Electric Shadows

Amazon.com

When a troubled young woman strikes a bicycle delivery boy named Mao with a brick, this violent chance encounter sets in motion Mao's discovery of a long-lost childhood friend and their lost innocence. Mao discovers the young woman's diary, which describes how all the crucial moments of her life have been bound up in movies: She was born at a movie screening, became best friends with a boy at another, and experiences a terrible trauma at another--all of which has led her to a strange secret life that Mao realizes he can set right. Electric Shadows depends upon an improbable coincidence, yet the compelling story lures you to accept it. Movies about a cinema-crazed childhood are prone to be a little sappy, but Electric Shadows presents a multilayered vision of the pain, delight, and chaotic confusion of childhood; the combination achieves a rare and compelling balance, building to a sweet conclusion that's been richly earned. Though it's been compared to the sentimental favorite Cinema Paradiso, Electric Shadows--the debut feature of director Xiao Jiang--has more in common with the honesty and directness of another debut feature, Francois Truffaut's The 400 Blows. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

It deals with ordinary people, with loss and redemption........2006-10-18

This is a beautiful little film, but it takes patience on the part of the viewer. The little boy is obnoxious, and his presence makes the first half of the film difficult to watch, but his relationship with the little girl brings a gentle humanity to him.

There are coincidences which beg credibility, but they can be easily forgotten in the story. At the heart of the film is seeming evil, and overcoming it, although the cost is high.

It deals with ordinary people, with loss and redemption.

Film Celebrates Chinese Cinema.......2006-09-28

This charming and unusual Chinese film celebrates the history of Chinese cinema. I found the story universally compelling--how two young children overcome unhappiness in their childhood years through their shared love of movies. Although the film depicts some of China's political struggles from the 1960s and 70s, many of the children's conflicts are universal. They must overcome bullying, jealousy, an abusive parent, and family tragedy.
This film will appeal to anyone who loves movies.
The cast is superb and the children really give especially amazing and affecting performances.
Hats off to the first-time director, Xiao Jiang. She handles her cast and material very well, drawing out sensitive performances. I could believe in these characters.

Moving, Bitter Sweet Tale of Childhood in China.......2006-08-12

Jiang Xiao's feature debt film `Electric Shadows' requires a bit of suspension of disbelief - slightly patchy script needs polishing up, having more than one unbelievable coincidences - but her sincere attitudes toward the film's material are no doubt genuine, and I promise this emotional film ultimately delivers.

`Electric Shadows' employs a very familiar storytelling device, reading of someone's journal. The time is set in modern Beijing, where an avid moviegoer Mao Dabing encounters a mentally disturbed girl in a most bizarre way. That is, she hits him in the head with a brick, and while being questioned about her motives for doing that by the police, she entrusts Mao with the key to her room.

You have to believe this incredible introductory part because it is in her room (or diary) that the real story begins. In the following flashbacks, the film goes back to the year 1971 when a young beautiful woman dreaming of becoming a movie star in a rural Chinese town unexpectedly gets pregnant, and gives birth to a girl named Ling Ling.

The film really gets underway when it depicts the life of little girl Ling Ling, whose life is surrounded by the world of cinema. Ling Ling is often taken care of by the kind middle-aged projectionist (here is an echo from `Cinema Paradiso'), who manages the screening of films in the community's vacant lot. Ling Ling also establishes friendship with a boy newly arrived, and all these episodes are told beautifully against the backdrop of the history of modern-day China.

There are several references to the films popular among the Chinese people - Albanian film `Victory Over Death' plays an important role - and footages from Chinese films are inserted, but you don't have to know about these film, which strengthens the authentic feelings of the community in a Chinese town in the early 70s.

The story often gets melodramatic as it goes on, and sometimes it is too sentimental. The `frame' part of the film looks contrived, and some part of the story is too unbelievable (for example, how could the girl living in the big city of Beijing manage to live in such a nice room?)

But the strong story of Ling Ling will remain with you, with the sure hand of the director who knows something about growing-up and coping with the reality of life for a child. And the two child actors who played two Ling Lings are so good and adorable. `Electric Shadows' is a bitter sweet tale of childhood memories. Sometimes too bitter, but it is all the more worthwhile because of that.

