Mea Culpa's and a Lone Wolf with Cub

Rainy Day apologizes for not keeping you, her faithful readers, up to date on the movies she's watching. Actually, she hasn't watched too many movies, she's been too engrossed in another Japanese TV series from the 1970s. And, of course, she's also been busy with the Holidays;-) She hopes you will forgive her as she gets back on track.

Lone Wolf and Cub: TV Series

Japanese, English subtitles

1970s, 90 minutes (2 episodes)

5 Stars

Ogami Itto, the wrongfully disgraced executioner of the Shogun, did not commit seppuku as a man of honor would have; instead, he took his infant son, his Datanuki battle sword, and set off to wander Japan as an Assassin for Hire and to clear his name. Kinnosuke Nakamura epitomizes the 'strong, silent hero' as Ogami. And his young son, now about 3 or 4, is equally silent. If you liked The Lone Ranger Rainy Day is fairly confident you'll enjoy this series. True, Ogami is a sword for hire, but he does not take every job that comes his way. True, he is a ronin, but he is a ronin with honor. Rainy Day is not getting the discs in order, but it doesn't seem to matter. Each story is complete.

As Rainy Day thinks on it, this series reminds her a lot of the various Western series and movies she loved when growing up – the ones where the hero with or without a sidekick, rode into town, saved the town, the heroine, the poor and downtrodden from the evil outlaws, cattle barons, or whatever. If you liked those oldies but goodies, give Lone Wolf and Cub a try.

For a trailer for the first Lone Wolf and Cub movie, click here. The movie and series have subtitles, the trailer does not. But, who needs subtitles for a sword fight?

The Red Violin

The Red Violin

English

2000 Academy Awards: Best Music Score

1998, 130 Minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day loves, Loves, LOVES this movie! Rainy Day had to take violin lessons when she was young. Rainy Day has no musical talent, but she does have a great appreciation for music of all kinds, and this movie is chockablock full of some of the most gorgeous violin music she's ever heard. The star of the movie is the Red Violin, with strong supporting role by Samuel L. Jackson. In a series of flashbacks, we follow the history of this most amazing instrument as it reveals love, romance, and some of the most gorgeous violin music ever. There are a couple of sex scenes, enough to warrant an R rating, so it may not be a 'family time' movie if your kidlets are young.  Each story the violin 'tells' is beautiful and believable.

Click here for a two minute trailer. 

Dancing By The Star!

Mao's Last Dancer

English

2010, 117 Minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day seems to be on a run for Biopics. This movie is based on the autobiography of Li Cunxin, a peasant villager taken at age 11 to study ballet in Beijing. From there, he is 'seen' by Ben Stevenson, Director of the Housing Ballet Company, and brought to the US on a temporary Visa. The music ranges from Chinese traditional to Ballet classical; the dancing is breathtaking in its beauty. Li's decision to remain in the US is heartfelt, and sad, and joyous all at once. There are many scenes to bring forth laughs, and a few that bring forth tears.  From the poverty of China in the Cultural Revolution to the excesses of Houston, this is a great movie and a terrific story. 

YouTube Talk

YouTube Innerview    

Have you ever considered how difficult it would be to leave your country, your family, your very language, to pursue your dream? Could you? Would you? 

As A Poet, Rainy Day Just Had to Watch

Poetry

Korean, English Subtitles

2010, 139 minutes

5 Stars

This is one of the most touching movies Rainy Day has seen. Grandmother Mija is raising her grandson, Wook as his mother lives and works in another city. Wook is a pain, and his story is always in the background. Mija works part-time to make ends meet, and is alone when diagnosed with the beginnings of Alzheimer's Disease. She enrolls in a class to learn to write poetry, a passion with her. This touching drama follows her through her job, her diagnosis, and the writing of her poem. It's a quiet drama, no fights, but understated tension. Spoiler Alert! The ending is open. If you must have everything tied into a neat package, this is not for you. A beautiful and well-told poignant story of the meaning of Love and Life, and how some face their mortal end. A haunting movie.

For the trailer, click here. There are no subtitles on this trailer.

Temple Grandin, my Heroine! (and her Family;-)

Temple Grandin

English

2010, 120 minutes

10 Stars (out of 5)

Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a woman who had the great good fortune of being born to a family who not only loved her, but was intelligent enough to find their own path through her autism. Diagnosed with Infantile Schizophrenia at age four, the doctor told her Harvard educated mother to institutionalize her. Mama and the family believed she was 'different, not less.' Because of their love, and determination, Temple received a marvelous education in the field of her choice (Animal Husbandry) eventually earning a PhD, she learned at a bone-marrow level she was different, not less, and faced challenges few of us ever will. She learned to walk through doors of opportunities and is an inspiration to all. Many good laughs in this Biographical HBO Movie. For more information on Temple Grandin, click here for her website.

