Member Knetan Posted September 24 Member Share Posted September 24 34 minutes ago, KenHashibe said: My Project A 4K arrived from Grindhouse yesterday. Only took 6 days to arrive. Excited to dig through this release! Mine hasn't been shipped yet. Ordered from Amazon US. But am in no hurry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Takuma Posted September 27 Member Share Posted September 27 I'm a little puzzled that, as someone who has seen close to 400 Roman Porno films, 88 still hasn't released or announced anything that I would buy (though Woods are Wet is not bad, and I haven't seen Sweden). So I came up with a wish list of my own. This isn't aimed at 88 alone. I've divided the films very roughly into two categories: films that lean more towards genre movies, and those that lean more towards quirky drama or slice of life drama. Some of the films could easily have been on both lists. Recommended Films with a Genre Movie flavour (Available in HD as far as I know) Spoiler Retreat through the Wet Wasteland (濡れた荒野を走れ) (1973) Arguably one of the most important Japanese crime films of the 70s, this utterly nihilist beast cop tale follows a group of corrupt detectives (who among other things rob churches) man-hunting their former colleague, who has escaped from a mental prison and could bring their crimes to publicity. Directed by early 70s Nikkatsu Outlaw cinema master Yukihiro Sawada. Takeo Chii gives perhaps his career best performance as a devil with a badge. Sex Rider: Wet Highway (セックス・ライダー 濡れたハイウェイ) (1971) and Sex Rider: Injured Lust (セックス・ライダー 傷だらけの欲情) (1973) Two highly stylised crime / action / road movie cocktails from Koretsugu Kurahara, one of Nikkatsu’s rebel action directors who refused to let go of the studio’s past. Both films mix elements of older gangster and youth pictures, with the first movie being a more of a road film and the even better second movie an urban ballad about two desperate lovers (brother and sister) on the run from the police and the entire world! Female Delinquent: A Docu-Drama (実録不良少女 姦) (1977) Lady Snowblood director Toshiya Fujita’s gritty delinquent girl masterpiece is, in my opinion, the best Roman Porno picture of all time. Based on a real delinquent’s autography, the film feels like Kinji Fukasaku and Noboru Tanaka joint-directing a Pinky Violence picture with Roman Porno sensibilities. Features fantastic performances (including Yuya Uchida in a supporting role) and an epic rock soundtrack! Girl’s Pleasure: Man Hunting (横須賀男狩り 少女・悦楽) (1977) Toshiya Fujita’s second best Roman Porno picture is a ferocious revenge tale which turns gender roles upside down. Based on a competition winning screenplay by one of Roman Porno’s few female writers, Machiko Nasu, modern audiences would probably call the movie "Tarantino-esque" with its clever mixture of pop music, sudden shocking violence, and characters’ paths crossing ironically by pure coincidence. Erotic Liaisons (エロチックな関係) (1977) One of Nikkatsu’s most stylish pictures, a slick neo-noir following a private detective (Yuya Uchida) who falls in love with the femme fatale he’s supposed to spy on. Soon bodies start piling up. Stylishly directed by Yasuharu Hasesebe, with stand-out performances (especially by the perfectly cast Uchida, and his secretary Reiko Kayama), and a distinctly European feel, probably due to being based on French author Raymond Marlot’s hard boiled novel that has been relocated to Japan. Painful Bliss! Final Twist (悶絶!! どんでん返し) (1977) An absolutely insane mix of yakuzas, pop-art, and trans awakenings. If Takashi Miike, Pedro Almodovar and Noboru Tanaka had merged to make a movie, this is probably what it would look like. Though it turns out, all it took was Tatsumi Kumashiro to make this film. One of the maddest, most joyful films in the Roman Porno series. Rolling on the Road (嗚呼!おんなたち 猥歌) (1981) Master filmmaker Tatsumi Kumashiro and legendary rock star Yuya Uchida joined forces for this incredible rock n roll sleaze explosion starring Uchida as himself (though the character has a different name, it's clearly based on Uchida, and the plot follows relatively closely Uchida's notorious real life misadventures) and oh boy, he does not hold back one bit! Girl and the Wooden Horse Torture (団鬼六 少女木馬責め) (1982) I am not a fan of S&M films, but this movie is a different beast compared to the rest. Visually talented director Fumihiko Kato helms a gripping psychological drama based on a Takashi Ishii screenplay about a high school girl obsessed with her teacher, who has been fired on false rape accusations. The highly visual, noirish and nightmarish film is both surprising and character driven, and feels like an Angel Guts movie with an S&M theme. Orgasm Mariko (オーガズム 真理子) (1985) From the director of Girl and the Wooden Horse Torture and the writer of Hausu, this bloody revenge thriller full of menstruation blood, about a