Heartwarming Film about Families and Children in China.......2006-08-03

Not since "Together" have I seen another emotionally compelling
film from China about the relationship between parents and
children. This one is a winner in my book. I would prefer not to talk about the plot but say that I found emotionally true the
struggles of a girl growing up without a father and using
a substitute - in this case a film fantasy about a father. The child's relationship with a troubled boy her own age, her younger brother who displaces her as the favoritge, her
mother who is herself conflicted about parenthood, and a usually kind stepfather pull on the heartstrings. I recommend this movie without reservations.

Average customer rating:

A great movie but......
A slight disappointment.
Powerful Presentation
Charming, but...
Harry is Excellent Film

Farewell to Harry
Starring: Joe Flanigan , William Hall Jr. , Lysette Anthony , Carl Ballantine , and John Gilbert (II)
Director: Garrett Bennett
Manufacturer: Questar
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ASIN: B0006HC04G
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Description

This award-winning film is a sweetly nostalgic small town drama in the tradition of The Majestic. Nick (Joe Flanigan) returns to his Pacific Northwest hometown to write a novel. He finds the story of a lifetime when he forms an unexpected friendship with Harry (William Hall, Jr.). A local legend, Harry is the owner of a run-down hat factory, where he passes his days mired in the past and drowning in whiskey. Nick, who works part-time as the projectionist at the town's old fashioned movie palace, is determined to restore the factory, and offers Harry one last, precious chance at redemption .

Customer Reviews:

A great movie but.............2007-04-09

I am very disapointted with the DVD. For one thing it said on the box "Format: Closed-captioned" yet it did not have CC at all. Also I did not like the fact that the movie was edited so when ever the was a "bad" word there was no sound at all. Why would anyone edit out things in such a wounderful movie like this is beyond me.

A slight disappointment. .......2007-02-11

I had hopes for this movie. The plot was simple, a man comes home to be a writer, and meets the interesting denizens of his home town. FtH told us the story in voice-over and while I love Joe Flanigan's really odd voice, the technique took away from the story rather than adding to it. The closest cousin I can think of is "A River Runs Through It", but in that movie the V.O. didn't take over the storytelling, but added perspective to it. I think the problem is that the voice over is a film-noir technique, and the cinematography while occasionally brilliant, was generally flat, and in a naturalistic style which left me confused by the fusion of the two.

Harry wasn't as likable to me as Nick saw him, and Nick wasn't as interesting as we were meant to see him. The characters were relegated to second status under the narration and never really allowed to become real. For all of its disparate parts, the movie wasn't great, but in a way it is memorable, if only because it had potential that wasn't realized.

The absolute best part of the movie was the awesome original score/music by Mark Nichols.

Powerful Presentation.......2005-10-21

Joe Flanigan out did himself with this one. Sadly, the unrated version appeared to have several spots that were muted where it looked like profanity had been uttered.

This is a powerful story that should have received more attention. About fulfilling your dreams. It involves the meeting of two men, and how they each save the other.

Charming, but..........2005-09-20

This movie has all the hallmarks of a well-acted, well-produced indie film, but it missed its target for me somehow. I was distracted by its slight anachronistic feel; the film almost had a 1940s texture to it, but appeared to be taking place in more modern times -- it was difficult to tell. Regardless, Joe Flanigan as the writer Nick charms with a pitch-perfect performance, so for that alone, the film is worth a viewing.

Harry is Excellent Film.......2005-08-26

I love this film from a talented indie filmmaker - Garrett Bennett - and highly recommend it. This story is dramatically told, is interesting to watch and emotionally moving; just like most Garrett Bennett films (Icon and A Relative Thing). No wonder it has won awards. The filmmaking is crisp, acting excellent and the images nicely color-saturated. I'm a fan of Garrett's and of this film. Good job all around!

