Ronin

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Robert De Niro stars as an American intelligence operative adrift in irrelevance since the end of the Cold War--much like a masterless samurai, a.k.a. "ronin." With his services for sale, he joins a renegade, international team of fellow covert warriors with nothing but time on their hands. Their mission, as defined by the woman who hires them (Natascha McElhone), is to get hold of a particular suitcase that is equally coveted by the Russian mafia and Irish terrorists. As the scheme gets underway, De Niro's lone wolf strikes up a rare friendship with his French counterpart (Jean Reno), gets into a more-or-less romantic frame of mind with McElhone, and asserts his experience on the planning and execution of the job--going so far as to publicly humiliate one team member (Sean Bean) who is clearly out of his league. The story is largely unremarkable--there's an obligatory twist midway through that changes the nature of the team's business--but legendary filmmaker John Frankenheimer (Seconds, The Manchurian Candidate) leaps at the material, bringing to it an honest tension and seasoned, breathtaking skill with precision-action direction. The centerpiece of the movie is an honest-to-God car chase that is the real thing: not the how-can-we-top-the-last-stunt cartoon nonsense of Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon), but a pulse-quickening, kinetic dance of superb montage and timing. In a sense, Ronin is almost Frankenheimer's self-quoting version of a John Frankenheimer film. There isn't anything here he hasn't done before, but it's sure great to see it all again. --Tom Keogh

Description

In a world where loyalties are easily abandoned and allegiances can be bought, a new and deadlier terrorist threat has emergedfree agent killers! Featuring "high-octane action" (Gene Shalit, "Today"), a "first-rate cast" (L.A. Daily News) and exhilarating car chases that "are nothing short of sensational" (The New York Times), Ronin is "the real deal in action fireworks" (Rolling Stone) directed by "a master of intelligent thrillers" (Roger Ebert). The Cold War may be over, but a new world order keeps a group of covert mercenaries employed by the highest bidder. These operatives, known as "Ronin," are assembled in France by a mysterious client for a seemingly routine mission: steal a top-secret briefcase. But the simple task soon proves explosive asother underworld organizations vie for the same prize...and to get the job done, the members of Ronin must do something they've never done beforetrust each other!

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best.......2007-08-25

One of the best spy movies made in recent years. DeNiro delivers as he always does. An alleged former CIA agent hunts down a wanted IRA terrorist. All well appearing to be a gun for hire tracking other terrorists. Great action.

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

Ronin 1998 (Two-Disc Collector's Edition).......2007-08-25

In a world where loyalties are easily abandoned and allegiances can be bought , a new and deadliner terrorsit threat has emerged - Free agent killer ! Featuring * High Octane* and exhilirating car chases that are nothing short of sensational is real deal in action fireworks directed by * a master og intelligent thrillers * . The coold War might be over , but a new world order keeps a group og covert mercenaries employed by the higgest didder . These Operative known as *RONIN* , Are essembled in France by a mysterious client for a seemingly routine mission: Steal a top-secret briefcase . But the simple task soon proves explosive as other underworld organazation vie for the same price ... and get the job done , the members of RONIN must ddo something they've never done before - trust each other . Many Special features . High Quality transfer . Recommended .

Ronin is great in all areas.......2007-07-30

Ronin, which features several superbly done car chase scenes is one of the better movies I have purchased in a long time. This movie is a masterpiece of storytelling and stars Robert De Niro as a man who hires on with a special collective group of people with various skill sets to apprehend a silver case that a man is transporting. There is turmoil in the ranks and you never know what is around the next corner or who the next person to stab you in the back will be. Amazing, and I mean AMAZING car chase scenes that rival the old Bullitt film starring Steve McQueen which up to this movie was not really challenged with that. There are intense moments that take place all throughout France including a great scene at a figure skating venue. Five stars because this truly is great storytelling and acting.

Car chase spectacular!.......2007-07-25

OK not the best action movie out there, but for $4.99 at wholesale club a terrific buy! Crank up the 5.1 stereo and hold on. If you don't love car chases don't buy this movie, it's full of 'em. This is an action packed, shoot em up blast. Goes well with the Bourne series. Enjoy the squealing of those tires!

Watchable.......2007-07-13

If not for De Niro and Jean Reno, I wouldn't have imagined what the movie would have been. The plot was almost predictable. Sean Bean added some colour to the movie. The action sequences weren't exactly fantastic although I will have to give the writers some credit for executing some rather clever parts in the movie. Still worth watching though.

Ronin Warriors - Complete Collection (Books 1 and 2)

Average customer rating:

Buyer hints
The Advent of the Ronin Warriors
freakin' awesome
I love this cartoon
HELLO!!! FINALLY!!!

Ronin Warriors - Complete Collection (Books 1 and 2)
Starring: Ronin Warriors
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002MHE8W
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Buyer hints.......2007-02-07

Please check the version that you choose to buy. There are two versions of this boxed set, one is the real deal and the other is a bootleg. I'm not sure which version this one is because the one I purchased was labled as the official set. It wasn't till it came that I knew that it was labled Legandary Armor Samurai Troopers and was badly subtitled throughout the first five disks. That fact didn't really bother me because I know the story backwards and fowards and I also know some Japanese, but that might bother someone not that familiar with the anime. Of course there is always the option of watching the dubed version which I haven't seen any errors in.

Ways You Can Tell A Bootleg While Shopping Online:
1)It says Region All or Region Code None
2)Fewer disks - The official Boxed set has 12 disks and the bootleg only has eight

Ways You Can Tell A Bootleg After You Get It:
1)The Box has a compleatly different cover than the one advertised
2)The Box has the Japanese name instead of the English one
3)You go to watch the subtitled version only to relize that there are large gaps in the subtitling causing confusuion in the storyline.
4)the picture appears grany (I didn't have this problem, but it does happen from time to time)
5)You notice steps 1 & 2 in how to spot a bootleg online (in the event of false advertising)

I hope this helps. Ja ne!

