Showing posts with label Tomorowo Taguchi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tomorowo Taguchi. Show all posts

10 October 2012

Tetsuo: The Iron Man / Tetsuo II: Body Hammer Blu-Ray Review

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Japanese director Shinya Tsukamoto (Kotoko, Snake of June) finally has his cult sci-fi films Tetsuo: The Iron Man and Tetsuo II: Body Hammer released on Blu-Ray and DVD.

In the original 1989 release a man only known as the ‘metal fetishist’, due to his obsession with sticking scrap metal into his body. After he is hit by a car driven by a Japanese ‘salaryman’, the driver begins to experience his body turning into metal – a fate masterminded through the rage of his victim. Shot in black and white, the film is a frantic and surreal work of cyberpunk; reminiscent of David Lynch’s early work. In its sequel, the monochrome palate is replaced with vivid colour; as Tsukamoto revisits his world inhabited by man-machines.

Both films are shocking and horrific, focusing on graphic imagery rather than dialogue and a linear plot. Clearly the director has a vivid and unique imagination, and that the visuals look so good after being made on a very low budget is a great accomplishment. However these are not films that will appeal to everyone. Their utter strangeness will be enough to alienate most, but fans of cult horror, sci-fi and Japanese cinema will appreciate Tsukamoto’s work.

Extra Features:
Interview with Shinya Tsukamoto
‘The Interview of Electric Rod Boy’ – Tsukamoto’s 45 minute short film
Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers
New UK Trailer

Sophie Stephenson

★★★★

Rating: 18
UK Re-release Date: 8th October 2012
Directed By: Shin'ya Tsukamoto
Cast: Tomorowo Taguchi, Shin'ya Tsukamoto, Nobu Kanaoka, Sujin Kim