Shuto Kousoku Trial (1988) [Film Review]

Shuto Kousoku Trial; or, Whatever It Takes

     A professional driver must have luck too apart from skill. If you’re lucky, you get sponsors, skill alone won’t get you the chance to race. Luck, skill, and money for racing. I have none of that! If I can’t beat 5’13”, I should just forget it!

Today, I would like to review a movie that was purposely pushed into the abyss of cinematic non-existence, placed at the bottom of the straight-to-video heap by censors who hoped that it will become forgotten in time. I’m talking about Shuto Kousoku Trial (a.k.a. Megalopolis Expressway Trial) from 1988. The first live action movie that focused on the controversial subject of illegal highway racing in Japan, way before the development of The Fast and the Furious franchise.

Release Info

Directed by: Katsuji Kanazawa Starring: Gitan Otsuru, Yumiko Masuzaki, Toru Sakai

Language: Japanese Original Title: 首都高速トライアル Runtime: 95 min

 

Synopsis

Rokuoo (Gitan Otsuru) is a young and ambitious driver who aspires to become a professional F1 racer. In order to achieve his dream, Rokuoo, together with his girlfriend Yoshiko (Yumiko Masuzaki) and mechanic Yuji (Toru Sakai), attempts to break the time records set on national highways by a famous racer Nakajima. With a specially modified Nissan Skyline R-30, Rokuoo quickly starts setting new records one by one. Friends cheer for the rising champion, but there’s one road which he dreads the most: the 13,9 km track on Shuto Expressway which Nakajima beat in 5 minutes and 13 seconds.

 

“To hell with heroes! To hell with Shuto!”

I became aware of the Shuto Kousoku Trial series quite accidentally when I saw a fan music video with Meiko Nakahara’s song superimposed on the awesome racing clips. I started searching for the source of these scenes and that’s how I discovered the series. The first movie was made at the height of the street racing era in Japan and the popularity of Mid Night Club. Although it was intended for a theatrical release, it was ultimately banned by the authorities due to alleged promotion of illegal racing. Nevertheless the movie was successful on home video and Toei Company Ltd. commissioned direct-to-video sequels to be made.

 

The information on the making and history of the series is scarce and mostly outlined by motorisation fans. All I managed to find out was that the sequels were received warmly by the authorities as the pro-illegal racing message was toned down and a professional racer Keiichi Tsuchiya was brought on board in the supporting role. Shuto Kousoku Trial is also considered to be not only the first series about racing, but also the one which has influenced Initial D and Wangan Midnight manga series (and The Fast and the Furious as well!).

 

However, all of this stemmed from the first movie, which can now be perceived as an underrated 80s classic. It has the heart and passion due to its story, interesting characters, and unforgettable racing scenes. In addition, the implementation of rock instrumentals and City Pop soundtrack also significantly adds to the viewing experience. The movie was banned for advocating illegal racing, but, ironically, it is the only one in the whole series to feature a police chase!

 

Honestly, I did not find the movie to be pro-illegal at all. It is an engaging story about a driver coming to terms with his fears and sacrifices he had made. The movie also touches upon the themes of friendship and love for the road while objectively depicting the exclusive circle of street racers. In the end, it’s all about making a successful trial run, overtaking the Ajima bend, and losing the heat. That’s what kept me on the edge of my seat.

 

Gitan Otsuru is excellent as Rokuoo, the first driver of the series, and his performance is backed by a brilliant supporting role of Yumiko Masuzaki. Additionally, Toru Sakai is great as a know-it-all mechanic. Additionally, Ryo Kinomoto comes to notice as crazy police officer, Kawakita, who is determined to put the racer behind bars.

 

Recommendations

If you like racing, you will definitely love Shuto Kousoku Trial. Grab some snacks and relax during the 95-minute long spectacle of incredible speed. I will definitely review the sequels, but I have to think in which form (one review or each separately). As for the first movie, I’m glad that I came across it. I will frequently sit back and enjoy its ride. Feel the force of Skyline R-30, feel the nostalgia for the 1980s and; most importantly, feel the power of Shuto Express!

Overall score: 9/10

Seoul Raiders (2005) [Film Review]

Seoul Raiders; or, Trust Nobody in Korea

     I'm under the international spy section of the Japanese National Security Dept. But I just changed jobs, and became... head of Interpol Asian Division. In other words, I'm just... super cool.

As I am still on the lookout for the release of Europe Raiders, I decided to wait patiently and, in the meantime, review Tokyo Raider’s sequel, simply known as Seoul Raiders. Made 5 years later after the original movie and with just Tony Leung Chiu-Wai reprising his role as the jack-of-all-trades Lam.

Release Info

Directed by: Jingle Ma Starring: Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Shu Qi, Richie Jen

Language: Cantonese Original Title: 韓城攻略 Runtime: 98 min

 

Synopsis

Lam (Tony Leung) retrieves a pair of plates which are used to make American dollars. He hands them over to the US Embassy representative, Owen (Richie Jen), but the man double-crosses Lam and escapes with the plates. Lam is sent by the Hong Kong Police to South Korea in order to track down Owen. The spy recruits a group of beautiful Korean assistants and teams up with JJ (Shu Qi), a small time crook who is also after the plates. The team finds out that Owen intends to sell the plates to a crime syndicate boss known as Polar Bear.

 

Kingdom of the Silvery Plates

First of all, I will start by saying that amidst the sea of fake and quasi-sequels, Seoul Raiders is an actual continuation which references the original film (K.O. and TTTTT :D). However, its primary disadvantage is the lack of the two strong leads: Ekin Cheng and Kelly Chen who, together with Tony Leung, had such great chemistry on screen.