Click here for a trailer.

Sometimes you just need a good story...

Kabei: Our Mother

2008, 133 minutes

Japanese, English Subtitles

10 Stars out of 5)

Based on Teruyo Nogami's autobiography, this film focuses on her childhood years in 1940s Tokyo. Her father, Professor Nogami is jailed on suspicion of being a Communist, leaving his wife and two young daughters to fend for themselves. Directed by Yoji Yamada (Twilight Samurai, the Hidden Blade) this quiet drama focuses on life as it existed before and during WWII. Although a tearjerker, Rainy Day never felt the story contrived; instead, she saw a great deal of beauty in the human situation, replete with honest laughter to balance the honest tears. The music is gorgeous, and fits the story. Yoji Yamada is rapidly becoming one of Rainy Day's most favorite directors. Teruyo Nogami is not without credentials on her own having spent 50 years with Akira Kurosawa.

Click here for trailer.  

It's time for Witch Hunts, again!

Season of the Witch

2011, 113 Minutes

English

4 Stars

Rainy Day doesn't much care for 'witch hunt' movies—too many in her family background—but she has to admit, this was great fun. Rainy Day is not a huge fan of Nicholas Cage, but she loves Ron Perlman, and in her mind, he carried the day, with Cage a superb help. If you want accurate history of the Plague Days or Crusades don't watch. If you want a fun movie with lots of great one-liners by Cage and Perlman, enjoy. This movie is fun, exciting, funny, dark, not too scary. It is the story of two courageous knights who give up warring and agree to transport a young girl/suspected witch for trial. She is suspected of spreading the Black Plague and must stand trial and be executed to save the world from its spread. Lots of laughs.

Click here for a trailer.

13 Assassins

13 Assassins

Japanese, English Subtitles

2010, 126 minutes

4 Stars

Rainy Day loves a good swordfight, as you all know, but she found the long slaughter a bit much in this movie. The first half of the movie is necessary set-up, the second half is the fight. Think Sam Peckinpah in a kimono directing the A Team. Takashi Miike is a wonderful director, and certainly goes for realism. Rainy Day did find herself mesmerized, and had to watch it to the end. She was certain the Bad Dude would die, then she wasn't so sure, and then she wondered if it was Good Dude A who would kill him, or Bad Dude B who would see the light. All in all, this movie was well done on all counts, and Rainy Day dropped it a star just because of the long slaughter. A strong film, violent and dark.

Click here for the official trailer.

Another Directed by Yoji Yamada!

The Hidden Blade

Japanese, English subtitles

2004, 132 Minutes

5 Stars

One of Rainy Day's all time favorite Japanese movies is The Twilight Samurai. The Hidden Blade ranks right next to it; both were directed by Yoji Yamada. This movie begins quietly, and builds as a low caste samurai must come face to face with his honor, his caste, and the woman he truly loves. Loyalty, honor, and virtue carry the day as the tension builds, and the battle must be won. The Way of the Sword shown at it's best, and most humane. This movie will appeal to both men and women. Though not one continuous sword fight, the ones there are fabulous. Dare Rainy Day say it? This is a thinking person's samurai movie;-)

 
Click here for a trailer.
Have you seen this one? What do you think? (Rainy Day has seen it twice and is considering buying it.)

You've got to be carefully taught

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade

Japanese, English subtitles

2006, 100 minutes

5 Stars

For those of you who love martial arts movies with a hint of sci-fi/fantasy, and special effects, this is a feast for the eyes! A story of 400 years of inter-clan war, forbidden love, and manipulation by the Shogun to eliminate the two warring tribes by forcing the best fighters to leave and duel to the death. Rainy Day is not a huge fan of 3D; however, because of this movie, she may have to rethink her thoughts when it comes out in 3D next year. It calls to mind the old song from South Pacific that you have to be carefully taught - to hate. And for 400 years the two ninja clans, Iga and Koga have been carefully taught to hate. Can love trump 400 years of carefully taught hate?

For those of you too young to remember South Pacific, click here for the song. 

For a trailer of the movie, click here.