The Advent of the Ronin Warriors.......2006-05-07

This BOX SET is a long time coming. Ronin Warriors has always been another of my few favorite anime cartoons I was graced to see on Cartoon Network's TOONAMI at a young age back in the late 90s' and 2000. This is the kind of Anime that shows quality even after several years. RONIN WARRIORS had a storyline that before the final series and last OVA was something of a marvel in its own right. The delivery of the TALPA story arcs and the mini arcs were written wonderfully; The characters were not so much as nice to look at as they were diverse and flawed characters with problems when it came to their armors. Even the villains had problems within their ranks besides having a hard time defeating the young warriors. The overall storylines premise is not so complex as it is dramatic (but overly so like some boy-oriented animes). With the end of Ronin Warriors (YST) it was apparent that an OVA was bound to follow its processor. In a final bout of not so well produced OVAs and Mini-series, YOROIDEN SAMURAI TROOPERS is followed by "GAIDEN" - "LEGEND OF THE INFERNO ARMOR" - and "MESSAGE." In 2002 an English adaptation of these three series was produced.

[THE SERIES]:

STORYLINE (RONIN WARRIORS): One day, Mia Koji and her grandfather decipher an ancient prophecy that describes the coming of a dark force that would shadow the mortal world and bring ruination to it. These things seem to be coming true when a news report televises a boy and large white tiger that happens to be causing quite a commotion in Shinjuku. Mia's grandfather recognizes him as a Ronin Warrior, a savior of the mortal world. As prophesied a dark shadow befalls the city of Japan and all denizens are captured, save for a boy named Yulie and Mia (respectfully). Ryo and his tiger White Blaze combat against a demon soldier sent by lord Talpa himself. He is joined by four others, Rowen of Strata, Sage of Halo, Cye of Torrent, and Kento of Hardrock. Together (in a sense) they defeat the Foot Soldier only to be told by the dark lord Talpa, the demon lord of the Netherworld, he intends on taking the mortal world for his own. At his side are his four Dark Warlords (Demon Generals), Anbuis of Cruelty, Dais of Illusion, Skemet of Venom, and Cale of corruption and darkness. From there the storyline chronicles the five cocky Ronin Warriors being separated in their second battle to trying to understand their armors better and so forth. They are assisted by Mia Koji (Nasuti Yagyu), a young student-teacher, and a mysterious warrior-monk known only as The Ancient (Kaos). From there it only gets better but, Ronin Warriors does manage to fall flat on its back in some areas of the series after Talpa's so called defeat. There were semi story arcs concerning the INFERNO ARMOR of Hariel. From Sarenbou to Lord Saberstrike and others, the arc of Ryo and the power draining Hariel armor soon became increasingly tiresome to a point where you frankly didn't care if Ryo beat the badie or not. You just wanted the Talpa to return and fast. And in the final story arc, Talpa seems close to world domination as he captures three of the five Ronin Warriors. Ryo and Rowen nearly powerless to stop him and his new foot-solider, Lady Kayura. This in my opinion is best story arc since the first one in the very beginning. Sure, it follows almost the same formula the first arc had but does it with more depth. The characters were better, the villains were villainous, and the drama was excellent. It was an overall excellent way to end the series. 4/5

CHARACTERS (RONIN WARRIORS): One of the many problems I had with this series as a kid were the characters: Ryo and Yulie annoyed me the most, while Mia was simply disliked because of her outfit and her constantly being kidnapped with Yulie. Ryo I didn't favor so much because he was so over dramatic and quick to start the waterworks through his anger when things seemed their bleakest (usually concerning the Inferno Armor). But this dislike soon diminished when he got a little tougher and acted more like the "unofficial" leader near the end. The other characters, Sage, Rowen, Kento, Cye, and the Warlords were the most interesting for me. Sage and Rowen were the usual cool and collected personalities to balance out Kento's hot-headedness and Cye's hesitance to battle (in the OVAs any how). Kento and Cye were naturally the comic-relief but not so to the point that they were stereotyped in the way most people are used to. The five Ronins cannot be the loners in truth, because they cannot win alone or think their strength alone can defeat the dynasty. They all have to work, rely, and trust each other (and themselves) for their armors work in perfect unity. They all do eventually create a strong bond of friendship through hardship. The four Warlords and Kayura were complex characters, but ultimately corrupt and misguided souls who were too cool to hate. Talpa was the greatest villain throughout the entire series, never hesitant in what he had to achieve. At a more wiser age I seriously couldn't see why I disliked Ryo or Mia. Yulie remains undecided with me. - 4/5

ANIMATION/BACKGROUND (RONIN WARRIORS): I'll be the first to admit that the animation for Roinin Warriors in the beginning wasn't so stellar but it was far from horrible for a show created in the late 1980s. The series was known for using rehash scenes for battles or other things. Some the animation movements for the characters of vehicles were jerky or lame. (What cartoon isn't?). The animation for the series at that time only got better as it progressed. Simple things like the transformation scenes and sword fighting, physical combat showed off improvements. - 4/5; The backgrounds for the series were nicely drawn which is good thing - the paintings for rocky mountains and Talpa's castle were probably the best things to stare at in the background, other than that most of it was pretty average or just there for details. - 3/5

