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Bullet Ballet (1998)

Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto
After the suicide of his girlfriend, Goda(Shinya Tsukamoto), a director for
commercials tries to put the pieces together as they rapidly fall apart. As
he adopted a fascination with the gun used to kill her, he studies them
feverishly in hopes of obtaining one. Failing at locating one he tries to
build on himself. Creating an almost, popgun, he now journeys into the world
with different eyes. After being robbed by a group of thugs he beefs up his
hunt for “chiefs special”. Somehow along the lines as each attempt at
collecting a real one he becomes involved with Chisato
(Kirina Mano) in a sad game of puppy love.
Probably the most impressive aspect of this film was Tsukamoto’s ability to
star as well as direct. His performance was powerful and adds the tones from
the get go. The battles were a plenty in this flick in a “Warriors-like”
showdown at the end. From swordplay to scissor punctures, Bullet Ballet
delivers the goods. The additions of realistic imagery help make this movie
a powerful message. In a weird way all the combatants in this situation were
all linked somehow to the suicide of Goda’s wife. This was such a kick ass
flick I’ve already seen it 3 times. Filmed entirely in black and white
Bullet Ballet is surrealistic and outright horrific…
As
usual Artsmagic DVD hasn’t let us down putting out another “Grade ‘A’”
flick. Complete with tons of sweet extras including a documentary from the
multi-tasker himself Tsukamoto and one by Tom Mes. In all fairness I feel
like Tsukamoto has equaled his predecessor Tetsuo,. Bullet Ballet Is bar
none one hell of a ride..
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