To leave a comment, click below;-)

War is Never a Good Thing

Ugetsu

Japanese, English subtitles

1953, 97 minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day does not normally care for dark films; however, when the acting and the photography combine with a well written story, she finds herself drawn into the world on the screen. Such is Ugetsu. It is the story of two peasants who desire to better their lives, and how they leave their wives alone in war-torn 16th century Japan to cope on their own as they seek instant wealth. It is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest films ever made not to mention being a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. The three 'extra' interviews are well worth watching and will give even greater insight into the film and how the surreal scenes were filmed. While the movie is dark, and somewhat magical, it has a logical end, and (spoiler alert) not everyone dies.

Click on the title for a trailer

Biopic of HH the 14th Dalai Lama

Kundun

1997, English

135 minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day has long had an interest in the 14th Dalai Lama. She actually remembers when he escaped from Tibet, though the memories are hazy. When this movie played in theaters, Rainy Day couldn't attend and was therefore delighted to see it on Netflix the other day. Martin Scorsese directs a cast of non professional actors, including Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, a grandnephew of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. I had hoped for stunning photography of Tibet, but the film crews were not allowed in-country, and instead filmed in Morocco. Absolutely stunning photography. This beautiful movie is well worth the time to watch. Rainy Day agrees with other reviewers, the second hour is the most engrossing, as Kundun becomes an adult, and knows he will lose his country to his 'liberating' neighbor, China. Kundun received 4 Oscar nominations, and should have won them.

Click on title for 10 minute trailer

Entertainment at it's best - Jumong!

Jumong: Vol 1

2006, 7 Discs

Korean, Excellent subtitles

5 Stars

Rainy Day never said she was the brightest bulb in the box, and getting hooked on a 4 Volume series was, well, not expected. She has finished the first 20 episodes, and now impatiently waits for Volume 2. Based on early history (and myths) of Korea it is the story of Jumong, the young man bound for greatness and glory, as the man who unites the three kingdoms of Korea. There is palace intrigue, romance, sword fights galore and the best costumes Rainy Day has ever seen in a movie.  There are 81 episodes, of which Rainy Day has seen the first 20. These episodes are some of the best entertainment out there. The subtitles are superb, up long enough to actually read, as well as watch what's going on. Make the popcorn, grab a soda, and enjoy!

Click on the title for a 5 minute Youtube trailer; google Jumong and go down to Videos for Jumong for a variety of same 

And One for the Whole Family! (not a single sword fight)

The NeverEnding Story

English

1984, 94 minutes

10 out of 5 Stars

Rainy Day watched one of her all time favorite movies, again. Although she knows the story, knows the end, she still cries a wee bit at the end, and cheers when the Luck Dragon comes. This is a story the whole family can enjoy. Rainy Day is sorry it has never won awards – it should! The sets alone are worth something, the story is charming and filled with fantasy and mystery and beauty. This movie is for the young (Netflix says 8+) and young at heart—anyone wanting an entertaining movie. True, the special effects are, well, from 1984, but the story is so involving, you really don't notice them that much. Even Paco Belle (Rainy Day's dog) enjoyed the movie. Especially Falcor, the Luck Dragon;-) It's the most entertaining 90 minutes you'll see in a long time!

trailer is linked to title above

Have you seen this movie? How many times?

The Sword of Doom

The Sword of Doom

Japanese, English subtitles

1966, 121 minutes

Tatsua Nakadai, Mifune Toshiro

5 Stars

This is not a happy movie, and unless you have a very warped sense of humor, Rainy Day suggests you pass on it. However, if you like superb acting, and are an aficionado of action photography, and don't mind a movie that explores the depths of evilness, then this is the movie for you. The mood is dark, the film severe and serious. Tatsuya Nakadai's performance as a man who is evil to the core, not because he wants he wants money or power, just because he can be, is spellbinding. Some of the absolute best swordfights Rainy Day has seen, with amazing action. Mifune Toshiro is also in the movie, and his solemn phrase, "The sword is the soul" is the key to unlocking this treasure, dark as it is.

Trailer linked to title, above

Harakiri

Harakiri

Japanese, English Subtitles

133 minutes, 1962

Won: Cannes Special Jury Prize

5 Stars

Filmed in black and white, which adds to it's intensity and drama, Harakiri is a study in human emotion and is one of the classic samurai, or rather, antisamurai movies. An older ronin goes to a feudal lord's home and requests permission to commit harakiri in the courtyard. Before he does, he tells his story. Rainy Day wasn't sure she would like it but found it fascinating. Harakiri shows the 'true' code of honor of the samurai v. the appearance of honor maintained by the elites. If you want lots of sword fights and action, this is not the movie for you. If you want a superb script, great acting, and the possibility of actually thinking, then this is the movie for you.