MUSIC (RONIN WARRIORS): The music for Ronin Warrirors was the next best thing in the series. Composed by Osamu Tozuka the score for the series is a great joy to listen to. Perhaps not as moving or dramatic as Kou Ohtani's score for Gundam Wing but just as good. By now, unlike Gundam Wing, Yoroiden Samurai Trooper soundtracks have been out of print for some years now. Finding them beyond the reaches of Ebay is a slim to none chance, respectfully. Nevertheless the Tozuka created a wide range of musical themes that spanned from Jazzy, melancholy piano solos (great for Ryo angst), to 80s styled rock. Even themes that sounded like they would be better placed in a peaceful moments went well with action sequences. Guitar and electric piano solos were barely spared throughout the series (especially during INFERNO transformation), the theme songs performed by Moriguchi Hiroko and Uranishi Mariko matched the atmosphere of drama of RW and thensome. However, Tozuka's downfall with the YST score is that sometimes, there were some pieces that was so overly dramatic or sappy that I wanted to gag when I watched the scene or listened to the music play in the background. Overall its not bad 80s styled music. - 4/5

VOICE ACTING (RONIN WARRIORS): Provided by, if not the well known, OCEAN GROUP of Vancouver, Canada, Ronin Warriors had ensemble of familiar and not so familiar voice actors lending their vocals to the enigmatic characters of the heroes and villains. In the first episode the VA's seemed comfortable in the positions of the Ronin Warriors, though there were some moments where they sounded kind of lame script wise ("You cruel devil, let them go now!" - Kento), but all in all they weren't bad. Matt Hill brings a silly serious kind of personality to Ryo of the Wildfire, with a recognizable "surfer dude" accent. Michael Donovan most notably lend his voice for the characters Sage and Cye, pulling off an almost good English accent for Cye and gruff American accent for Sage. I really wasn't too thrilled to find out Matt Smith was voicing Sage instead of Donovan in the OVAs. Jason Gray-Stanford is probably the best VA for Kento in the entire English dub production. I was sorely disappointed when they replaced him with Andrew Francis (Escaflowne, Monster Rancher) in the OVAs. He didn't have the same quirky and charismatic voice as Standford had. My favorite voice actor out of the four mentioned has to be Ward Perry; His Brooklyn accent for Rowen was the best and it made the character unique as far as the English dub for RW went.

I hated it when he decided to drop the accent and opt for his "Gades" (of Escaflowne) accent in the OVA as well. It was like he got lazy or something. Paul Dobson, Richard Newman, Matt Smith, & Ward Perry were all excellent choices for the Dark Warlords. In the question of Lady Kayura's voice actor, I favor Jane Perry's characterization of the female warrior over Masako Katsuki's. Mostly because Jane Perry's trademark laughter and delivery of lines is better than Katsuki's, not because the Japanese VA is horrible. On the contrary. However, the best of the villainous voices had to the gender-questionable Mina Mina as Talpa. Whether or not this is a man or woman remains to be seen, but this actor was probably the BEST voice actor in the entire series. He/she performed perfectly as the dark lord and pulled of his/her lines amazingly it gave me chills. Lastly, Lalainia Lindbjerg (DBZ - Bulma Briefs) and Christopher Turner were an amazing Mia Koji and Yuil when compared Maggie Blue O'Hara and Danny McKinnon. However, the one time the English dub messed up was in the second Episode "Glory for Anubis." Most of the voice actors (except Matt Hill, Paul Dobson and others) were completely changed or characterized differently.

Mia was voiced by STARGATE SGI-1 fame Teryl Rothery, Peter Wilds voiced both Kale and Dais. The script was even bad, Matt Hill said "Flare up now" at the wrong time and did a less than stellar performance in this episode. I was glad when everything was normal by the third episode, though this kind of problem was noted again in the later episode "Warriors Return" -- in which Ryo rushes to save Rowen and the others from captivity (Kale is voiced by another actor: Supposedly Scott McNeil or Peter Wilds again). - ENGLISH 4.1/5. As for the Japanese voice acting: It too was excellent for Japanese voice acting standards, the pronunciation of their names was a bit strange for me at first -- Mia's Japanese name sounded like the group was saying "Nasty" and not Nasutei----. If anything, the Japanese dub has better information on the original storyline for the series itself as opposed to the changes in RW. Another plus is that Ryo was voiced by a male actor and not female, as were the others if memory except Cye serves. Their vocal performance overall sends a charge through me, especially when they cry "BUSO! - REKKA (Tenkuu, Kongo, Korin, and Suiko)!" and their sure-kills. Their overall energy from the actors is what makes the Japanese dub better than the English dub. - Japanese - 5/5

DVD: The DVD has none of the obvious BANDAI special features (trailer previews), maybe the credits section and scene selection but that's about it. Manufactured as a Duel Disc, the Japanese version of Ronin Warriors (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) is placed on the second side of the DVD complete with the usual ENGLISH subtitles. The downfall of this BANDAI produced DVD set is that none of the DVDs have 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound along with the usual 2.0 sound, which is a major disappointment when you've got a theater system wanting to be used to its full extent. Another I have with the DVD production is the need for two-sided discs. It would've been mightily simpler to two both Languages and Episode formats on one disk. Yes, it would've meant the loss of the YST DVD menu (it would've been better if there were animated menus anyhow) but it wouldn't have made a difference I suppose. ---- 3/5

[THE OVAs]:

[GAIDEN & INFERNO]:

