AKIRA's memory lives on in our hearts

I watched AKIRA again just the other week and it's just the best film ever and I had the soundtrack on my iPod until recently. The following The Montoya Herald link discusses a newly released track by Kanye West & Daft Punk whose video references AKIRA. The discussion asks does it homage or rip-off? You decide! It's just good to see some images from AKIRA again. I haven't looked at my AKIRA Club book yet, I'm saving it...

[AKIRA Club book: published by Titan Books | Dark Horse for big picture of cover | Forbidden Planet have it discounted | as do Amazon]

I got here via Same Hat! Same Hat!, (my interest piqued by TETSUUOOOOO! KANYEEEEEEDA!!?!?) via MangaBlog while exploring Kazuo Umezu’s Mummy Teacher's covers...


RP



Copyright © 2007 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Howl's Moving Castle

Studio Ghibli - bringer of Japanese animation to the west, graced my eyes and cerebellum last night. I originally saw this at The Watershed in Bristol when it went on 'arthouse' (hate that title) release in the UK. I was blown away then across Howl's field of flowers - I was again last night. Standout moments are; in the hatshop - in fact the whole European town setting scenes, the Wicked Witch of the Wastes' henchmen as they carry her about in a sedan chair, Howl's bedroom (no it's not that type of film) and Howl's field. I didn't initially like the fire (voiced by Billy Crystal of City Slickers fame) first time around but this time I did. The story is involved but stick with it and it's worthwhile.

The original story is by Diane Wynne Jones who lives in Bristol (it's on my list of books to read) and she is planning a new book with a guest appearance of Howl. She likes the film and Miyazaki came to UK to provide a private showing upon completion - cool.

Howl's Moving Castle - Hauru no ugoku shiro

Hayao Miyazaki

Studio Ghibli

RP



Copyright © 2007 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

BLOOD - The Last Vampire

This is the second time I have watched this film about vampires set at the start of the Viet Nam war on an American Air Base in Japan. It was even better the second time around - visceral action, stunning 2d/3D CGI graphics mix and an ethereal music score. A strong female lead (she wields a samurai sword!), good vampires and an excellent muted colour palette. 'The making of' included on disc gives a good insight into the combination of 2D/3D animation. From the creators of Ghost In The Shell 'nuff said!

Released in 2000 by MANGA
Rated 15

Production IG - planning and original concept

Mamoru Oshii - as Producer (planning)
Kenji Kamiyama - script writer
Yoshihiro Ike - composer (music)


RP



Copyright © 2007 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.