Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

[ Never seen a Manga film? Then you're missing out ]
The original Ghost in the Shell is considered one of the best Manga films ever made and heavily influenced the Matrix trilogy. Those of you who have seen it will know what I’m talking about. For those who haven’t, it’s probably best to get your ass down to the video store right now and rent it this very minute. It’s excellent if you like Manga and animation (although my favourite Manga film is Ninja Scroll. Rent that too while you\’re at it).

Mamoru Oshii, director of the original Ghost in the Shell, has been developing a sequel entitled Innocence and it’s been selected for screenings at this years Cannes Film Festival. This time around Oshii has opted to use a combination of 2D and 3D animation which looks like it has worked beautifully.

But don’t take my word for it, download the trailer here and see for yourself. I challenge anyone to give me an Australian release date at the moment but I’m sure it will be showing at an Astor or Nova cinema some time this year. Fingers crossed.

Friday, April 30 2004

Film General

Ghost in the Shell

Radiohead Concert

[ 'An experience' to say the least ]
Oh hell yeah! It was everything I thought it would be and more. I’m still buzzing and it’s nearly 3am on a Monday! Thom nearly lost his voice near the end of the main set list and so they only played one encore, which was a little disappointing. Still 21 tracks is nothing to snigger at and the guys did an awesome job all around. I wished they played a little more of Kid A but I guess they played to the Australian audiences, bringing out some material from The Bends. It was great to hear Fake Plastic Trees and My Iron Lung live. Thom and the band seemed to really enjoy Melbourne’s reception because he broke into his trademark smile and dance routine a number of times :) The crowd were into it 110% and the atmosphere was just brilliant. I sensed everybody went away feeling like they’d just seen the greatest band on the planet perform at their best. I’m too tired to write a detailed entry so I’ll leave you with some photos and video clips I managed to take. Peace out.

Tuesday, April 27 2004

Music Review

Radiohead

City of God

Director: Fernando Meirelles
Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Frimino da Hora, Phellipe Haagensen, Deu Jorge
Cinematographer: Cesar Charlone
Music: Antonio Pinto, Ed Cortes
Year of Release: 2003

star star star_one

Here’s a film that comes out of nowhere and kicks the absolute shit out of you. To see children as young as seven take a gun and murder others as if it were a bodily function is not for everyone. But when they live in the ‘City of God’ (a.k.a the slums of Rio de Janeiro) with poverty and crime all around them, it’s unavoidable. And this is the beginning of what City of God is all about.

Tuesday, April 27 2004

Film Review

City of God