(GIADEN): While "Gaiden" is probably regarded as the most plotless of the three OVAs. But it is most possibly the more faithful, for the atmosphere to Ronin Warriors/YST is maintained in this two part OVA. The plot is fairly simple: A couple of NYC mooches are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time when they decide to taunt and tease a mysterious figure, who in turn promptly kills them save one person. This figure turns out to be the armor of Halo. The armor is seemingly under the control of a dark priest named Shikaisen. Elsewhere Ryo Sanada is celebrating his 17th birthday (and Kento's big win on the lottery) and ponders the absence of Sage before overhearing a news report of an armored assailant killing several people in NYC. He proceeds to go to America without telling the others but Kento and Cye are quick to discover his plans and join him on the plan to New York. Meanwhile in NYC Rowen, Mia, and Yulie travel to the university Sage was supposed to have gone to inspect the authenticity of a sword supposed to belong to the Date family. They discover that he was never even there to begin with, thus they try to unravel the mystery of their friend's disappearance. From there the Ronin Warriors are forced to confront their ally [the armor of Halo] while searching for Sage. The animation for GAIDEN is a little more dated than the animation used in the series, which made me wonder if this was before or after the series. Of course such thoughts were truncated upon learning its release date (but anything's possible). You can visibly see the frames in each shot of the animation, most notably the opening theme and their transformation sequences. The music hails mostly from the series while adding a little something new, but is an ultimately cheesy 80s type soundtrack. The characters were pretty much the same in the series if not more mature. The original character Luna (or Runa) didn't pan out as much as I would've liked her to and she was dealt with in a lousy way as well. The romance between her and Ryo was nonsensical at best; They just met in the 1st episode and suddenly their becoming involved with each other. Unrealistic. The voice acting on the English dub is a major disappointment as expressed above; Most of the voice actors were replaced by different ones or the original voice actors really didn't put any sort of effort into characterizing the characters. An annoying point of the English dub is that they pronounce Ryo name RE-OH instead to RYE-OH (this did this in the English dub for "Princess Nine"). The Japanese is basically the best on the DVD and a welcome refuge. All in all Gaiden gets a 4/5.

(INFERNO): Inferno was my least favorite out of the two. While there seemed to be more substance in terms of storyline in this four part miniseries, it all felt much to melodramatic. The Ronin Warriors, are enjoying their summer vacation are suddenly thrust back into the world of heated battles that never seem to end when an African warrior appears in Japan and wordlessly challenges Ryo to battle. The warrior of wildfire tries his best to defeat the new "foe" but is outmatched in every aspect of their battle. Sage, Rowen, Kento and Cye don't fare well against the warrior either. Cye suddenly has a bout of reluctance for battle and refuses to part in any of their situation. After Ryo and Sage are captured, Cye runs off, abandoning his armor and his friends at the same time. Because of their separation, the warriors are easily manipulated by their armors. I really didn't like the plot where the white inferno armor is suddenly a corrupt and evil entity with no virtue of its own, bent on controlling the armors and their bearers. Its counterpart the black inferno armor and its bearer was a sort of lousy addition to the storyline as well. The animation was much better than GAIDEN, in every term of the word. You can truly see that the animators had more resources and time to put into the motion of the characters. However, in the final episode it starts to get patchy; Scenes like the ellipse, the Ronin's flash backs, and then the scene where the silent warrior's sweetheart and White Blaze are hit by the Inferno armors blast are the most visible notes of poor animation. The voice acting is the same in English, probably because I do not favor the changes. The Japanese dub is still the way to go if you want to watch this mini-series. - 3/5

(MESSAGE): Now this five part mini-series was just a plain waste of time and production. There is simply no rhyme or reason to it. MESSAGE was more or less a poor attempt to revitalize the YST series by introducing a so-called "villain" that "kidnaps" the Ronin Warriors, trapping them in new armor. Ryo goes to recuse them but in a manner I didn't expect and was disappointed by. This so-called villain is consumed with sorrow and hatred toward war and those who wage it due to a traumatizing moment in her childhood. So its only natural that she goes after the Ronin Warriors. But the sad part is that even if each episode focuses on the main characters (Rowen, Cye, Sage, Kento, and lastly Ryo), it does little to explain anything about MESSAGE's storyline if there was one. This was more or less an archive show, for there were mostly nothing but flashbacks from the series and previous OVA's with new footage thrown in as an added bonus. Twenty-one minutes of pure torture and pain, confusing dialogue trying to explain an unexplainable complex of the characters, choppy editing and Audio choices that does nothing to nullify the fact that this mini-series was pointless endeavor. I would sorely advise skipping this DVD and never watching it. Some things were better off left alone. --- 1/5

TOTAL: All in all the RONIN WARRIORS BOX SET is a must buy for fans of the show. However, if a little more thought had been put into the production of the DVDs and the OVAs themselves, then this was be a no-questions-asked buy. But every diamond has its flaws and Ronin Warrior's shows theirs. ---- [a 4 out of 5]

freakin' awesome.......2006-02-28

I ordered the Ronin Warriors set but when I received it, it turned out to be Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers, which is indeed the same thing. I love the series, I'm glad I bought it. The price was unbelievable (cheap) and it got to me monday after I ordered it the preceeding friday. This was only my second online shopping experience and I'm very pleased. However, I think things should be advertised as exactly what they are. In this case it didn't matter, but that might not be the case some other time...

I love this cartoon.......2005-10-12

I just really like this cartoon. Nice animation, interesting (and, in the case of Kento, quite amusing) characters, good plotline, really nice scenery. I seriously appreciate the Toonami people for this cartoon, but then I like all the cartoons they show, except for Thunder Cats.