 

Nevertheless, once you get over the absence of Ekin and Kelly, the movie becomes quite fun. Right from the opening sequence, there are nicely choreographed action set pieces, ridiculous jokes, and a standard upbeat music (this time composed by Tommy Wai instead of Peter Kam). In addition, the main setting for the unfolding events is now Seoul and the movie uses some of its interesting live locations.

 

With regard to performances, Tony Leung obviously relishes playing the over-the-top spy and his Errol Flynn-like enthusiasm in every scene is infectious. To be honest, I’m not riding the fan-train of Shu Qi, but I give it to her that she did great with her part and even made me laugh a few times. Richie Jen is quite likeable and convincing in the role of a rogue embassy worker, even though he gets beaten up throughout most of the film. Additional praise goes to Meme Tian for looking badass cool as the syndicate’s “interpreter”.

 

I should point out that there are two plot twists, unlike in the previous film which had plenty(!), yet these do not disrupt the overall reception of the picture. Jingle Ma at least in this case made the storyline simpler and easier to follow. However, I still view Tokyo Raiders slightly superior to its successor. Seoul Raiders might have improved in terms of pacing and coherency, but it ultimately lacks the style and charming playfulness of the original movie.

 

Recommendations

Seoul Raiders may be perceived as an inferior sequel, but it is undoubtedly a fun to watch and a good choice for a free evening. It only gets better with repetitive viewing, because you know what to expect and just wait for the action and laughs. It’s more than watchable and quite entertaining, even if it does not touch the bar set by the first film.  Now, I only have Europe Raiders left to review. If I manage to track down a copy, I will most certainly share with you my thoughts on the film.

Overall score: 7/10

The Negotiator The Movie (2010) [Film Review]

The Negotiator The Movie; or, This is NOT a Bayside Shakedown Spin-off!

     What I hate the most are people who subdue everything with strength!

During my search for a police procedural drama, I have found a conspicuously-looking show from TV Asahi called Koshonin (2008). I gave the first episode a go and the drama looks pretty solid; however, it turned out all of a sudden that there’s not only a second season to the series, but also a theatrical film called Koshonin The Movie: The Fight at 10,000 metres! Wait a minute, I think I’ve heard a similar title before... Anyways, I just had to check out the film about Ryoko Yonekura in a hijacked plane! This is my review of The Negotiator The Movie.

Release Info

Directed by: Toshio Terada Starring: Ryoko Yonekura, Takashi Sorimachi, Toshio Kakei

Language: Japanese Original Title: 交渉人 THE MOVIE〜タイムリミット高度10,000mの頭脳戦 Runtime: 122 min

 

Synopsis

Reiko Usagi (Ryoko Yonekura) is a member of the SIT (Special Investigation Team), which handles the most difficult cases as they happen at the crime scene. 260 million yen were stolen from an armoured vehicle. The robbers bust into a shopping mall and take customers hostage. Reiko tries to negotiate, as she was professionally trained to do so, but suddenly, a large explosion takes place. In the moment of chaos, customers rush out of the mall in panic and the criminals blend into the crowd. Only the head of the gang, Mido (Masahiko Tsugawa), is apprehended. Sometime later, Reiko intends to go on vacation. At Haneda Airport, she spots one of the hostages, Yusuke Kimoto (Kento Hayashi). Suspecting that something may be going on, Reiko follows the man. It turns out that the airplane they boarded is hijacked shortly after take-off...

 

“Watashi Shippai Shinai No De”

I have checked out The Negotiator quite spontaneously and without any high expectations. It was quite entertaining and well made, but if you expect to see a non-stop action in the style of Die Hard (1989) then I suggest watching Air Force One (1997) instead. In fact, The Negotiator is a slow burning suspense thriller, and its only fault is the reliance on the overused “hijacked plane” motif.

 

Evidently, the screenplay tries to move away from the standard terrorists-plotline by introducing a whole new subplot with a twist(!) which, unfortunately, is not all that breathtaking. By fiddling with the formula and trying to cram Law Abiding Citizen (2009) into Turbulence (1997), the story of The Negotiator, at best, passes as a mediocre idea, taken out of Security Police's in-joke, which would do better as the special episode of the drama.

 

Apart from this issue, there are only advantages. The cinematography is great, the music score quite distinct and catchy, but the ensemble cast is what makes this particular movie a fun to watch, especially if you are into J-dramas! I spotted so many familiar faces that I just couldn’t help myself and made the “Starring section” inspired by Honest Trailers at the very end of this review.

 

Ryoko Yonekura is wonderful as Reiko Usagi, but in my eyes she will always be the unbeatable Daimon Michiko-sensei. Sadly, The Negotiator to date remains Ryoko’s only theatrical effort. The supporting characters are awesome as well. Takashi Sorimachi deserves the highest praise as the main bad guy who takes over the airplane and keeps his cool at all times. In addition, it’s quite hilarious to see Toshiro Yanagiba and Toshio Kakei back in action together, even though this is most certainly not a Bayside Shakedown spin-off.

 

Recommendations

Safely recommended to anyone who likes the original Koshonin drama. The movie is A-okay to watch for one time, but it won’t leave a lasting impression on you. However, it has a lot of fun stuff to offer, in spite of an underdeveloped storyline. I am secretly hoping for a new theatrical feature with better material for Ryoko to work on. Maybe... Doctor X: The Movie? Please...?

Now, here comes the Starring Section:

AND

Trailer:

Overall score: 6/10