girl trying to kill as many sleazy truckers as she possibly can, is a cult classic waiting to be discovered. It is currently trending in Japan, with a brand new 35mm print produced earlier this year for theatrical showing, and a new digital HD master released on DVD. But who's going to release it on BD? + Please make these available in HD (HD master might exist, but I'm not aware of) Assault (暴行!) (1976) Another crime film by the director of Retreat through the Wet Wasteland. This is a remarkably dark and bleak home invasion tale obviously influenced by Straw Dogs.The eight minute climax is a melancholic ballad of violence that rivals the best scenes directed by Sam Peckinpah and John Woo. Woman of the Afternoon: Incite (昼下りの女 挑発!!) (1979) One of the most refreshing and disturbing films in the Roman Porno series, this picture starts out as a breezy road movie following a liberated woman on a countryside road trip… until she takes a wrong turn and ends up somewhere in the Deliverance and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre territory. Burai no onna (BU・RA・Iの女) (1988) The best Japanese yakuza film of the 80s, hidden in the Roman Porno line-up. Future DTV super star Hitoshi Ozawa stars as novice yakuza who is sent to Okinawa to commit an assassination, but does he have the guts to kill a man? While he’s sweating in hotel rooms, hanging out in bars and hooking up with old friends, the boss (Hideo Murota) sends a pair of psycho killers to ensure the job gets done. This movie is the missing link between Okinawa Yakuza War and Sonatine. Recommended Films with a Quirky Drama / Slice of Life flavour (Available in HD) Spoiler Delicate Skillful Fingers (白い指の戯れ) (1972) Often considered the first truly great Roman Porno picture, this exceedingly stylish metropolitan tale is the perfect starting point to newcomers. Hiroko Isayama stars as an innocent girl who falls in love with a professional pickpocket and learns the trade. Directed by future action maestro Toru Murakawa at the height of his creativity, based on a terrific Tatsumi Kumashiro script, it could be described to modern viewers as the Tony Scott / Quentin Tarantino pairing of the 70s, plus the film features the greatest musical score ever committed to a Roman Porno picture. Roman Porno films don't get cooler than this! Circuit of Sorrow (Love and Death at Fuji Speedway) (哀愁のサーキット) (1972) Another highly rewarding Toru Murakawa film, this true account is one of the most unique projects ever conceived in the Roman Porno line. Based on a real life romance between a race driver and a pop star, this is another incredibly stylish film, and features one of the greatest soundtracks of the 70s (not many Roman Porno films were accompanied by a soundtrack LP at the time of their release, but this was). Also, it’s the only Roman Porno car racing film! This and Delicate Skillful Fingers are better and more stylish than almost any of the later films Murakawa did. Love Hunter: Lust (恋の狩人 欲望) (1973) Director Seiichiro Yamaguchi was arrested and trialled for obscenity when he released Love Hunter in 1972. He responded by making this angry, poetic and ultra-political follow-up film about a stripper (anti-establishment icon Mari Tanaka) arrested on similar charges. A hugely interesting critique on the Japanese legal system, the hypocrisy of the authorities, and prejudice against anyone, particularly women, who challenge established conservative values. Woman's Trail: Wet Path (おんなの細道 濡れた海峡) (1980) A beautifully melancholic film about middle aged people wandering aimlessly in snowy coastal towns after losing their loved ones. A mature, atypical Roman Porno film depicting the passing of time. Wong Kar Wai fans should feel at home. Rape Ceremony (暴行儀式) (1980) An intelligent, gritty youth drama with broken chronology, hidden under a horrendous misleading title (it should actually be Assault Ceremony). It’s about two generations of misguided young men: a former biker gang who disbanded under police pressure, and a group of fresh high school graduates, who intended to join the gang, now stalking and attacking their former idols who betrayed their hopes. Written by one of Japanese cinema’s all time best writers, Haruhiko Arai, and directed by Kichitaro Negishi, this masterpiece feels very much like an Art Theater Guild film. The 2nd best Roman Porno of all time IMO. Just change the title! Crazed Fruit (狂った果実) (1981) Another excellent Kichitaro Negishi / Haruhiko Arai picture, this time a loose updating of the 50s Sun Tribe classic of the same name. It’s less political, more intimate and more psychological with Negishi’s trademark complex characters, superb lensing with plenty of handheld street cinematography, terrific performances, and a great use of pop music. Again, feels like an Art Theater Guild film. You can find the fantastic theme song by "Alice" on YouTube (search for 狂った果実(Live