Average customer rating:

Attention: Rodney Dangerfield fans!
Bizarre
Film sampling starts here
a must see for movie buffs

The Projectionist
Starring: Ina Balin , Rodney Dangerfield , Mike Gentry , Jacqueline Glenn , and David Holliday
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
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ASIN: B0000633SS
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Description

Chuck, a movie theater projectionist bored with his life, fantasizes that he is one of the superheroes in the movies he shows in the theater. He envisions himself as "Captain Flash," and daydreams into the world of movies, where he summons the help of screen heroes such as Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn and Humphrey Bogart in his fight against The Bat, his evil nemesis. Chuck McCann, as Chuck/Captain Flash, is superb as he mixes physical comedy and surprising tenderness. Rodney Dangerfield, making his film debut, is the slimy, miserly, mean Theater Manager/The Bat. Written and directed by Harry Hurwitz, "The Projectionist" has been carefully preserved and newly restored by the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Customer Reviews:

Attention: Rodney Dangerfield fans!.......2005-01-18

If you, as I did, are thinking about buying this DVD because Rodney Dangerfield appears in it, think twice! The disappointment comes not from the fact that Rodney does not play his typical "no respect" character. Instead, the disappointment comes because he is barely in the movie at all! I suggest you think about purchasing other Rodney material, but try and see this somewhere/somehow.

Bizarre.......2003-02-24

Summary:
A projectionist (Chuck McCann (I)), whose name we never find out, is a major movie buff and a loner of sorts. To find pleasure in life he fantasizes about himself (as Captain Flash) visiting and making famous movies. The upscale theater where he works is owned by a man named Renaldi (Rodney Dangerfield) who is mean to all of the employees and the projectionist, but the projectionist isn't as affected by the treatment because he is a union worker. As part of the projectionist's fantasies he casts Renaldi as 'The Bat' and battles with his henchmen over a girl (Ina Balin). The movie uses clips from older movies to tell the story interspliced with a few scenes of the actual cast. In the end, Captain Flash kills The Bat and saves the girl and the projectionist's life goes on.

My Comments:
The movie really is surprisingly better than I had expected because of the way it is setup. If the movie was just the story of the projectionist/movie buff and his life, it would be pretty lame. But, because he lives his life in his fantasies about the movies, it is somewhat interesting. Also, the acting in 'real life' is not too bad, but could be much better. This is contrasted with the acting in the fantasies being farcical, which the movie can pull off because they are fantasies. With that leeway, the movie isn't nearly as bad as it could have been. There is also very little dialogue; most of the old scenes are just put to music.

I don't know that the movie is trying to push a social commentary, but perhaps it is. The basic idea I get out of it is that movies can be, for some people at least, a way to make their humdrum, boring life something more. It is also a commentary on how ordinary most people's lives are. When the movie first opened up I thought for sure I was going to be bored stiff, but I was surprised in the end. I don't know that the movie is truly worth watching for most people as it is a bit obscure and unless you have seen most of the movies from which the clips are taken, it might not be as funny.

Overall, the movie was fun, though very, very slow at times.

Film sampling starts here.......2002-12-18

There are a couple of film arteests located somewwhere in Calif. who have produced entire epics out of having assembled clips of extant films- dialogue dubbed over. "The Projectionist" seems to have been the genesis of the idea (don't know who of people I've discussed obtained legal rights, but who cares? We're only interested in art, correct?).

There are wonderfully inventive sequences of clips in "The Projectionist" that are a hoot in their making sense as part of a sequence, but also can't overcome their familiarity to movie fans, so they work on two dimensions.

Also, there is some interesting juxtaposition of clips forming sequences of feelings of standard Mom-Apple Pie-Chevrolet U.S.A. flag-waving, but they are counterparted by sequences of clips showing the dark side and hypocrisy of the American Dream (myth?). There is the voice of JFK, delivering his most famous line: "Ask not...(etc.)", with that audio timed perfectly to sync with Hitler exhorting and gesticulating (No particular disrespect to JFK, I'm sure- just to make the point that Hitler demanded sacrifice to further the dreams of the State, also, and the misguided adventure in Vietnam was very topical at the time of this film's production. At least I think that's what the point is).

This movie also has the wildest use of split-screen, ever.

And the finale harkens to "The Stunt Man", i.e., where does the movie begin and where does the part not in the movie end?

Richard Rush, the director of "The Stunt Man", says he's excited by pushing the envelope of film syntax. That is really accomplished in "The Projectionist".

a must see for movie buffs.......2002-10-14

a wonderful fantasy that shows a pure love of film. an interesting artistic journey that holds up after all these years.