HELLO!!! FINALLY!!!.......2005-06-05

My God what a relief! FINALLY this series has been released in its entirety. I watched this show at the age of 19 in the spring of '95 on WTXX channel 20 (Waterbury/Hartford/New Haven)and it BLEW MY MIND!!! The power that these characters exhibit is MIND-BLOWING! The situations they're put in and the villains they have to face are CRAZY! Not knowing if the main characters will get out alive, especially after you've come to like them, invested in them and become attached to them:this is what suspense is! And as all good writers know, suspense makes for great storytelling. For animation this is truely powerful stuff.That, I think, is why this series is so riveting. When the Ronins call out their main attack moves(and they are YELLING) it is PURE adrenaline! This is absolutely captivating entertainment! Beyond belief at times! As an animation enthusiast I was EXTREMELY impressed with this show. I've been upset for awhile that I couldn't find the entire series, as I had never seen all of the episodes largely because it was syndicated in my area. Only a few volumes with just 4 flimsy episopes apiece were released. After that, I hadn't heard or seen anything for years. And now this. WOO - HOO!YES!!! This show was the one thing that got me pumped at a bad time in my life, and it is one of the few good memories I have from that period. Originally relesed in 1989 in Japan and '95 in the U.S. This is well worth the price.

Average customer rating:

Live Feed
You want violence and Gore...well here it its........
great movie.
LIVE FEED (DVD)
Little porn shop of horrors

Live Feed
Starring: Johnson Phan , Ronin Wong , Mike Ching , Mike Wu , and Hansen Li
Director: Ryan Nicholson (II)
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GNOSFO
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Customer Reviews:

Live Feed.......2007-05-22

One of the good ones. Resly enjoyed the nudity but I am one of those guys.
Does have a good story line easy to follow.

You want violence and Gore...well here it its...............2007-03-20

Im not too crazy about these types of movies, but i did enjoy Hostel for
what it was...like a comic book. But this film, is surely different.
It mixes film and video..giving it a unequal look, it gives you gore +
violence ..in a kind of sadistic way.
These days, almost everthing goes....and the filmmakers know it.
Good for a viewing or two.

great movie........2007-03-10

Why this film got bad reviews I don't know I guess they don' like Horror films like Hostel. This film is brutal, gory, crazy, and henious which is what makes it so good. It also has a really good story. Highly recommended to gorehounds or if you are open minded and what to see a great thrilling film.

LIVE FEED (DVD).......2007-01-09

I PURCHASED THIS DVD AND I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE AND GORE. ESPECIALLY ON INNOCENT ANIMALS. I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THIS DVD TO THE FAINT OF HEART. ESPECIALLY TO PERSONS UNDER 18. THIS WAS CERTAINLY A BAD CHOICE OF PURCHASE ON MY PART.

Little porn shop of horrors.......2006-10-20

Live Feed really has very little to do with people being viewed by a network of video cameras, but saturates a typical teen/slasher flick with lots of blood and nudity. The plot is simple: A group of college age friends are on vacation for fun and thrills in Chinatown. They stumble across some mafia bad boys and are saved by another man who tries to tell them they are in for a lot of trouble. Later on that evening, they decide (although some reluctantly) to venture into a pornography view-theater. After renting a room in which the locks only work from the outside, the crew of friends suddenly become separated, and it's only then that they realize they are in for a night of bloody horror. Their only savior may be the man who saved them in the earlier altercation, if he can get to them before its too late! There are a million ways to judge a film like this, so I decided to break this one down into some categories. I must say that with low budget slashers, they can be good but the lack of star actors and special effects must be made up for in dialogue and character depth. This one pretty much fails at both.

Acting: Some of the actors are not bad, but the dialogue (girls trying in vain to act worried or scared at times, ridiculous rants of rage that come across as ridiculous) leaves little to be desired. At times when reading their lines, the actors talk in stoic, unemotional sentences like "Oh..no..It is LOCKED!! What..are..we going..to do! Yeah, I don't think we'll see anyone that was in this thing in anything else, anytime soon.

Gore Factor: It gets a B- and could have been higher, but here is why: Blood is not something that squirts straight out of a human stomach like a garden hose on high. Blood seeps. It soaks. It may spurt a little or in fact, spray, but it does not soar 3 feet into the air in a perfect fountain. I would think films such as this would get past this by now. Other than that it is one of the most gruesome films I have seen in a while. Impending doom is felt when the torture begins, so if you are looking for a bloodbath or something that is a poor man's "SAW" or "Hostel" then you may enjoy this.

Villain factor: The Chinese mafia are basically cardboard characters that really don't add much to the movie. Another knock on it is the fact that the butcher dude who does most of the killing is to recognizable. What I mean is, have some originality! The guy wears a leather apron and a leather hood with vertical bars on the mouth; complete with red swimming goggle lenses for the eyes.

Filming & Cinematic appeal: Again, if you like lots of blood and everything from mouths being stapled, spears through breasts and snakes down the throat, then this is your movie. Despite this porn shop of horrors, it really never comes across as that scary.

XXX factor: Yeah, for a while I didn't know if I was watching a teen slasher flick or I had accidentally rented something else. Lots of skin is bared in this.

Overall: Live Feed needs Real help. I try not to be to judgmental of low budget slashers, as they deserve their place in the movie market. This movie has pretty bad dialogue. Cut down on the cardboard actors, lessen the blood and make it a little more suspenseful. If you threw the team from "I know what you did last summer" in here, got rid of the wannabe leatherface and replaced him with that sadistic old ticket taker at the front door instead, and made it a little more believable (who in their right mind is going to rent a room with no windows or bed and not notice the hose, drain and blood that separates the two?) you may have a much better film, as far as these kind of films are concerned.

