John Cassavetes - Five Films (Shadows / Faces / A Woman Under the Influence / The Killing of a Chinese Bookie / Opening Night )

Amazon.com

Improvised by the cast, shot in black and white, John Cassavetes's first independent feature, Shadows, looked like no other film of its time. Cassavetes, seeking to both deal with social issues and create a new kind of cinema, told a story about a family of black siblings in Manhattan trying to make ends meet. Though it meanders at times, it features the kind of spontaneous emotion Cassavetes most wanted to elicit in his films.

A sensation in 1968, Faces earned Oscar nominations for actors Seymour Cassel and Lynn Carlin. Improvised and shot in an edgy, hand-held fashion, the film examines the disintegration of the marriage of a couple in mid-life doldrums. Each seeks solace elsewhere: husband John Marley with prostitute Gena Rowlands, wife Carlin with a free spirit played by Cassel. But neither finds anything approaching the fulfillment they feel is missing from the marriage. Indeed, in Cassavetes's probe of raw emotions, these people discover that, just maybe, the problem lies not with their spouse but with themselves.

The long, free-form drama A Woman Under the Influence is best appreciated as a good showcase for Rowlands, playing a woman whose sanity literally appears to be shattering as different aspects of her personality eclipse others at various times. Peter Falk plays her struggling, blue-collar husband, trying to understand the phenomenon and sometimes losing his patience. As with most of Cassavetes's works as a director, one can't help but find one's attention drifting in and out, but Rowland's performance is a key reason the film has been declared a "national treasure" by the Library of Congress.

The title of The Killing of a Chinese Bookie is the only commercial element in this fascinating character study by writer-director Cassavetes, who once again finds his cinematic soulmate in actor Ben Gazzara. The film uses verité technique to tell the story of Cosmo Vitelli (Gazzara), a Hollywood strip-club owner whose growing debt to a local gangster can only be erased if he agrees to kill a rival Chinese gangster. As usual, Cassavetes employs his favorite actors (including Seymour Cassel and the fearsome Timothy Carey) and vivid improvisation to give Chinese Bookie a tense atmosphere of emotional urgency.

Gena Rowlands stars in Opening Night, Cassavetes's drama of an aging, alcoholic stage actress in the days leading up to her latest Broadway opening. Like all of her collaborations with her writer-director husband, Rowlands is a woman on the verge of collapse, this time a lonely alcoholic whose very life is a performance. Overlong at 144 minutes, the film's long, loose scenes build through uncomfortable small talk and slow, tentative confrontations. Some of the scenes are edgy and thrilling, though many find this facet of Cassavetes pretentious and self-indulgent. Ultimately it's a matter of taste: if you like his style, you'll love this discomforting drama.

The eight-disc Criterion Collection set is filled out with the 2000 documentary A Constant Forge: The Life and Art of John Cassavetes, plus numerous interviews, a second version of The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, a commentary track for A Woman Under the Influence, a 68-page book, and various other features.

Description

This boxed set includes the following titles: • Shadows (1959) 81 min. B&W. 1.33:1 aspect ratio • Faces (1968) 130 min. B&W. 1.66:1 aspect ratio • A Woman Under the Influence (1974) 147 min. Color. 1.85:1 aspect ratio • The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) 135 min. Color. 1.85:1 aspect ratio • Opening Night (1977) 144 min. Color. 1.66:1 aspect ratio • A Constant Forge (2000) 200 min. Color. 1.33:1 aspect ratio John Cassavetes has been called a genius, a visionary, and the father of independent film. But all this rhetoric threatens to obscure the humanism and generosity of his art. The five films included here represent his self-financed works made outside the studio system of Hollywood, on which he was afforded complete control. While about beatniks, hippies, businessmen, actors, housewives, strippers, club owners, gangsters, and children, all of them are beautiful, emotional testaments to compassion. Cassavetes has often been called an actor's director, but this body of work—astoundingly, even greater than the sum of its extraordinarily significant parts—reveals him to be an audience's director. The Criterion Collection is proud to present Shadows, Faces, A Woman Under the Influence, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night in stunning new transfers. Includes Charles Kiselyak's A Constant Forge, a candid biographical documentary on the life and work of Cassavetes .