Average customer rating:

an original movie !
Love Jon!
what?
If you search hunks, buy this DVD: you will find Eric Thal!
See it for Drew only!

Wishful Thinking
Starring: Andy Redmond , Jon Stewart , Mel Gorham , Frank Senger , and James LeGros
Director: Adam Park
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: 6305907099
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Description

Drew Barrymore (THE WEDDING SINGER, CHARLIE'S ANGELS) heads a hot cast in an outrageously fun romantic comedy about trust, destiny, and love in the '90s! Max and Elizabeth (Jennifer Beals -- DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS, THE PROPHECY II) have been living together for years. But when it becomes clear that he's not ready to get married, she becomes more and more withdrawn ... until Max is convinced that Elizabeth is fooling around on the side! Then as Max's suspicion grows, sexy Lena (Barrymore) further complicates matters by stepping in with a hilarious scheme to win him over! Also starring Jon Stewart (THE FACULTY, PLAYING BY HEART) as a funny photographer with an eye for Elizabeth -- you'll laugh along with all the zany desperation that arises as jealousy and manipulation intrude into these unconventional modern relationships!

Customer Reviews:

an original movie !.......2007-07-10

you will like this movie, if you like unconventional cinema. I've loved Jennifer Beals, as a huge fan !

Love Jon!.......2005-05-12

I only bought this movie because Jon Stewart was in it.He is as always adorable.You can't help but love him.The movie was weird and Jon needed to be in it more.Love ya Jon!

what?.......2004-01-06

This movie was so stupid, everyone listens to Nina when she is clearly messing with their lives. They are stupid enough to believe her, and well I don't even know what else happens cause I saved myself and changed the channel.

If you search hunks, buy this DVD: you will find Eric Thal!.......2003-08-25

A romantic comedy with Drew Barrymore, that must be added at once to Amazon's "hunkmania list" (this list contains movies with amazing handsome actors in the movies history), becouse you can find in a short role a manly beautiful young: Eric Thal. All other male actors in this film look so unpleasant to your sigth after the first appearance of Eric Thal that you are only waiting his next appearance in the comedy. It is a shame; this good and so talented actor with such extaordinary face and body has retired so young, so lets enjoy him in the 5 or 6 movies he did, in this DVD he looks like a perfect 10.

See it for Drew only!.......2002-03-09

The best part of this movie is Drew Barrymore. I really liked her character, Nina, who was so colorful, fun, flirty and a little schemer. :)This film tried a little too hard to be an "indie" film, told from two sides. It didn't work for me, but maybe it'll work for you.

Evil Dead Trap 2 (Shiryo No Wana 2: Hideki)

Average customer rating:

An Over-Hyped, And Very Bad Film!
A waste of time.
My Unusual Dilemma....
Ok, so J-Horror wasn't always good...
Escape this Trap by Hitting Eject!!!!!

Evil Dead Trap 2 (Shiryo No Wana 2: Hideki)
Starring: Shoko Nakajima , Rie Kondoh , Shirô Sano , and Shino Ikenami
Director: Izô Hashimoto
Manufacturer: Eclectic DVD Dist.
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00009QG90
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Description

A killer is on the loose in Japan. Young women are being horribly mutilated. Aki, a young woman who works as a film projectionist, is haunted by a childlike ghost. Her girlfriend Emi is a TV news reporter covering the horrible mutilations. Emi introduces Aki to Kurahashi, a married man with a haunted past. Everyone involved has a dark secret and something evil is taking control of them. They are pawns in a game being played by forces beyond their understanding. This eerie descent into madness takes us on a journey into an abyss only the Japanese know how to create. For the first time in North America, the terrible truth is revealed in HIDEKI EVIL DEAD TRAP 2.

Customer Reviews:

An Over-Hyped, And Very Bad Film!.......2006-12-05

This is my first one star viewing ever on amazon. I was not going to review the film, however, after my nephew [who likes the film] continously told me to view the film again, I did [unfortunately] and it did not get any better than when I first viewed the film many years ago. Now I will be the first to admit that I have my share of film in the horror and thriller genre that many would consider bad. However, I LIKE THEM!