Average customer rating:

Dynamic Performance by Shintaro Katsu
Once were warriors
Sorry, not that good
When The Once Mighty Samurai Fall's On Hard Times!
Heart of Steel, Sword of Bamboo

Ronin Gai
Starring: Yoshio Harada , Kanako Higuchi , Shintarô Katsu , Moeko Ezawa , and Akira Nakao
Director: Kazuo Kuroki
Manufacturer: Homevision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00097DXTO
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Amazon.com

A powerful remake of a popular jidai geki (period drama) that was first filmed in 1928, Ronin Gai also marks the final appearance of Shintaro Katsu, the Japanese actor best known for his title role in the long-lasting Zatoichi film series. Also known as Street of the Masterless Samurai, this intense chambera (swordplay) drama is set on the outskirts of Edo in the 1830s, where aimless Ronin waste what's left of their obsolete careers, drinking sake in a shabby restaurant where prostitutes provide cheap sex while hoping to marry out of their miserable fate. When a rogue band of the local shogun's retainers start slashing the prostitutes in a ruthless, self-righteous murder spree, the drunken samurai must sober up and retaliate, leading to a climactic showdown in which the traitorous bodyguard named Bull (played by Katso) gets a chance to redeem himself in true samurai fashion. Produced to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of Japanese film pioneer Shozo Makino, Ronin Gai is primarily a tale of downtrodden people finding new purpose and hope amidst severe disadvantage, but director Kazuo Kuroki is equally adept with nihilist attitude and swift, bloody action sequences that are unflinchingly violent and not for the faint of heart. (Future cult director Takashi Miike served as assistant director here; he obviously learned from the experience.) Parallels to Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven are readily apparent, but Ronin Gai came first, and it's a must-see for fans of the samurai genre. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Kazuo Kuroki's international award-winning period drama was produced in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the death of Shozo Makino, "the father of Japanese films." Set in the 1830s near the end of the age of the samurai, Ronin Gai is populated by an ensemble of colorful characters, social outcasts who patronize a restaurant and brothel on the outskirts of Edo. Among them are prostitutes and masterless samurai reduced to drunkenness and debauchery. The disgraced and disillusioned former warriors get a chance at redemption when renegade samurai invade the area to murder the prostitutes.

Customer Reviews:

Dynamic Performance by Shintaro Katsu.......2007-06-18

I am a fan of Shintaro Katsu's blind swordsman movies and bought this movie, because I wanted to see how he changed and/or evolved as an actor, particularly in a completely different role. I was not disappointed. Even though Mr. Katsu's character does not endear him to the audience, he is still likeable, and I found myself overlooking his character's shortcomings. The ending, where his character redeems himself, gave me a satisfying albeit somewhat sad feeling. The movie itself was powerful, and the women's roles were ably portrayed and completely believable. Whether you are a Shintaro Katsu fan or just a fan of the genre, in general, I do not believe this movie will disappoint.

Once were warriors.......2007-03-05

"Ronin Gai" is almost a metaphor for the entire Samurai genre. Bereft of meaning, no longer following a cause, once powerful figures struggle to keep their dignity, or else they surrender to their despair and try to forget their faded glory in drink and easy pleasures. Comparisons are often made between this film and "Unforgiven", as both are transition films that bridge a maturing genre from something that has become a parody of itself into something that can still have a powerful message.

It features the final starring role of the legend Katsu Shintaro. Once famous for his role as the powerful and charming sword fighter Zatoichi, Katsu in his middle age had become a bloated pleasure seeker, and is hardly recognizable under the layers of fat and handsome face ruined by hard drinking. In perfect casting, Katsu plays the warrior Bull, a pathetic figure who earns money for his liquor by working as a bouncer for a local brothel. His story is entangled with three other former samurai, Magohachiro, who sells birds for a living and is attempting to regain his position with a local lord, Gennai Aramaki, a powerful warrior who lives for nothing but alchohol and women, but holds the heart of a beautiful prostitute, and Gonbei Tanomo, the only one who reserves a vestige of dignity in his faded state.

The four are brought together when a overzealous band of retainers of the Shogun begin murdering prostitutes, considering them a taint on the honor of the samurai tradition. Because of their status, they are untouchable by the local authorities, but for former samurai with nothing to lose find that they are not so far gone as to stand up for the lowly who cannot protect themselves.

The story of "Ronin Gai" is very dark, and deals with heavier themes than are usually found in the genre. It still retains the pacing of classic chambara, with a long slow build up to an explosive finish. The action and sword fighting are excellent, showing that even someone as weathered by life as Katsu Shintaro can still stand tall in the saddle when the old passion strikes.

Sorry, not that good.......2007-01-11

Sorry, I have to disagree with the favorable reviews about this movie. The character development was not good, the editing in some scenes poor, and the action was...sloppy. I really tried to like the movie because I'm a big fan of Chanbarra film, but Ronin Gai will never be placed in my 'must have' catagory. It does not possess the quality or class of any Akira Kurosawa samurai epic.

When The Once Mighty Samurai Fall's On Hard Times!.......2007-01-01

"Ronin Gai," is an excellent film. Set in 1836, the film follows the story of four ronin who have been stripped of their titles. Ronin, who are masterless samurai, became more commonplace in Japan when their services were no longer needed; especially as Japan had become united under the Tokugawa Shogunate; and therefore with warfare behind them there was little else for them to do; other than to sell there services to whomever required it. Yet, for many, there was no work period. With many clans no longer employing their samurai, and letting them go out on their own, many samurai, [soon to be ronin] became poor and cynical. The Bushido code was what the samurai aspired to, yet this did not put food on the table, or clothes on their families backs.

