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Reviews
Kaidan (1964)
kWaidan
Have not found out yet why this film is frequently listed as Kaidan, but nevertheless it is worth watching this collection of folklore based stories. It is a mixture of Greek/Western Mythology and traditional (eastern?) 'evil' ghost story telling. Fantastic scenes and surreal settings, which are enriched with colourful artwork. In true Japanese style, effect and composition of the picture, frame by frame, dominates over a sometimes confusing storyline. Viewers might have their attention-span challenged, but at least should take time to admire the magical atmosphere of episode 3, about Hoichi, a blind story-teller/singer. I was surprised to find out that this, in my opinion, masterpiece was made in 1964. It has a timeless quality.
Renaissance (2006)
Formidable
This film is something else, a captivating experience of a Paris set in a nearby future, highlighted by mesmerising artwork with great eye for detail. The story is of Mickey Spillane/Mike Hammer 'pulp' quality, following a plot, which is not always consistent from a logical point of view. But that seems to be a tradition with this detective genre, where pace and atmosphere are more important. What is remarkable is how the people behind this film paint a picture of France in the year 2056, which is very real and very much believable. Great art deco scenery, with for car enthusiasts a re-born world of Facel Vega and Panhard. Recommended.
The Swarm (1978)
The Bees should have dealt with producers & co
Absolute zero B movie with military fire power killing off whatever is left of a plot, containing a storyline which derails many a times during a gruelling length of 2.5 hours! I haven't seen the shorter cinema-version; maybe Michael Cane speaks and acts a bit faster in that one. I have this distinct feeling that some funding by the USA Army & Navy might have influenced some of the editing, but that's just a guess ;-) Michael Cane, Katherine Ross, Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda, Richard Chamberlain, Olivia de Havilland, José Ferrer, Slim Pickens and specially trained Bees! Beyond comprehension how all this talent and effort was wasted on this disaster of a movie - who talked them into it?