This film on the other hand was not good when I first viewed it many years ago, and it sure didn't get any better with time. In fact, I could barely make it through this viewing. But, since my nephew sat and watched it with me, I figured the least I could do was warn others to rent the film before you purchase it. I will not write that you should not see it, however, by renting it first you will save yourself some money. Horror and thrillers are a genre that each of us view differently. Therefore, watch it with caution. I don't recommend it, however, you must decide for yourselves if it is worth the purchase.

A waste of time........2006-07-04

Fans of the first film can forget about this one cause it's nothing like part one. An overweight female serial killer who kills her victims off screen is creeped out when she keeps seeing a young boy in the background of the news broadcasts reporting her murders. Oddly enough the reporter on the TV is also her only friend and she has a guy friend who's interested in the plump girl. How exciting!

After 70 minutes of pointless talking and long, boring scenes of nothing I turned this mess off. Forget it.

My Unusual Dilemma.... .......2005-01-24

~
How does one go about recommending a movie that the reviewer thoroughly enjoyed but who is at the same time unpretentious in realizing that the greater viewership has & will continue to thumb its nose at it? The answer, I suppose, is that he "doesn't."

So how is it that I have come to appreciate this disturbing "buckets-o-gore" stomach-turner even as everyone else who has viewed it wants to "re-bury" it? (inside joke). Well, it may have something to do with the fact that I had never (and to this day still have not) seen the so-called "prequel" to this film.

Having heard so much positive feedback from multiple sources regarding that first film ("Shiryou no Wana" - aka "Evil Dead Trap"), I decided to find out what I could about the movie before making any purchasing decisions. You see, I often like to make 'chance' purchases of movies I had never seen nor heard of before (as indicated in a couple of my "So You'd Like to..." Amazon reviewer guides), but usually not without at least 'some' story & production information. And what I discovered was that while "Shiryou no Wana" was being praised to the hilt, THIS film ("Hideki" - aka "Shiryou no Wana 2" aka "Evil Dead Trap 2" - the supposed 'sequel') was being "stink talked" to the same degree.

The biggest complaint which stemmed from most of those familiar with both of these films was, for me at least, this film's ("EDT2") best selling point -- that these two semi-similarly titled movies have virtually nothing to do with each other, except for sharing a common theme of extreme gory violence and a rarely-seen antagonist named "Hideki." This revelation fueled my interest in "EDT2" because the premise of the first movie sounded hyper-contrived and entirely bogus, whereas this, the second film, seemed more plausible and sounded much more intriguing & compelling.

My interest in this film was also further aroused by the ambiguity of the female lead character: a shy & somewhat unpretty girl named Aki, who works as a film projectionist at a Korean movie house -- (Is she 'heroine' or 'villain'? 'Perpetrator' or 'victim'?) I was also captivated with the idea of casting a "plump & heavy" girl in the lead role.

Another complaint from viewers of both films was that "EDT2" was not nearly as graphic, gory & sadistic as the earlier film -- which simply has to be a plus in EDT2's favor as far as I'm concerned, since this movie is without question one of the most sickening bloodbath movies I've ever laid eyes upon, and it is certainly the most graphically gruesome of any of the movies in my personal DVD collection, with the exception of "Starship Troopers." I am by no means a raving anti-slice&dice puritan, but I do believe that even "splatter movies" should exercise at least 'some' restraint (as can probably be evidenced by the fact that the only other movies related to this particular genre-- those that DON'T involve monsters, mutants, aliens, demonic possession, 'killbots' or zombies --in my entire movie collection consist only of the original "Friday the 13th," the very first "Chucky" movie, "Psycho" I & II, the "Scream" trilogy, "Urban Legends: Final Cut," "Silent Night, Deadly Night," "Se7en" and "Sleepaway Camp"). Hence, my characterization of "EDT2" as one of my REALLY GUILTY "guilty pleasures."

