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Location: Melbourne
Registered: June 2004
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ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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Mon, 01 November 2004 13:21
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As a result of the response I received on my sort of 'half review' of All About Lily Chou-Chou I thought that I'd start up sort of an Asian Movie Review thing as a monthly part of these forums...
Are people interested or not?
Please take a moment to read this review on the 2002 Movie 2LDK written by meh...:
This movie was released as a sort of 'duel' between to Japanese movie directors Yukihiko Tsutsumi and his contemporary Ryuhei Kitamura. The idea was simple, the two movies, 2LDK and Aragami were to share one similar story line, the two characters of the film both had to face death in some way or another.
Much like its plot, the title is curious while being unassuming. 2LDK is the Japanese abbreviation for a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, dining room and kitchen. It's also a curious point that the entire movie takes place in the confines of this apartment.
While what seems to be a peaceful and calm relationship, the two roommates, Lana and Nozomi's thoughts, which are revealed as narrations, reveal a relationship that is teetering on the brink of hatred and violence. Nozomi, the quiet, country girl who has come to Tokyo for her big break through in the acting industry and Lana, the hardened consumer junkie who is desperate for one last chance at stardom.
Early on in the film you realise that the two are competing for the leading part in a big budget Japanese film. It's obvious that both are desperate for the part when both Lana and Nozomi start taking pot shots at each others integrity and attitude by going off at each other for the most mundane room mate issue, IE. Eating each other's food, or leaving hair in the bathtub. The 'friendship' quickly degenerates into hatred as both girls discover that they are both seeing the same man. This sort of sadistic, black non-humour is what I have to come expect from Japanese cinema. Introduce the chainsaw, bust out the katana's and whip out the samurai sword. This isn't funny, its tragic, but you can't help but watch the insane action as the two girls pummel each other deep into the ground, the wall and the beds. You, the audience is left with two options from this point in the movie, laugh or cry. Whatever your choosing, your eyes are transfixed, you're sympathy for either character is shot, as you neither know which character you prefer. Nozomi, who is anal-retentive and juvenile, or Lana, who is bitter and deceptive? I dare you to choose while watching this film.
While I have yet to see Aragami, I cannot comment on which director had the better film, but 2LDK is well directed, well written, well acted and well presented and easily one of the best Japanese movies I've seen. What is impressive about this movie is that director Tsutsumi lets both the story, and the characters grow, which allows the storyline and the plight of both characters to gain more and more speed until all hell breaks loose. Though the film is short (only 70minutes long), it seems to last forever, its slowly-paced yet inquisitive, however what's even more impressive is Tsutsumi's ability to make the film flowing and ends at the perfect time. Any longer and it's expected that audience interest would be lost.
While its not on the level of Fukasaku's cult classic 'Battle Royale' or even Miike's horror movie 'Audition', 2LDK is still a classic cult film in its own right.
If you have ever lived with a roommate or had severe emotional problems, seek this film out, you won't be disappointed. (last two sentances stolen from another review )
Shiri gives it 5 out of 5!
- 2LDK is currently being screened on World Movies along with Aragami, and is also available on dvd at http://www.yesasia.com
[Updated on: Mon, 01 November 2004 13:35]
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| Subject | Poster | Date |
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ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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ShiRi | Mon, 01 November 2004 13:21 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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AE86slut | Mon, 01 November 2004 21:53 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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Lucid | Tue, 02 November 2004 02:05 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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westlife | Tue, 02 November 2004 04:24 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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ShiRi | Tue, 02 November 2004 02:53 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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AE86slut | Tue, 02 November 2004 03:31 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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AE86slut | Tue, 02 November 2004 04:25 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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mk1sc | Tue, 02 November 2004 07:13 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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MFX_Neko_86 | Tue, 02 November 2004 11:18 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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ShiRi | Tue, 02 November 2004 11:27 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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MFX_Neko_86 | Tue, 02 November 2004 11:28 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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ShiRi | Tue, 02 November 2004 11:43 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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MFX_Neko_86 | Tue, 02 November 2004 11:52 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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bathurst-91 | Tue, 02 November 2004 12:27 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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AE86slut | Tue, 02 November 2004 12:30 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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Dmonk86 | Wed, 03 November 2004 23:27 |
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Re: ShiRi's Asian Movie Review: 2LDK
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AE86slut | Wed, 03 November 2004 23:29 |
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