Author: Jonathan Clements
January 13, 2016 · 0 comments
Books: The Films of Seijun Suzuki
By Jasper Sharp. The term manga-esque is so readily applied to Japanese live-action cinema as to have little meaning beyond indicating the country of origin of the work or filmmaker in question. However, in the case of the iconic Seijun Suzuki the label seems apt, although Tom Vick wisely shies away from direct analogies to paint a […]
January 10, 2016 · 0 comments
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
By Andrew Osmond. The word ‘reimagining’ has become infamous in recent years, a euphemism for the lack of imagination of studios selling us the same stories. However, ‘reimagining’ is an apt name for bold adaptations that take a classic story and turn it into science-fiction. The textbook case is the 1956 film Forbidden Planet, which […]
January 7, 2016 · 0 comments
Tokyo Ghoul: People in the Box
By Tom Smith. Following a date from hell, Ken Kaneki’s life as a run-of-the-mill freshman becomes a distant memory. Suddenly evenings spent nose-deep in library books are replaced with brawling local ghouls, searching for fresh blood and the occasional bit of studying too (student life, eh). It’s all too-much too-soon for Tokyo Ghoul’s main protagonist, […]
January 1, 2016 · 0 comments
Books: The Long Defeat
by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood. When it comes to WW2 war guilt, Germany sets the gold standard. As a nation it has accepted responsibility for the Holocaust, acted to suppress the symbols of the Nazi regime, and has made great efforts to reconcile with its neighbours. Japan seems to stand in contrast to this. Aside from a […]
December 29, 2015 · 6 comments
Books: Manga & Anime Go To Hollywood
By Jonathan Clements. Northrop Davis’ opening gambit is a good one – much as many animals share 95% of their DNA, the Japanese and American media industries are almost exactly the same. It’s that vital 5% that makes all the difference between, say, a cow and a kangaroo, a difference that he intends to uncover. […]