The Show Must Go On
27 April 2012
Today I watched the second film about AKB48, Documentary of AKB48: Show must go on ~Shoujotachi ha kizutsukinagara, yume wo miru~. This time around the film follows the group throughout 2011, starting in March immediately after the Tohoku Earthquake. We see how the members of the group make several visits to the disaster-affected areas in the months following the earthquake and tsunami. They hold handshake events and mini-performances for the survivors of the places they visit. As well as their fundraising activities for disaster relief, this is another way in which the girls felt they could help the people in the area. There's one particularly poignant moment in the film when they happen upon a single solitary tree that managed to somehow survive the tsunami that washed away all the buildings and houses around it. Standing alone amongst the sea of devastation, in some small way it seems to symbolise that hope remains after such a disaster.
The film also covered the major events for AKB48 during 2011, such as the 22nd single election and the Seibu Dome concert. The behind-the-scenes footage from the Seibu Dome concert was pretty surprising and slightly shocking. To see the pressure and conditions the girls have to work under, and how far they will push themselves (on several occasions to the point where they collapse from fatigue and exhaustion) really increases your respect for them. Those who hate AKB48 and regard them as a bunch of talentless individuals couldn't be more ignorant and downright disrespectful to the efforts of the members in everything they do. They really have no right to criticise them.
I really liked this film. It gave us an even bigger glimpse into the workings of AKB48, as well as the thoughts, feelings and tribulations of the girls in the group. My respect for the members of the group has grown immensely as a result of the two documentary films and I urge any AKB48 fan to watch them.
Posted byHocchan at 2:34 pm 0 comments
Toshi Densetsu, Kita~!
22 April 2012
There's not really much to report today but I wanted to write an entry anyway, just so that I don't get lazy about updating this blog again. I haven't been doing much besides taking it easy and watching dramas and films. I'm really enjoying the drama Toshi Densetsu no Onna. Partly because of Nagasawa Masami's sexy legs (I can't get enough of them, hence the last two pictures ^^) and partly because it's such a fun and enjoyable drama to watch. Plus I'm quite fascinated by all the urban legends that exist in Japan as well, so it's indulging my curiosity at the same time. I just wish that I could find a 1080p source for the episodes. 480p just doesn't cut it any more now that I have a better monitor.
As for the films I've been watching, my favourite so far is definitely 13 Assassins (2010) directed by Miike Takashi. It's a brilliant samurai film - maybe one of the best that I've seen. I rate it almost as highly as Kurosawa Akira's Seven Samurai (1954). The storyline is simple but it's all about the characters and their motivations. It's also beautifully shot and directed with a 45-50 minute long battle scene that rivals anything I've seen before.
Another film that I've enjoyed watching is Jackie Chan's The Shinjuku Incident (2009). In a completely different role to that which he has been previously cast in, Jackie Chan portrays a Chinese illegal immigrant who arrives in Japan searching for his girlfriend. It's a dark, gritty film about the criminal underworld that exists in Tokyo. It's also story about how power can corrupt even the purest of people. It's a really worthwhile film to watch, even if it's just to see Jackie Chan in a new light.
Posted byHocchan at 11:14 am 0 comments
Labels: Daily Life, Film, Review
Horie Yui「秘密」
10 April 2012
I've had this for over a month now but I thought I would finally do a short review for Horie Yui's 8th studio album 秘密 (Himitsu). I bought the 春夏 (spring/summer) version limited first press edition from CD Japan and as such, it came with a nice 10x15cm bonus photo which you can see in the picture above. I love CD Japan and its first press bonus items. I've gotten some wonderful items by buying from there throughout the years.
Track 1: 秘密～プロローグ～ (Himitsu~Purorōgu~) **** - I've always like the way Horie Yui's albums have had an opening and closing song that served as an intro and outro to the album's songs so I was pleased to see that this album was no exception. This first track is a nice enchanting introduction to the new album and it's theme will be carried on into the fifth and outro tracks.
Track 2: kiss to you *** - The first proper track on the album is a nice upbeat song that makes you think of sunny days frolicking in a flower-filled field. OK, maybe not the frolicking bit but it's a very jolly song that reminds me of the 5th album.
Track 3: Coloring ***** - I loathe that it's spelt the way it is but even that doesn't stop me from absolutely loving this song! It's very similar in sound to Vanilla Salt and the songs Yui did for the 'Toradora!' anime. Definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.
Track 4: True truly love *** - This song have a very similar feel to the 4th album. High-tempo and has a pleasant sound. It's nothing special but it's nice enough to listen to.
Track 5: 秘密～君を見てた～ (Himitsu~Kimi wo Miteta~) ***** - The second of the 秘密-titled tracks and it pretty carries on where the opening track left off. It's a very soothing song that reminds me very much of the 1st album's songs. Brilliant track. I particularly love the piano and violin accompaniment.
Track 6: イマカラキミノモトヘ (Imakara Kimi no Moto e) **** - A very interesting song that has a nice bass line throughout and is very different to what I'm used to from Yui's songs. I really like way she sings on this track.
Track 7: Presenter *** - This was a maxi single released in 2011 for the anime 'DOG DAYS'. Not a bad song, I listened to it a hell of a lot when I was watching the anime; but it's not her best single release.
Track 8: インモラリスト (Immorarisuto) ** - Another maxi single from 2011 and probably my least favourite song on this album (or even out of all of Yui's songs). I don't like the stop-start rhythm of this song and it's all too 'gothic'-sounding for my tastes. It sounds like something that Kurobara Hozonkai would release.
Track 9: MISSION *** - Not a very typical song for Yui but I think she does a good job of singing it. I don't really like or dislike this track.
Track 10: DEAR FUTURE *** - The style of this track reminds of playing Panzer Dragoon Saga with the strange synthesised sounds ringing out between verses. It certainly does sound like it's from the future.
Track 11: CHILDISH♡LOVE♡WORLD ***** - I love the jolliness and playfulness of this song. From the cheerleaders in the background to the piano riffs, it's all very cute and uplifting. This song really cheers me up when I listen to it.
Track 12: YAHHO!! **** - Yet another maxi single which was the ending song for the anime 'Kanamemo'. Another song that is really uplifting and cheerful. Very easy to sing along to too.
Track 13: sky fish **** - Perhaps it's because it's got the word 'sky' in the title, but this track really does sound like it came straight from the 3rd album. Conjures up images of the open sky stretching out over your head for miles into the distance.
Track 14: 秘密～待ち合わせ～ (Himitsu~Machiawase~) **** - The third and final song entitled 秘密. This one doesn't sound like the other two tracks, it's a lot more cheerful and uplifting. It lets you finish the album on a high note.
Overall rating: **** - A nice return for Horie Yui. I hope she continues to release albums for many years to come!
Posted byHocchan at 4:22 am 0 comments
