The Sea is Watching

The Sea is Watching

Japanese, English Subtitles

2002, 118 minutes

5 Stars

The last screenplay written by Akira Kurosawa, it was directed by Kei Kuwai using Kurosawa's script and notes. It is the story of two women (prostitutes) who live and work in a brothel (not to be confused with Geisha, which they were not). One, O-Shin refuses to accept she is a fallen woman, and falls in love with her customers, hoping one will return that love. The other, Kikuno, has two suitors, one a kind and gentle man the other not. This is a story of sisterhood, of how the women support each other, and what happens when a stranger, Ryosuke, arrives and how he affects the women. It is a gentle movie of love, hope, and survival in a world that doesn't care.

For a trailer, click here.

The Great Yokai War

The Great Yokai War

Japanese, English Subtitles

2005, 124 minutes

4 Stars

Grab a glass of your favorite libation, a bowl of your favorite munchies, and toss your disbelief out the window. Rainy Day wasn't sure where this was going until about midway through when the movie stopped, a disclaimer was shown, and nothing but wonderful laughs followed. A 10-year-old boy, not the bravest of the bunch, gets sucked into a spirit world where he must fight and win, or else.... The villains are modern and villainous. The scrap metal robots are marvelous, and become quite the scene stealers in a couple of places. Thankfully, Takashi Miike left his gruesome side at the other studio and just brought us fun spirits, a screaming hero, and great battle scenes. It is a movie the whole family can enjoy together (well, at least 10 and older).

Trailer