Just got back from seeing Kill Bill and all I can say is that it was pretty good, but I wasn't wowed. Some folks have griped about the plot or the lack thereof, but this film is all about action and carnage. Tarantino seemed too willing to rely on effects (anime, B&W, silhouettes, etc.) for cinematic style and it just seemed too overt. Likewise the swordplay, though quite good (and gory), seems to lack the panache of Sonny Chiba's films or stuff from the Shaw Brothers (FYI, Kill Bill opens with a nod to the Shaw Bros.). Having grown up watching those films makes me a bit jaded, I suppose.
With that said, I loved seeing legend Sonny Chiba as the sushi chef/swordmaster Hattori Hanzo, an obvious nod to Chiba's four ninja series, Kage no Gundan I-IV (Shadow Warriors). At 64 years of age, Chiba looks damn good--I was really hoping to see him whip out a katana and have at it. Oh well. Later, hearing the theme to Chiba's series Yagyu Ichizoku no Inbo (The Yagyu Conspiracy) in the background, put a big ol' smile on my face. Thanks Quentin. Finally, Chiba's early narration in Kill Bill regarding the way of the sword was clearly a reference to the dialog which opens Yagyu Ichizoku no Inbo:
The secret doctrine of the Ura Yagyu (Yagyu Spy) states: "Once engaged in battle, fight to win. That is the first and cardinal rule of battle. Supress all human emotions and compassion. Kill whosoever stands in thy way, even if that be God or Buddha. Only then can one master the essence of the art. Once it is mastered, thou shall fear no one, though the devil himself may block thy way."
Whew. Time for me to dig up those Sonny Chiba tapes and given them a look.
Last edited by bmwracer on Mon Oct 13, 2003 12:14 am; edited 2 times in total
Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 597 Location: Stockton, CA Country:
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2003 11:19 am Post subject:
i saw the movie last night and i loved it. The action and the kung fu and samurai movie cliche make it really entertaining. I love that GoGo chick she got some really cool moves. Can't wait to see vol.2
I saw it on opening day the first showing (it made me late for class and the professor was mad at me ^_^). I really loved the movie. I really think Asians were represented in that movie since I come from a town that has few asians. I really enjoyed the mixture of Japanese, english, anime, samurai mentality and fighting. I can't wait for Volume 2!
I just picked up the Soundtrack. I love that song with the trumpets when O-Ren's "crew" walks down the hall of the resturant.
Btw Is the guy who played Hattori Hanzo also the guy who plays Chiyo's father in Shotgun Marriage? I hear this Sonny Chiba fellow is a famous actor in Japan. Also I have to add that Lucy Lui looks cute in a kimono.
*OFF Topic* Ren your signature pic is so damn beautiful.
Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 2 Location: U.S.A. Country:
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2003 5:31 pm Post subject: Seen Kill Bill also
I loved that movie it was kick ass and funny at the same time I loved everything abotu that movie. HEY did U know there will be a volume 2 AKA part 2 it will come out in Feb. of 2004. GOGO what can I say cute but alittle unusal upstairs, O-ren Ishii I loved the hall way seen that had to be the best camra work of the whole movie, the anime that was so kick ass I did not see that coming ad it was osme great work too. what else can AI say abotu that movie U cant after seeing it, it makes U speechless U know but if U have not seen it yet U got to go see that movie and try to go see it with 15 ppl like I did it is a great movie cant wait for Vol 2. oh yea and the swords were so cool. lmao PUSSY WAGON!!!!!!!!
Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 3779 Location: so. cali, USA Country:
Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 5:50 am Post subject:
aww we're on the same boat loveless, lol im not sick though, im just broke i heard the movie is too bloody? hehe maybe cuz its from a girl's point of view shoot i dont care if it is.. cantwait till i get paid _________________
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