Review by Andrea Marques

"Swing Girls" is an exhilarating comedy, with great, funny moments and you can just feel good while you watch it. And the feel-good effect will last for some hours afterwards, that's for sure! The actors are excellent. Actually all the musical pieces in the film have been performed by themselves, and not dubbed at all, which is just very impressive. They have been taking music lessons for several months beforehand at the Yamaha Music School - whose headquarters appear in the film - since not many of them knew how to play an instrument (in real life). I think it's just brilliant how talented they are. The DVD is a little gem, packed with extras, everything superbly produced, masterly directed and beautifully acted. In one word: perfect.

This is definitely a must for all Maki Nomiya fans. Superb arrangements, brilliant songs, the most gorgeous voice, and perfect presentation. Impeccable and stylish. A beautiful CD in all senses: beautiful to listen to, and to look at!

Shiina Ringo's "Utaite Miyouri" is a gem of a CD. She has wonderful voice and sings not only in Japanese, but also French, English and even Portuguese, to my surprise! Her choice of a Brazilian song is "Manha de Carnaval", an old Vinicius de Moraes' song from the classic Brazilian movie "Orfeu Negro". Her accent here is cute, but far from perfect though. But who cares, her version of that classic is just unique and her accent just adds to the enchantment. I love her singing in French, here the accent is just perfect. She sings "Feuilles Mortes", alternating between French and English, and it is such an original, almost funky version. She sounds like a younger Edith Piaf, truth to be told! Just beautiful. Well, this lady simply rocks. The arrangements are superb, needless to say, and the album presentation is amazing, as only in Japan we can find. Perfect, 5 stars all along!

I have received the DVD this week, from my beloved CDJapan, and what a lovely surprise! "Waterboys" is a light-hearted, witty, adorable comedy about these high-school boys that - initially trying to have a go at their new, attractive (female) swimming teacher - end up by forming a synchronised swimming team! Yes, all because the teacher was specialised in synch swim and a bit insecure about teaching in an all-boys school. Thing is, Sensei is pregnant and goes on maternity leave. Meanwhile, they are discovered by the local news and cannot go back now and give up their plans for the school Festival - where they would hold their first presentation. It's funny to see them struggling with their fears and insecurities, and how they end up being "trained" (well, sort of!) by a wacky dolphin trainer guy (Isomura-san), in the local Seaquarium. The humour is light, with some unexpected, hilarious scenes and unforgettable situations. It would look great in manga, I think, for its fast pace, very graphic scenes and daydreaming moments. All in all, if you love fun for the sake of fun, and clever, uncompromised entertainment, you should defo give it a go!

As for the plot, the previous reviewers have already said everything. For the film itself, I am not quite sure. It's just OK in my opinion, not nearly as memorable as "Brother" or "Zatoichi", for example. I might say it's a good film, but something that doesn't make me explode with excitement in the end. The storyline gets indeed a bit hard to follow at times, but it's got some excellent scenes and funny, hilarious moments. The characters are brilliantly played - all of them, of course. The 2 Takeshis could not be more different, yet physically identical. Kitano the clerk is a bit of a sad character. He looks sort of "dettached", and melancholy at times, like someone who needs a hug! And compulsively obsessed with his idol, Beat Takeshi. The references to his previous films are very good. It's very entertaining to look at these scenes and recognise the allusions to his other works, such as "Hana-bi", "Kikujiro" and so on. If you are a Kitano's fan, this is a must-have, even though you might be expecting a bit more and be perhaps slightly disappointed. Even if I am not entirely convinced yet, I am glad to have purchased it, since I love the man! :)

I have received "Waterboys" this week and just watched it yesterday. It's a fantastic, well-acted, super-clever comedy. I am impressed, and could watch it over and over again. The actors are splendid and it's one of those films that really makes you feel good. Some hilarious moments, great music, perfect! Could not recommend it highly enough! Those boys absolutely rock! A gem of a film!

I just received this double CD, which also comes with a DVD containing clips from all featured songs. It is a real pity they are no longer together, but this special compilation is a treat for all their fans. I already had most songs in other DAI's CD's, and I especially love "Fukai Mori", and "Yesterday and Today". This is a must-have indeed! The clips on the DVD are just gorgeous, everything looks like a dream, and all very well produced. Van Tomiko has an exceptional voice and a catchy presence, as do Owatari Ryo and Nagao Dai. They are all so beautiful and talented! All in all, this is an excellent product, with beautiful, top quality presentation, and I am very happy with my purchase. Could not recommend it highly enough!