not a bloody mess of a movie. It is character driven but we also get several fantastic scenes of the young medical student exploring the cadaver. The effects are fucking fantastic. Overall, Vital is a superb film and I don’t see the remaining films in this set dethroning this one as my favorite.
Haze
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tokyo Fist, Vital)
Starring – Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Takahiro Murase (Bullet Ballet, Gemini), and Takahiro Kandaka (A Snake of June)
Release Date – 2005
Rating – 2/5
Tagline – “You will experience the palpable feeling of terror and all encompassing sense of claustrophobia as you watch this intense exercise in basic fear and dread… ”
Down to the final three in the Solid Metal Nightmares set. So far I’ve been through several ups and downs but for the most part I really enjoyed what was laid before me from director Shin’ya Tsukamoto. However, I knew I wouldn’t like all ten films but I’ve now reached the low point in the box set. Haze is Tsukamoto’s 2005 film that runs a little less than 50 minutes. Honestly, it felt like hours to me. Not every director can knock them all out of the park and this one is one of Tsukamoto’s that couldn’t go the distance.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a young man who awakens in a cramped corridor and bleeding profusely from his stomach. He wonders aimlessly through the tight spaces but can see others frantically trying to get out through holes in the wall. After some time he crosses paths with a young woman and quickly learns that they are in an underground maze that is part of a sick game played by the wealthy. **spoiler Alert**
The previous two films, A Snake of June and Vital, were very impressive so I went into Haze riding a high. However, Haze just didn’t work for me. I found myself struggling to pay attention and the transfer, as stated when the film began, is dark due to the nature of the films negative.
The acting in this one is decent for what it is. It’s mostly a one man show but he carries the film fairly well. He goes through the expected emotions and does a decent job at portraying them. However, his aimlessly wondering through what looks like a sewer alone for a good bit of the film is painfully dull.
The story for this one could really work if there was more substance to the film. The thought of wealthy people playing a sick game with people is always interesting to me. Movies like The Hunt and 31 really hold substance in my opinion. However, the almost pitch black scenery and lack of a story during the first two thirds of the film makes if feel like it was incomplete. Not seeing what is going on mashed against the painfully slow moving film makes it difficult to finish.
Finally, the film does have some blood but if its more than that the quality of the release is hard to see. The main focus of this one is not the red stuff but the hell the young man goes through. Overall, Haze has an interesting premise but is lacking. Easily the weakest film in the set.
Kotoko
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Vital, Haze)
Starring – Cocco (Girl of the Sea, A Bride for Rip Van Winkle), Yuko Nakamura (Firefly, Strawberry Shortcakes), and Shin’ya Tsukamoto
Release Date – 2011
Rating – 4/5
Most people that know me on a personal level know about my childhood. Honestly, my childhood was shit but everyone has their own cross to carry so to speak. I had a horrible mother that left several times when I was younger and she left for good when I was 8. I lived out of the real world and in the movies I watched and that love for film has, obviously, carried over to today. I have two films left in the Solid Metal Nightmares set from Arrow Video. Next on the chopping block is the 2011 film Kotoko which followed a struggling mother battling her own demons. Knowing what the film was about prior to viewing made me nervous about tossing this one in.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a single mother doing her best to protect and provide for the child but her child’s constant crying forces her into a mental breakdown. She constantly dreams of the child being harmed at her own hand and soon sends the baby to live with her sister. She visits occasionally as the child grows up but he is distant with her. This sends her into depression and she attempts to stay secluded but an award winning author notices her and tries to give her life meaning.**spoiler Alert**
Honestly, I didn’t know if this movie was going to make me uncomfortable considering but I was shocked by how well put together and heartfelt this film actually was. It was a movie that hit hard but still left an impact on me.
The acting in this one is great. Cocco carried the entire film on her shoulders. Her performance was intense at times and extremely powerful. Honestly, I’m shocked at how small her imdb credits are after seeing this. The supporting cast does a solid job as well but the focus of the is on Kotoko (Cocco).