In the absence of strife, which would employ the ronin, the film opens showing the main characters who have fallen on hard times. There is 'Bull Akaushi (the late Katsu Shintaro, of 'Zatoichi' fame), Gennai Aramaki (Yoshio Harada), Horo (Renji Ishibashi) and Oshin (Kanako Higushi). When these four ronin are hired as thugs, bouncers, or anything to make a living to support their drinking, they fall into despair. As one of the reviewers wrote in his title, 'The Seven Samurai meet the Iceman Cometh.' As a result of having a lower status in society now, these ronin no longer look up to, or abide by the Bushido code: As they now must do whatever is necessary in order to survive. The consumption of large amounts of sake to help drown out their problems, while keeping the company of prostitutes, helps them to alleviate their misery.

The first 2/3 of the film basically deals with the brothel, and life of the ronin and Geisha's who are part of the established area that these ronin have now grown accustomed to, while the latter 1/3 of the film deals with more action. However, the character development and plots narrative follow a very good storyline in dealing with the two worlds of these ronin and the Geishas. However, something happens which will give meaning to these ronin. In the film, someone is murdering prostitutes in the nearby forest. The geishas ask the ronin for help in protecting them. Finally, there is a second chance for these ronin who have forgotten their code and dignity. The film, directed by Kazuo Kuroki, is an excellent morality tale of how these four ronin try and regain that lost honor, which they once lived by: Master or no master. The film is highly recommended, and belongs in your cinema collection.

Heart of Steel, Sword of Bamboo.......2006-11-19

For a comprehensive and excellent review, see Kim Anehall's comments. A tiny bone to pick, however, is the assessment of the close of the opening duel, when the bystander rushes to the fallen duelist and exchanges swords with the slain man. After he absconds with his prize, it becomes clear that the sword he has left with the corpse is bamboo ( another character breaks it in outrage). This indicates the extreme poverty of the thief, since he has clearly been forced by circumstance to sell his sword and has carried a bamboo sword to conceal this disgrace . A similar circumstance occurs in the more recent "Twilight Samurai" when the viewer is told that Sanada Hiroyuki's character had to sell his sword to bury his wife.
The final battle contains some of the best swordplay ever filmed; and oh, that Katsu Shintaro, perhaps his most poignantly heroic scene ever!

Samurai X - The Motion Picture (Rurouni Kenshin)

Average customer rating:

Samurai X - The Motion Picture way too boring
Not all that great to me. Nothing new at all.
should have been ruroni kenshin: the movie
A fitting continuation of the epic saga
Oh my

Samurai X - The Motion Picture (Rurouni Kenshin)
Director: Hatsuki Tsuji
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000056HOW
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Amazon.com

Although it boasts plenty of sword fights, martial arts combat, and odd, orange blood, Samurai X offers deeper and more sensitive characterizations than typical anime samurai epics. Based on the manga by Noboru Watsuki, the film centers on questions about the nature of Japanese society during the years following the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. Kenshin Himura and his friends Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Yahiko seem like an ordinary, slightly goofy quartet. But red-haired Kenshin is an expert swordsman; tall, lanky Sanosuke, a martial arts master; adolescent Yahiko, a samurai-in-training. Kaoru fills the role of outspoken anime heroine. An ugly encounter with some drunken British sailors introduces Kenshin and his friends to the noble Takimi Shigure and lovely Toki Takatsuki. Shigure leads a group opposed to the Meiji government, which they believe is corrupting Japanese culture, and his ill-conceived attempt at rebellion brings him into conflict with Kenshin. A key fighter in the Restoration, Kenshin received scars on his soul that mark him more decisively than the X on his cheek; he weeps for the needless bloodshed he helped to unleash. Director Hatsuki Tsuji builds subtle visual patterns of downward motions--falling tears, fluttering bamboo leaves, the deadly stroke of a sword, Kenshin's spectacular leaps--to create a film with an unusually satisfying resolution. Not rated; suitable for ages 14 and up for violence. --Charles Solomon

Description

The war against the Tokugawa Shogunate ended years ago. But there are some who are not happy with the outcome. Shigure Takimi watched his friends and family get slashed down in the name of freedom and prosperity. Now he and a band of desparate rebels have sworn to settle one final score. Only one man stands in their way: Rurouni Kenshin. Will the former assassin take up his sword to fight again? When Shigure discovers Kenshin's true identity and his fight becomes a personal vendetta, the young hero will have no choice.

Customer Reviews:

Samurai X - The Motion Picture way too boring.......2007-08-31

I thought all the Samurai X Anime were slow and tiresome, I dont think they are worth paying over 20 dollars for. Fight scenes were few.... dialog was plentiful.

Not all that great to me. Nothing new at all........2007-07-23

First of all if your new to Kenshin skip this movie and get the TV series Rouroni Kenshin. It contains all the character development and a detailed history of Kenshin and everyones origin. You are not going to find that here. Also pick up the Samurai X ova's which is a prequel to the series.

Now on to the review. This movie has a pretty decent plot to it. But its been done to death by now if you saw the TV series. A group of samurai's is unhappy with the new government and the only way to change it is to kill and destroy. The animation to me is on par with the TV series. Its pretty good, fluid and great character designs. The fights are ok at best. After watching the TV series, especially the battle with Saiyto, then later Shishio. There really isn't anything too special to see anymore. They already used their best to make the series a classic milestone.

The bad with this movie definitely has to be the new voice actors. I wasn't pleased with any of the cast at all. Still at least they managed to keep their original personalities. I feel the characterization was off alot concerning Yahiko. At one point in the movie it seemed as though he has no respect for Kenshin at all. And by the 4th or 5th episode I'm guessing in the series, he was already idolizing Kenshin. So for him to idolize that captain was off to me. To include when he joined the resistance for revenge, this was totally out of character for him.

I'm guessing this movie takes place at somepoint before the Shishio arc. That would probably explain the reason why Saiyto is still "alive" and interacting with Kenshin. And it also explains Kenshin's overall weakness to include his lack of control for the manslayer lurking within him.