Rainy Day says this is not a 'feel good' movie, but is definitely worth the investment of time to watch. Also, there is an interesting introduction, which explains the movie. For a trailer, please click on the title, above.

Mifune Toshiro in Another Great Movie

Samurai Rebellion

2 hours 1 minute

Japanese, English subtitles

5 stars

As you know, Rainy Day has a deep and abiding lust for Toshiro Mifune. She was not disappointed in this film. This is the story of an aging samurai vassal and how he defies, with quiet calm, his lord, in order to save his honor, his son and his wife, and his family. Basically, the lord forces the son into marrying a concubine who displeased him, after she produced a son, and then, when that child becomes the heir apparent, the lord demands his concubine back. Unfortunately she and her new husband love each other. Mifune's character had been henpecked for twenty years, and he quietly defies his wife and her family, his lord and his minions, and fights for what he believes is right. A study on Japan and the feudal system, and doing what is right.

Rainy Day would like to know if you've seen this movie, and what you thought about it.

For a trailer, click on the title, above

labels: Drama, Japanese movie, Mifune Toshiro,

Thank Goodness Eye Candy has No Calories!!

Fox Volant of theSnowy Mountain

Last discs (series)

Mandarin or Cantonese, English subtitles

5 stars

Rainy Day finally made it through all 8 discs and the one thing she knows for certain: It's a darned good thing Eye Candy contains no calories!!!  Many good fights, good love stories, some bad love stories, lots of lush costumes. True, there are times when it's difficult to suspend one's disbelief, and the time lines appeared 'off' now and then. However, the marvelous subtitles made up for it! Admittedly, Rainy Day wasn't sure she wanted to watch the last two episodes this morning – because once she'd seen them, the story would end, and it was great fun. Rainy Day's biggest gripe? None of the credits or writing were translated. However, she is now downloading the novel, Flying Fox of Snowy Mountain by Jin Yong from Wuxiapedia.com  Cut the Clap! and rent it!

When you have watched the series, please, comment. Rainy Day wants to know your reaction and thoughts about it. For a You Tube Trailer, please click on the title above.

More on the Handsome Flying Fox(es)

Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain 

Discs 2, 3 of 8 discs (series)

Mandarin, English subtitles

5 stars

Rainy Day is now very frustrated that the discs don't come quite as fast as she finishes them. After viewing 3 discs (15 episodes) she is totally hooked. The costuming is sumptuous (when they got off Snowy Mountain, they took their coats off). The theme music during opening credits is a bit off-putting, but doesn't intrude in the movie. Rainy Day would like to take a couple of the characters (a mother and her daughter) and teach them some manners. They are both spoiled, and the child whines too much. Rainy hoped a visit to the Valley of the Poison King would cure it. Rainy Day is of the notion that children should be seen and not heard. The subtitles are downright hilarious at times. Eat your heart out, Jay Leno.

There is some fantastic kung fu in this series and great photography. Rainy Day is pretty sure the director was a student of Kurosawa. Have you seen any of the series yet? Are you going to? Your loss, if you don't.

For the You Tube trailer, click on the title, above

Flying Fox of Snow Mountain (Fox Volant of...)

Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain

Disc 1 of 8 discs (series)

Mandarin, English subtitles

5 stars

After the previous series try, with so much "Gu Gu" and "Gor," Rainy Day admittedly hesitated to start another series. However, Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain found her on the edge of the sofa more often than not. The costuming isn't all that rich (it's called Snowy Mountain for a reason) but is interesting, the photography great, and the sword fights are plentiful and wonderful (and all do not end in death or dismemberment!) This TV series was adapted from the popular novel of Louis Cha. The subtitles are a little odd, but passable. Actually, they add to the humor with quotes like, "a teeth for a teeth." Each disc has 5 episodes, and Rainy Day eagerly awaits Discs 2 & 3. If you like Asian movies/TV, this is a feast.

Rainy Day finally had to look up the word, 'volant' just to be sure she had it right. It means: 1. having the wings extended as if in flight – used as a heraldic bird, 2. flying or capable of flying, 3. quick, nimble. Which should give you, gentle readers, a fair guess as to the kinds of kung fu you will see in the movie!