Customer Reviews:

Don't Support Criterion's Treachery.......2007-08-12

Five BIG stars for these incredible films, and for the beautiful transfers, but 0 stars for Criterion's dishonorable dealings with Cassavetes scholar Ray Carney who put in immeasurable work towards this release and was then fired (after all but completing his work for Criterion) and left completely UNCREDITED! Reportedly, this was due to a feud between he and Jena Rowlands over the inclusion of an earlier version of "Shadows" and an alternative cut of "Faces". These might have been included in the set, in the same way that the two cuts of "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" are. Apparently the battle over this turned ugly and not only were these versions not added to the set, but Carney's voice commentary, as well as any written essays he may have added to the booklet, were removed just prior to the release. It is strange not to have the presence of a Carney, who has written no less than five scholarly books about Cassavetes, including the indispensable compilation of Cassavetes' own thoughts on film making and life in his book, "Cassavetes on Cassavetes."

I want to state that even though I am not always a fan of Carney, as a writer, I am a huge fan of John Cassavetes the filmmaker, the actor, the person, etc., and I have been incredibly thankful for Carney's research and the insight it has provided over the years.

Of course, it is somewhat painful to knock Criterion, who have once again provided an excellent package of films and extras, but it is shameful that the integrity with which they master their releases was not reflected in their dealings with the man who's work had an undoubted major influence on this project.

For years to come these will be the best versions of these films available so I can't expect people not to buy them, but I will find mine used instead of giving the full price to Criterion. It's a shame that such an important release of films was tainted in this way.

Now let's all cross our fingers for the release of "Husbands" and "Love Streams"...

John Cassavetes: Five Films.......2007-07-20

Resolutely independent filmmaker John Cassavetes is a hero to film buffs, and this indispensable collection comprises five of his groundbreaking dramas. Though the rawness and immediacy of a Cassavetes film can be unnerving to watch, we feel sympathy, even affection for many of his characters. Our hearts break for the deflowered girl in "Shadows," the bewildered housewife in "Influence," even the two-bit gambler in "Killing," whose only home is his strip-club, his only family its sleazy denizens. A Cassavetes film usually makes the viewer a bit uncomfortable, like someone who's walked into a party uninvited, one which could turn ugly any second. Such is the impact of the "truth" Cassavetes empowered his actors to find, reflecting life as a wondrously weird, often messy phenomenon. Here's your chance to see him- and his troupe- at their very best.

I like it a lot.......2007-03-30

This director is fantastic. I have just dicovered it and I love it. The edition is nice and fancy. DVD are very complet, english subtitles (very important for me since I am not english native and I need the subtitles to follow the story).

A COVETED COLLECTION .......2007-01-15

I HAD BEEN PROMISING MYSELF THIS CRITERION COLLECTION FOR QUITE AWHILE AND FINALLY I BOUGHT IT AND IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY! IT BROUGHT BACK MY MEMORIES OF WHEN I FIRST SAW THE MOVIES IN A CINEMA. A DVD TRIBUTE TO CASSAVETES HAS BEEN LONG OVERDUE. JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE WORKS OF A GENIUS. SO MANY FILMMAKERS OF TODAY HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED AND INSPIRED BY HIS DISTINCTIVE STYLE, GIVING AMERICAN MOVIES A CINEMA VERITE LOOK. AS A BONUS THERE IS AN EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY "A CONSTANT FORGE" AND LOTS OF EXTRAS ON EACH DVD TOO. A PRIZED POSSESSION FOR CASSAVETES FANS!

Criterion's most amazing collection to date.......2006-06-04

John Cassavetes - Five Films is, perhaps, Criterion's most ambitious project to date. The box set is absolutely amazing. Other reviews have done a good job of explaining the extras, so I won't repeat that information. The topic of Ray Carney has been the focus of much anger and frustration amongst Cassavetes fans and deserves some explanation. It is my understanding that Carney, the foremost Cassavetes scholar and author of "Cassavetes on Cassavetes", was almost solely responsible for the creation of this collection. He had a hand in everything and the set is the result of much hard work. His name was left off of the set at the last minute because of a dispute with Cassavetes' wife, Gena Rowlands. Ray Carney felt, as any scholar should, that the truth was important and did not make any attempt to hide any of the negative aspects of Cassavetes's life. This was completely unacceptable to Rowlands who threatened to kill the project unless Carney's name was removed completely. This also included the omission of several audio commentaries provided by Carney. What a shame! Contrary to the highly specious "documentary", A Constant Forge, Cassavetes was no saint. Who cares? Well, Gena Rowlands does.

Everything about this set is quite impressive. The book contains many thoughtful essays and insights into these complex and sometimes difficult films. The only weakness is the worthless "documentary". Don't be fooled - Charles Kiselyak is no Cassavetes scholar. Supposedly, he had never even heard of Cassavetes before he began filming. Again, Ray Carney provided all the factual information, which Kiselyak decided to discard in favor of crafting an "inspirational" narrative. A Constant Forge frequently feels more like a bizarre attempted beatification than an objective study of a real person. For those wishing to be disabused, check out Carney's excellent book, "Cassavetes on Cassavetes". Cassavetes never really sat down and wrote a lot about his life or work, but Carney spent years compiling every scrap of information available, forming a chronological narrative. He alternates Cassavetes's passages with what actually happened. Cassavetes was prone to exaggeration to the extreme. A lot of what he says is an outright fabrication, but that shouldn't diminish the importance of his films.