I am also at a complete and utter loss as to how practically everyone else viewing this movie says they don't understand it or that they can't make any sense out of it. I find this most odd, because it all made near-perfect sense to me -- despite (or perhaps maybe even 'because' of) not having seen "EDT1." As a result, this places me in yet another difficult situation: Do I share what I know in hopes of helping others overcome their confusion? Or do I keep what I know to myself in hopes that others will eventually put the pieces of the puzzle together and decipher the code themselves? I faced this same dilemma when recommending the "Geobreeders" anime; the difference this time, however, is that the "horror" audience is much more fickle than the "anime" crowd -- so, sadly, I digress. And with so much of the consensus speaking of this film in the most negative terms anyway, I could not possibly hope to sway any pre-held opinions on the basis of some clarifying information. The most I can possibly hope for, I guess, is that anyone new coming to this film does so without having had any prior exposure to the first film, so as not to have any advance prejudices going into this one -- then perhaps on that basis "Hideki: Shiryou no Wana 2" ("Evil Dead Trap 2") could find a wider audience of acceptance.

Ok, so J-Horror wasn't always good..........2004-12-11

Most people probably haven't seen this movie. It's an in-name-only sequel to a Japanese horror film of abivalent reputation. Sometimes it's hard writing reviews of movies like this, so I'm going to take the "watch this if..." approach. (I could always try not writing a review at all, but I don't have anything else to do today.) One reason why you should watch this is if you are familiar with the recent wave of Japanese horror (or "J-Ho," as we call it in my neighborhood) that has mastered the emphasis of atmosphere over gore, and you're interested in learning about J-Ho's much simpler times, when it was completely inept at both.

To be fair, I didn't get this DVD, I watched some old Dutch VHS version that some poor soul begged my video store to take off their hands. The back of the box promised, "State of the art special effects," and a "great plot," so I figure there must have been a mix-up, and these things were left off of the verson I watched. Maybe they found them and added them to the DVD as extra features.

The story centers around 3 people, Aki, her friend Emi, and Emi's married male friend, whose name I can't remember, and neither will you. And although all of them end up committing bloody murder at some point, the interactions between these 3 are far too boring to get into. But the glue that holds them all together is this cool little malevolent child by the name of Hideki. If you're reading this exceedingly negative review and wondering why this movie got 2 stars instead of 1, it's all because of this kid. I love a good Malevolent Child in a horror movie, and considering the low budget, he really delivers. He looks almost like a prototype for Toshio-kun, the freaky kid from the Ju-on series, although I'm not exactly sure how much influence this movie had (if I had to wager, I'd probably say "none," but if it did, I don't think anyone would admit it).

I suppose it could be a bold move for the female lead to be fat and ugly. I say this not to be cruel, but because it is firmly established that this character of Aki is indeed fat and ugly. I can appreciate that. Us feminists are always complaining about films, especially horror films, having the female lead as a pretty girl/ingenue type. But since it's obvious from the appearance of her allegedly "attractive, successful friend," as well as the rest of the cast, that they just didn't have a budget to afford a more attractive actress anyway, I can't really see it as that bold of a move. It might have been interesting if they had established a fat ugly woman as a real person with complex human emotions, instead of having her run around like, "I'm fat, and that pisses me off, I think I'll go around killing people." But then again, there is no one in Evil Dead Trap 2 who even resembles a real person, so I'm just going to let that one go, even though screaming "misogyny!" is so much more fun.

The thing that irritates me the most about this movie is the persistant mention of the word "abortion" in an attempt to connect it to the horror. I know that Japan does not have a history of moralistic horror films like the US does, but the implication that Aki is being haunted by Hideki because she had an abortion is just silly. It's not like I'm afraid that the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life are going to start forcing doctors to tell their patients that abortion could cause them to be stalked by a pale little boy with black eyeballs. But it's not good character development at all, and it is oversimplification of a serious issue for a cheap scare (if you can call it that). For this reason, I feel this aspect of "Evil Dead Trap 2" is in poor taste.

Throughout the course of the movie, we are treated to scenes that could be described as "macabre ballet," that looked so much cooler when filmed by Dario Argento, and some more excuses for Hideki to unnerve the viewer by showing up in places a child just should not be. A news broadcast, a murder scene, a back alley in which Aki is about to get it on with two thugs. And through it all, Hideki never disappoints by hinting that he may be the troubled spirit of an innocent child who needs help. He does what he does, because he's pure EEEE-VILLLL!!!!

Watch this if you're curious about how bad Japanese Horror used to be. If you like a good Malevolent Child, watch Juon: The Grudge.