Something for the young and young at heart

The Last Airbender, PG

English

103 minutes

Several 'Worst' Awards

4 Stars

Rainy Day is not at all familiar with the Airbender series, in fact, she didn't know about the series until she watched the movie. Not knowing the story ahead of time did not diminish her enjoyment. This movie was pure fantasy and escape. It tells the story of Aang, the young reluctant Avatar who is the only one to bend air, earth, fire and water to his will. He runs away, to return a hundred years later, still a youth, to fulfill his destiny and save the Earth from the Firebenders. Rainy Day liked this movie almost as much as she remembers liking The Never Ending Story. If you want sparkling dialog, and Academy Award acting, don't bother. If you just want to escape to another time and place and have fun doing so, watch The Last Airbender.

Have you seen The Last Airbender? Did you find it difficult to follow the story? Did you enjoy it? Does Rainy Day just have weird tastes when it comes to movies? What movie have you seen lately? Would you write a review for this site? (Rainy Day admits, she also truly enjoyed The Last Action Hero. Perhaps she was the only one who did so.)

Exciting Eye Candy!

Thor 

English

114 minutes, 2011

5 stars (PG 13)

Basically, all Rainy Day expected from Thor was a healthy share of eye candy. She was not disappointed. The surprise for Rainy Day came in the story. It was not just a rework of the old myths, but a modern day super-hero story of Thor and why he was banished from Asgard by his father Odin Allfather, and the deceit of his brother, Loki. Great battle scenes with Thor and his hammer, a bit of a love interest with a mortal, and a delightful interpretation of Asgard. All in all, it was exciting, lots of humor, good fight scenes, and an entertaining movie. Rainy Day thinks movies should be entertaining escape from the everyday life she lives. She was not disappointed with Thor. Eye candy. Remember. Chris Hemsworth as Thor is definitely eye candy. Can he act? Who cares?

Have you seen Thor? What did you think of it?

Cheers and Tears, A Guest Review

Cheers and Tears – The Booze Cruise

English

2003, 120 minutes

1st of 3 discs

A hilarious series of television films that originally aired on Britain's ITV in 2003, Cheers & Tears follows a group of polar-opposite friends who gather for unlucky road trips, peculiar pranks and other shenanigans, with petty arguments a constant.  Plenty of British humor and interesting characters.  This is the first DVD in a set of three and covers a day trip to France to stock up on wine.  Various misfortunes befall the five men and their wives who stayed home.  There is a very funny scene when a couple of the wives decide to do a little wine tasting of their own.  The other movies in the set are the Treasure Hunt and the Scattering. And yes, I have taken that very same day trip for the same reason.

This review is by Carole, a Brit friend of Rainy Day. She love the movie, so I'm assuming it gets high ratings from her. Have you seen this movie? What did you think of it?

Have you seen a good movie lately? Please consider writing a review. Contact Rainy Day through this blog, or her email (upper right side of page)

Condor Hero, Disc (yawn) 2

Condor Hero

Chinese, English Subtitles

Disc 2 of 9 discs

4 stars

Rainy Day started Disc 2 last night, and isn't really sure how much she'll watch. The music is annoying – too modern for the film/story – and, well, Rainy Day figured out what's really bugging her. It's a soap opera with Martial Arts. The photography is still marvelous, and the costuming is still gorgeous, the Martial Arts superb, but how many times can the Hero (Gor) call out for the Heroine (Gu Gu) and vice versa?? The subtitles seem a bit better, it's just that Rainy Day has a hard time with most soap operas. Also, in all honesty (that is the best, is it not?) this disc was meant to be seen one episode weekly, not 5 in a night. If I watched one a week, I would be hanging onto my sofa waiting for the next episode.

Have you seen this series? Does it get better? Should Rainy Day just 'lighten up'? Perhaps the novel is better?

From a Guest Blogger

Winter in Wartime

Dutch, English Subtitles

103 minutes, 2008
4 Stars

This is a Dutch movie, beautifully acted and filmed.  Its takes place during the winter of 1945, the last year of World War 2.  It’s the story of a 14 year old boy growing up in a town that is occupied by the German army.  His father is the local mayor and appears to be on good terms with the Germans.  The boy finds a British pilot, whose plane was shot down and has been wounded when he bailed out.  The boy hides him, but must enlist the aid of his sister to treat his wounds.  There is a shortage of food, so he must steal food for the Englishman.  After his father is arrested, and also several of his friends, he alone must help the pilot escape from Holland.  There are some heart wrenching scenes in this movie.

Carole would like to know if you've seen this movie, and did it follow your impressions of the last days of World War 2?

Today's review is by Carole, a friend of Rainy Day, and another inveterate movie-watcher. Carole watches a completely different type of movie, so Rainy Day thought it would be nice for her gentle readers to get a different perspective now and then. If you would like to submit a review of a movie you like, please let Rainy Day know through the comments section of this blog.