Moon Child (English Subtitles) [Limited Pressing]

"Moon Child" is a fascinating work by Takahisa Zeze. As the box itself points out, the obvious aesthetic reference point here is the work of John Woo. Like John Woo, Zeze(should I say Takahisa? not sure...) has a taste for extreme bloodshed, Mexican standoffs, male bonding, and an almost sentimental use of flashbacks and still-lifes. However, Zeze has a more languorous and thoughtful sense of pacing than Woo and his sense of colours/painting with the camera lens is more luxuriant than Woo. This is a richly fascinating film just to watch. There is also an underlying sense here of Japan in economic crisis. The blending of genres(sci fi, vampire flick, John Woo action thriller) seems, to me, typically Japanese. The characterization in this film is not as strong as those in Woo's films - some characters almost blur together. Still, there is considerable emotional heft to the narrative. I strongly recommend this film. But in a sense I regard this as a transitional piece. Takahisa Zeze is trying his wings here, as it were. It'll be fascinating to see where he'll go when he sheds the John Woo influences and strives for a more strictly personal vision. There is considerable artistry in this director's vision and it should be something when he finds his own voice. A must for anyone who cares about Japanese popular culture. Greg Cameron, Surrey, B.C., Canada

this movie was filled with emotion and has a good story. Its the best movie i ever saw and one of the rare movie i cried listening to : At the end

This is the kind of movie I can watch a thousand times and never get bored of it. Probably the acting isn't completely great, but the story and emotions it evoke can reach hearts and stay within them forever. Values as friendship, love and life never are out of time, and MOON CHILD has them all, keeping them present even in the hardest moments.