Well I took this movie for what it is. This is the 3rd time I watched and it has grown on me. Had I reviewed this when I first saw it I would've shot this with 2 stars at the most. Simply because it lacked originality and I got tired of seeing the same flashback like for the 5th time.

Bottomline if your fan of Kenshin and haven't seen this. Its worth a watch. But don't expect anything to surpass or even get as deep as the Shishio arc. They couldn't even do that in the series, so there was no way it could've been done with this.

should have been ruroni kenshin: the movie.......2007-07-05

this movie takes place midway between the series, before the shishio saga, after sanno meets his artist friend. its a stand alone story and is quite like an extended 4 episode part of the series itself.

there is some getting used to the voice actors as only a few of the voices returned for it.

if you have the series, its wrtht getting

the animation is not like the samurai x movies, it is like the series.

its worth seeing at least once... i would however reccomend having seen the series first to help in the points of reference

A fitting continuation of the epic saga.......2007-03-20

The motion picture set a few years after the end of the series is a nice look into the continuing saga of Kenshin and his gang. This anima is always at it's best when they bring in people from Kenshin's past and the era of the Meiji Restoration.

My one gripe about the anime, in general. After learning the Amakakeru Ryu No Hirameki (the Hiten Ryu's final attack) it's suddenly become the only way Kenshin can defeat enemies. I can see that being the case against Makoto Shisio, but against everybody? C'mon.

Otherwise a wonderful anime.

Oh my.......2006-09-29

I like kenshin i really do but this movie just...upset me. I like the funny cracks and jokes but it just kept on with the flashbacks. Alot more gore...if I wanted to see that I would have watched the OVA version. I don't like the way it jumped around...sigh.

Average customer rating:

Ronin [Blu-ray]
Starring: Robert De Niro , Jean Reno , Natascha McElhone , and Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd
Director: John Frankenheimer
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000OPOAJS

Average customer rating:

Attention!

Kon Ichikawa's 47 Ronin
Starring: Koji Ishizaka , Hisaya Morishige , Ken Takakura , and Ruriko Asaoka
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Manufacturer: ANIMEIGO
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000PHW2PO
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Description

When a beloved feudal lord is forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a rude court official, 47 of his loyal retainers vow to avenge his death for the sake of honor. After patiently waiting and planning for over a year, they launch an epic assault that culminates in a final act of vengeance and, inevitably, their own inescapable demise.

Customer Reviews:

Attention!.......2007-07-21

Very good movie and undoubtedly one of the best to capture the samurai spirit.Ranks right up there with Kurosawa's classic "The 7 Samurai" and in fact could even be a Kurosawa movie.Toshiro Mifune plays a similar character here to the one he played in The 7 Samurai.Also he is not in a leading role here.
Anyway,the point is this movie has always been available under the japanese title "Chushingura" and in this version is also about 200 minutes in length.
So you might want ot try that one first (Amazon.uk. should have it).

Average customer rating:

One of the Best
Ronin 1998 (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Ronin is great in all areas
Car chase spectacular!
Watchable

Ronin (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Robert DeNiro , Jean Reno , Natascha McElhone , Stellan Skarsgård , and Sean Bean
Director: John Frankenheimer
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ERU9S2
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Amazon.com essential video

Description

In a world where loyalties are easily abandoned and allegiances can be bought, a new and deadlier terrorist threat has emerged...free agent killers. Featuring "high-octane action" (Gene Shalit, "Today"), a "first-rate cast" (L.A. Daily News) and exhilarating car chases that "are nothing short of sensational" (The New York Times), Ronin is "the real deal in action fireworks" (Rolling Stone) directed by "a master of intelligent thrillers" (Roger Ebert).

The Cold War may be over, but a new world order keeps a group of covert mercenaries employed by the highest bidder. These operatives, known as "Ronin," are assembled in France by a mysterious client for a seemingly routine mission: steal a top-secret briefcase. But the simple task soon proves explosive asother underworld organizations vie for the same prize...and to get the job done, the members of Ronin must do something they've never done before...trust each other.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best.......2007-08-25

Ronin 1998 (Two-Disc Collector's Edition).......2007-08-25

Ronin is great in all areas.......2007-07-30

Car chase spectacular!.......2007-07-25

Watchable.......2007-07-13

Ronin Warriors, Vol. 10: The Fate of Evil

Average customer rating:

Ronin Warriors, Vol. 10: The Fate of Evil
Starring: Paul Dobson , Michael Donovan (III) , Jason Gray-Stanford , Matt Hill , and David Kaye
Director: Masashi Ikeda , and Mamoru Hamatsu
Manufacturer: Bandai
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001OGVKS
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Average customer rating:

Romeo Must Die / Cradle 2 the Grave
Starring: Jet Li , Aaliyah , Isaiah Washington , Russell Wong , and DMX
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000JYW5BO
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Description

A kickin'-it, livin'-it action mix! Martial arts moves and mayhem fuse with hip-hop sounds and style in two hard-charging adventures directed by Andrej Bartkowiak (Exit Wounds) and produced by Joel Silver (The Matrix). Dynamic one-man fighting force Jet Li makes his English-language starring debut in Romeo Must Die [Side A], taking on both sides of a violent Oakland turf war (with rapper DMX on one of those warring sides). Streets are mean, but Jet Li and DMX are meaner in Cradle 2 the Grave [Side B] as they join forces in a volatile conflict ignited by kidnapping, stolen black diamonds and a sadistic crimelord. Gonna be a wall 2 wall, start 2 finish, man 2 man rush of action that's 2 off the meter 2 resist. No coolin' this Jet!

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