ver.) Red Violation (赤い暴行) (1981) This low-key rock band docudrama following the real life 80s rock band Devils is not only one of the most unique Roman Porno productions of all time, it’s also one of the best rock band films ever made. And, it features one hell of a soundtrack! It's a film that could easily have been produced by ATG. Jealousy Game (ジェラシー・ゲーム) (1982) Yoichi Higashi’s psychological road movie about a middle aged couple (Yosuke Natsuki & Toei star Reiko Oshida) travelling in Hokkaido by Harley Davidson when they get caught up in a jealous younger couple’s relationship games. Breezy, intelligent and well acted by a strictly mainstream cast, this was one of the Eros daisaku projects within Roman Porno, intended to bridge the gap between Roman Porno and mainstream cinema. Written by Akiko Tanaka, one of the few female Roman Porno writers. + Please make this available in HD (HD master might exist, but I'm not aware of) Midnight Fairy (真夜中の妖精) (1973) A desperate young man ditched by his girlfriend hooks up with a mentally challenged prostitute. This is a superb arthouse Roman Porno: poignant, visually stylish, and features lots of great 1970s footage filmed on location on streets and in small bars. The film also never feels pretentious: it's fun, playful, fast paced and full of colourful characters from hookers to trans people and everything in between. Beauty’s Exotic Dance: Torture (発禁本「美人乱舞」より 責める!) (1977) The final and best film in Noboru Tanaka's Mad Love trilogy, a haunting psychological examination of love and obsession. It's namely an S&M film, but Tanaka is more interested in the mental aspect of an S&M relationship, and its consequences on both body and mind, than exploitation. Unlike the typical genre fair, this is set mainly outdoors in freezing cold snowy landscapes. Probably Tanaka’s best film and the most accomplished S&M themed movie by Nikkatsu (unlike the Naomi Tani junk they’re better known for). Pink Hip Girl (桃尻娘 ピンク・ヒップ・ガール) (1978) A major turning point in the Roman Porno series, this incredibly breezy and likeable youth film / road movie started a new era where Nikkatsu was trying to turn Roman Porno into a mainstream trend. One of the best Roman Porno pictures, easily, and earned director Koyu Ohara a reputation as Japan’s top “pop-art director”. Fujunna kankei (不純な関係) (1984) Roman Porno vending machine Shogoro Nishimura surprises with late work that I'd consider his best Roman Porno picture (he directed nearly 100). It's an incredibly well written, superbly directed and acted marriage drama about a wife (Ako) who discovers his husband is cheating on her with a younger beauty (Natsuko Yamamoto). Her attempts to make sense of it, and perhaps get even, result in a narrative that going against every pink film cliche in the most refreshing way. A breath of fresh air in the genre. The real stand out is though is Ako, the underrated, eccentric Shuji Terayama protege whose career was a mixture of Roman Porno, Arthouse Guild, Toei, Shochiku, and Toho films. I could have made the list even longer, but had to draw a line somewhere... 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Drunksnake Posted September 28 Member Share Posted September 28 Tonight sorted. 11 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member MobFu1972 Posted September 28 Member Share Posted September 28 Instagram Post 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Yggdrasil Posted September 28 Member Share Posted September 28 11 minutes ago, MobFu1972 said: Instagram Post DVD? Not blu ray? 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member AslanBey Posted September 28 Member Share Posted September 28 10 hours ago, Drunksnake said: Tonight sorted. Is the poster double-sided with the new artwork?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Knetan Posted September 29 Member Share Posted September 29 12 hours ago, Yggdrasil said: DVD? Not blu ray? Apparently dual release as their social media post said blu ray pics to follow next week. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Rubber John Posted October 4 Member Share Posted October 4 Do we have the full details for the Fong Sai Yuk double yet or is there possibly more to be announced? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Yggdrasil Posted October 4 Member Share Posted October 4 On 9/28/2024 at 11:46 PM, AslanBey said: Is the poster double-sided with the new artwork?? Double sided. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Iron Head Rat Posted October 5 Member Share Posted October 5 On 9/28/2024 at 6:50 PM, MobFu1972 said: Instagram Post Is Kid from Kwangtung any good ? I've never seen it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member kuenfist Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 14 hours ago, Iron Head Rat said: Is Kid from Kwangtung any good ? I've never seen it. Kid from Kwangtung is a very good Kung Fu comedy with Wong Yue ( Kid with a Tattoo) at his peak. If you like fast action - choreographie shapes ( not as crazy as yuen clan but same speed ) than you are right here. Highly recommended. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Yggdrasil Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 2 hours ago, kuenfist said: Kid from Kwangtung is a very good Kung Fu comedy with Wong Yue ( Kid with a Tattoo) at his peak. If you like fast action - choreographie shapes ( not as crazy as yuen clan but same speed ) than you are right here. Highly recommended. I'm only buying it for the Asia 88 set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Knetan Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 I haven't seen that one but I struggle with most films Wong Yue was a lead in. Far from my favourite performer, works a little bit better when he shares the screen with someone distinctive like a Gordon Liu in Dirty Ho, in Executioners From Shaolin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member ShawAngela Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 (edited) 2 hours ago, Knetan said: I haven't seen that one but I struggle with most films Wong Yue was a lead in. Far from my favourite performer, works a little bit better when he shares the screen with someone distinctive like a Gordon Liu in Dirty Ho, in Executioners From Shaolin. He did a really good job in The proud youth. Did you watch this one? Edited October 6 by ShawAngela 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member AlexanderFu Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 Ling Yun had a small but great part in that. Excellent movie. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member ironfistedmonk Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 23 hours ago, Iron Head Rat said: Is Kid from Kwangtung any good ? I've never seen it. It's a Shaws attempt at the cheap indie kung fu comedies, not as good as Monkey Kung Fu or 5 Superfighters but better than Fighting Fool and Tigress of Shaolin etc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member MobFu1972 Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 On 10/5/2024 at 7:48 AM, Iron Head Rat said: Is Kid from Kwangtung any good ? I've never seen it. It was Amazing to see Hwang Jang Lee in a Shaw Brothers film. He is Incredible in it 🥋👊🐉👍🐲☯️‼️‼️‼️ 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Yggdrasil Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 41 minutes ago, MobFu1972 said: It was Amazing to see Hwang Jang Lee in a Shaw Brothers film. He is Incredible in it 🥋👊🐉👍🐲☯️‼️‼️‼️ Oh...! That'll be interesting. Only seen him in 3 films. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Knetan Posted October 6 Member Share Posted October 6 6 hours ago, ShawAngela said: He did a really good job in The proud youth. Did you watch this one? Not yet. So it's matter of my experience so far but I know what has worked for me, and what hasn't and in the examples I mentioned I think he finds a place and thrives. There's another Kid film he was in... Kid With The Tattoo (?) that I remember him (and the film) being intolerable in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member kuenfist Posted October 7 Member Share Posted October 7 (edited) Oh i forgot to say Hwang Jang Lee is great in Kid from Kwangtung. He was as far as i know only in 2 Shaw Brothers movies Kid from Kwangtung and a year later in the crazy Shaw Brothers answer too the Yuen's Miracle Fighters "Ghost Galore". Another Shaw gem waiting too get a offical release on physical media .... Blu-ray,UHD .... 88 Films please do the job !!! Edited October 7 by kuenfist 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Yihetuan Posted October 8 Member Share Posted October 8 B&N has The Project A Collection 4K UHD for $59.99 plus free shipping. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-the-project-a-collection-project-a-collection/1144726035 They also have a 40% off Martial Arts titles going on right now as well. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/40-off-select-martial-arts-films/_/N-30ti 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member ChillyChong Posted October 8 Member Share Posted October 8 On 10/5/2024 at 3:48 PM, Iron Head Rat said: Is Kid from Kwangtung any good ? I've never seen it. Worth seeing HJL applies cat mode in the excellent end fight. All scenes with HJL are great(there is not lot of them) and rest of movie is mid-tier shaw kung fu comedy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member nahnahnah Posted October 9 Member Share Posted October 9 Project A collection is now sold out on the 88 Films website. You can still grab it at DeepDiscount for $57.39, and they also have a 15% off code that expires tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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