All this controversy really misses the point. These are amazing films that continue to influence filmmakers all over the world. Criterion did an excellent job and their handling of the Carney/Rowlands issue shouldn't hinder your enjoyment of this set in the slightest. It is a wonderful introduction to one of the most important American directors and belongs on every film connoisseur's shelf. Buy without hesitation.

Average customer rating:

Great comedy!
Opening Night
Dangerfield and Foxworthy at their finest
Fantastic Gift.

Opening Night At Rodney's Place (1989)
Starring: Rodney Dangerfield , Greg Travis , Tobey Maguire , Richard Epcar , and Bernadette Birkett
Director: Gregory Sills
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ASIN: B000FKP2IA
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

Cable TV Special. Rodney Auditions for an adult movie and finds out all men are not created equal. Get ready for a wild time at Rodney's Place, with special guests Jeff Foxworthy, Tim Allen and Sam Kinison.

Customer Reviews:

Great comedy!.......2007-01-11

This was hilarious! Fun to see some of the greatest comedians in their early days light up the stage. Made us laugh out loud!

Opening Night.......2007-01-05

I had seen the original show on HBO back in 1989 and was hoping one day to be able to view the show again...Tim Allen and Jeff Foxworthy are featured before they became the household names they are today. The other lesser know comics are equally hysterical. Larry Reeb, Greg Travis (punk magician routine) and John Fox are terrific. There are several sketches with Rodney at his very best. The Johnny Carson skit in particular with Rodney and Rich Little (as Johnny) alone is worth the price for this DVD. I am glad to be able to add this to my dvd comedy collection after waiting for so long and watch it whenever I need a good laugh

Dangerfield and Foxworthy at their finest.......2006-12-02

If there's a King of Comedy, then this collection of comedians absolutely has to be considered the Conquerors' of Comedy with Rodney as Genghis Khan. Tim Allen and Jeff Foxworthy make you wonder if this really took place in 1989, as they speak in truths that only they can tell. With Jeff Foxworthy hitting it big, and Tim Allen being a TV sitcom legend, it's easy to see why they were selected.

Fantastic Gift........2006-06-22

I have watched a few of the DVD's from this collection and found each one equally hilarious. Being the youngster that I am, I figured Rodney's comedy would be even more appreciated by my father. So, I got him two of the DVD's for Father's day. Before he even watched them, he called to say how excited he was and that he never new such a DVD existed (he has been a big Rodney fan ever since Caddy Shack). Then, over the weekend I got another call from him, saying how fantastic they were. Then, a few more days later I got calls from his friends asking where I got them from.

After this experience I can attest that these make fantastic gifts.

The Canadian Brass: Three Nights With Canadian Brass

Average customer rating:

Good Performance

The Canadian Brass: Three Nights With Canadian Brass
Starring: Canadian Brass
Manufacturer: Opening Day Ent
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ASIN: B000MGVCYA
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Customer Reviews:

Good Performance.......2007-07-23

Excellent Performance from the Canadian Brass.
Sound not well, all live recorings.
A must have for Brass Fans.

Bringing Back the Balls to Stockholm 06: The Opening Night

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Bringing Back the Balls to Stockholm 06: The Opening Night
Starring: Lordi
Manufacturer: Livezone
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ASIN: B000NDEXFM
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Average customer rating:

"An Actress Under the Influence."
Behind-the-scenes info for Cass buffs
The rebellion of the woman in the actress against the author
For More Information
Making It Through

Opening Night
Starring: Joan Blondell , Briana Carver , Katherine Cassavetes , Fred Draper , and John Finnegan
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
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ASIN: B00000I1L2
Release Date: 1998-04-14