The story for this one is real, grounded, and, for some, hits harder than others. Being a single parent is one of the most difficult jobs on the planet but when you add mental health into the equation it becomes almost impossible. That makes Kotoko a frustrating and anxiety inducing film but it still has power behind each scene. You really feel for the character and find yourself pulled into the film scene after scene.
Finally, the film is not a bloody one, however, there is one extremely violent scene that has great practical effects. I highly suggest you seeing it for yourself. Overall, Kotoko is a must for fans of cinema. The horror elements in this one is small but fans of good movies will want to check this one out for sure. It’s not my favorite in the set but it’s damn near close. Check it out.
Killing
Director – Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Kotoko, Tokyo Fist)
Starring – Sosuke Ikematsu (The Last Samurai, Love’s Whirlpool), Yu Aoi (Hula Girls, Birds Without Names), and Shin’ya Tsukamoto
Release Date – 2018
Rating – 3.5/5
Here we are. After almost two weeks I’m reaching the end of the Solid Metal Nightmares box set from Arrow Video. Today makes 10 days that I started and after reviewing each movie separately for 10 days I’ve reached the end. I’ve had a lot of up and a few downs but this set finished with a bang. Last on the chopping block is the 2018 samurai drama Killing.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a wandering ronin who is helping a farming family during the day and training their son in the evening when he encounters another samurai who is seeking warriors to protect the shogun. He reluctantly agrees but before they depart of their journey a group of bandits and mercenaries arrive to terrorize the family forcing the ronin to pick a side. **Spoiler Alert**
Shin’ya Tsukamoto has proved throughout this box set that he is will to change, adapt, and deliver something new for his fans to enjoy. He really does bring a lot to the table as a filmmaker and Killing was nothing less than astonishing. It’s a well crafted and, at times, bloody period piece that has a story that will hold you.
The acting in this one is fantastic. As a whole, this is probably the best acted film in the entire set. The entire cast does a fantastic job and brings a unique personality all their own. The story for this one is drama heavy but there is several action sequences that split up the dialogue heavy scenes.
Finally, this is a bloody flick. We get some severed limbs and plenty of blood. This are incorporated into the fight scenes and work fantastic with them. The practical effects are great for these as well. Overall, Killing is a must watch for movie fans. It’s not a horror flick but if you are looking for blood then I highly suggest checking this one out.
Special Features:
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentations of all ten films
Original lossless PCM 1.0 mono audio on Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer and Tokyo Fist
Original lossless PCM 2.0 stereo audio on Bullet Ballet and Haze
Original lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on A Snake of June, Vital, Kotoko and Killing
Optional lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on Bullet Ballet
Optional English subtitles for all films
Audio commentaries by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes on all ten films, including brand new commentaries on Tetsuo, Tetsuo II, Tokyo Fist, A Snake of June, Kotoko, Killing, The Adventure of Denchu-kozo and Haze
Brand new career-spanning interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
An Assault on the Senses, a brand new visual essay on the films and style of Shinya Tsukamoto by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp
Multiple archival interviews with Shinya Tsukamoto, covering every film in the collection
Shooting A Snake of June, an archival behind-the-scenes featurette on the film s production
Archival The Making of Vital featurette
Archival behind-the-scenes featurette on Vital s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival
Archival featurette on Vital s special effects
The Making of Haze, an archival behind-the-scenes featurette on the film s production
Kaori Fuji at the Locarno Film Festival, an archival featurette focusing on Haze s lead actress
Archival Background to The Adventure of Denchu-Kozo featurette
Tokyo Fist, Bullet Ballet and Vital music clips
Multiple trailers and image galleries
Limited edition packaging featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx, Gary Pullin, Ian MacEwan, Chris Malbon, Jacob Phillips, Tommy Pocket, Peter Strain and Tony Stella
Double-sided fold-out poster
Illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing on the films by Kat Ellinger, Jasper Sharp and Mark Schilling