Escape this Trap by Hitting Eject!!!!!.......2003-08-19

For fans of the first film, be advised that this "sequel" has very little connection to the original. In fact, "Evil Dead Trap 2" is so out of control it should have been titled differently. The story concerns a woman who goes through her pathetic life apparently searching for a male companion and is also a deranged serial killer. The graphic killing sequences and gross-out images of the first film are generally absent here except in the last half hour (if you make it that far). By the time anything of interest starts happening, it is so disjointed from the rest of the film, making little sense on any level, that it is a sure sign of a corrupted screenplay. The three main leads are entirely unattractive and are possibly the worst actors in all of Asian cinema. The film also drags scenes out way too long, an example being a totally useless opening of the main character walking through the city in slow motion. The scene could have been removed entirely and would have spared the viewer precious minutes of their lives. Unfortunately, there are too many of these types of exposition throughout the entire film. I gave the film two stars instead of one based primarily on a few graphic set pieces towards the end that are possible indicators that somewhere in this mess a good movie may have existed. Anyway, "Evil Dead Trap 2" is not a good movie, certainly not worth a purchase or possibly even a rental....view at your own risk.

Average customer rating:

Delivery not received
A Fun And Entertaining Film: Modern Noir!
quirky and cool
What a Gem!!

The Most Terrible Time in My Life
Starring: Masatoshi Nagase , Shirô Sano , Kiyotaka Nanbara , Yang Haitin , and Hou De Jian
Director: Kaizo Hayashi
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001FVDPK
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Customer Reviews:

Delivery not received.......2007-03-08

I'd be really happy if Amazon would send this item so I CAN review it.
Hopefully this might get the message across which is otherwise very hard to do.

A Fun And Entertaining Film: Modern Noir!.......2007-02-10

"The Most Terrible Time In My Life," is one of those quirky films that you really don't hear about too often. I happened to stumble across the Video several years ago, and picked up the DVD a few years back. This is a Japanese film, which is shot in black and white to give it that old film noir look. However, you can tell by the scenes that the film is modern. The film was released in 1993, in Japan. The film mixes tame violence [sort of] with comedy. I thought that it was an interesting watch, and it just might appeal to those viewers who like modern noir. Especially Japanese modern noir. Moreover, the films use of parody is not too over the top, and it is funny!

The film centers on a character named Maiku Hama (Masatoshi Nagase) who is a private eye. He is a very unorthodox private eye however, as his office is above a movie theatre. And if you want to enter his office you have to pay the price of admission. I have to admit that there were parts of this film where I really laughed out loud. Especially the scene where Maiku's sensei beats the hell out of him with a stick. That was hilarious! Plus the cinematography in this black and white film is very, very good. Also, if you like parodies of the old films from the 40s and 50s, then this film is definitely one for you.

Maiku Hama drives around in a ludicrous Nash Rambler [not your typical Japanese Private eye]. Moreover, he likes to gamble. While Maiku is gambling he gets into a mess with a Taiwanese waiter; and it is here the films narrative begins. Maiku looks for the waiters missing brother, and in the process finds himself in trouble with both Hong Kong and Taiwanese mobsters who are attempting to form a new type of Yakuza. The film is entertaining and different, but may not appeal to all viewers. The ending is really not an ending; however, as there appears to be a sequel or two to this particular episode. I have not seen them, but if I come across them I'll probably purchase them. Don't take the film too seriously, it's a fun film and meant to be a parody. [Stars: 3.5]

quirky and cool.......2004-08-22

Very fresh and intriguing. Noir film with a wicked sense of humour. I loved the lead character-- a hard-boiled detective with a heart of gold. The only regret about the story I had is the absence of the protagonist for about 20 minutes of the film when it focused on Yang. Please see this movie if you get a chance-- It's very different from the usual gangster flicks out there. At this price, it's a bargain. I wish the DVD had included some more extras, but apart from that it's great.

What a Gem!!.......2004-03-23

Stumbled on this, and it was my favorite genre, Japanese Noir with a sense of humor. P.I. drives an American Metro from the 60's, and he's got a kid sister, and there's hard-boiled B-girls; its got everything, including kinda obscure referegddgnces (its' an old trick, but watch the theatre marquis). Bang, Bang!

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Evil Dead Trap 2
Director: Izo Hashimoto
Manufacturer: Unearthed
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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