Millions of people dwell in what is perhaps the world’s most high-tech, dense and modern metropolis.
The framework is established for themes of loneliness and the struggle to connect with humanity and society.
Each is distinctly Tokyo.
CL
M review of the film is after the jump:
A movie is first and foremost for visual enjoyment.
But, the grim realities of life soon reveal the illusions she has harbored, especially about herself.
As they argue on the street, my eye is drawn to the background.
Gondry’s mastery ofmise en sceneexpresses the roles of the two individuals arguing.
This creature is not as big as Godzilla but he is far more entertaining.
He is raw impulse, unrestrained appetite and disrespect for others.
He takes what he wants and destroys what he despises.
And he has a curly red beard.
“Merde” is French for “shit”.
And, sure enough, shit happens.
Layers and subtleties abound in this social commentary.
It reflects on Japanese nationalism and racism as well as that of foreigners visiting Japanese society.
The French director is well suited to exposition of this cultural conflict.
I could not help laughing aloud at many homages in this production.
The creature states, in a profound moment, “The sky has grown old.”
Through knowing oneself, one can love oneself.
The Man, played by Teruyuki Kagawa, is ahikikomori- a shut-in.
But perhaps he was just feeling serious for that interview.
This DVD does not disappoint.
We are treated to many behind the scenes looks at the craft of compelling illusion.
For the aspiring independent film-maker or even the mildly curious, these making-of scenes are rewarding.
I do have a peeve with Gondry.
He excluded the making of an amazing FX sequence in his piece.
He insisted we should be left to figure out how it was done.
THE FINAL SCORE
Overall, I rate this DVD, “Tokyo!
“, a solid five out of five stars for achievement in its genre.