Amazon.com

Gena Rowlands stars in John Cassavetes's drama of an aging, alcoholic stage actress in the days leading up to her latest Broadway opening. Just barely keeping herself together, she cracks after a young fan is killed while running after her limousine, continuing to see visions of the woman. Hitting the bottle even harder while her friends turn their heads and haul her off to spiritualists, she finally staggers in, barely able to stand, for her opening night performance. Like all of her collaborations with her writer-director husband, Rowlands is a woman on the verge of collapse, this time a lonely alcoholic whose very life is a performance. Overlong at 144 minutes, the film's long, loose scenes build through uncomfortable small talk and slow, tentative confrontations. Some of the scenes are edgy and thrilling, though many find this facet of Cassavetes pretentious and self-indulgent. Ultimately it's a matter of taste: if you like his style, you'll love this discomforting drama. Joan Blondell costars as the sardonic but confident playwright and longtime Cassavetes star Ben Gazarra is Rowland's smiling but pitiless manager. Cassavetes has a small role as her self-contained costar, keeping to himself until forced to deal with her onstage in a finale that is either an inspired ad-lib or the loopiest climax to a Broadway drama ever written. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Gena Rowlands plays a nervous actress on the brink of a breakdown as she prepares for the opening night of her Broadway play. The entire movie takes place in the few days prior to the opening and shows the backstage turmoil of a doomed production. Rowlands begins to fall apart when an adoring fan dies in an accident and she is forced to look hard at her life. Starring: Gena Rowlands, John Cassavetes, Joan Blondell, Ben Gazzara.

Customer Reviews:

"An Actress Under the Influence.".......2005-12-21

While I watching Opening Night, I was instantly reminded of Annette Benning's "Being Julia", a film with some similarities. It's certainly also a star showcase piece Gena Rowlands, who seems to deliver her best and most vulnerable performance under the direction of her late husband John Cassavetes. It's an elaborate "soap-operaish" drama about the reality of an aging stage Diva. Rowland's character once said," When I was 18, I could do anything...". She's on the verge of nervous breakdown, dued to her lack of self-esteem and confidence in starring in her new play. She doesn't feel comfortable playing the new role, because she worried that if she's convincing enough that her audiences would accept her for just being one kind of character. During the course of two days before the opening night, she gets into feuds with the playwright, director, and producer. She is haunted by the ghost of her youth, whom she couldn't let go of, and embrace her real age. Ultimately, she had to abuse alcohol and chain-smoking before going on stage. Perhaps that was the only way she could forget herself and get into character in order to deliver a mesmerizing performance.
This is certainly one of Rowland's best performances of her career. This film also features some fine supporting performances.

Behind-the-scenes info for Cass buffs.......2005-01-26

For a fascinating behind-the-scenes info about Opening Night and a list of books about Cassavetes' work, go to Ray Carney's website dedicated to John Cassavetes (found through any search engine).

The rebellion of the woman in the actress against the author.......2004-03-07

Quite a strange film of actors playing actors' problems. It is not a masterpiece and yet it deals with an important problem in the acting profession. An actor or an actress must never play her own real life. In this case this actress is unable to play properly because she does not feel the part because it is her own life and she is afraid of having to face the fact that she is aging, that she is no longer 18 and that she is lonely in her life because she is haunted by this girl she used to be. So she has to learn how to cope with herself, with the ghost, with the past that will never come back. And she manages to cope but in the most hateful way : she gets drunk just before getting on the stage. That does not go very far, and it is hard to believe. It does not take you knowing hundred of actors to know that acting is very difficult when you are drunk, and this state is very visible, even with the best. But since we never see the play in full, only some small pieces, it does not matter really, though since we had seen some of these pieces being rehearsed, we know that the text was changed and the acting was not following the directing. In fact the most interesting character in the film is the old female playwright who is 65 and who hates actresses and actors because she cannot get any one to play what she is and what she feels, because the play is directly drawn from her own experience and there is no leeway anywhere to enable the actress to get off that muddy ground. The author is so personal that she glues the actress to the ground with her own mire. That film could have been a lot better if it had tried to get out of this narrow vision.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

For More Information.......2002-03-05

Just a note that for anyone who wants important background information about Opening Night and how it was made, I highly recommend Ray Carney's Cassavetes on Cassavetes book, which is available on [Amazon.com] at a great price. Carney has amazing behind-the-scenes information about how Cassavetes created all of his no-budget wonders completely outside the system. Carney knew Cassavetes and had a series of conversations with him before his death about his philosophy of life and art. Carney also has a terrific web site with writing on Cassavetes and other indie filmmakers. Great movie and great supporting info. Both well worth checking out.

Making It Through.......2000-04-18

First of all I am totally biased - words cannot express the respect I have for Gena Rowlands - she is my favorite actress. You can't help but be "seduced" by her - she is so lovely and has so much class. Even when the movie stinks bad she is at her utmost best. This movie confused me at first -but most Cassaveteses movies do. They frustrate and make one sweat with anger and anxiousness - and that's what makes them so good. Although it confused me it kept my attention and then I finally got it. Gena pulls you in making you sympathize with her plight while at the same time making you glad she gets what she deserves. I was a little disappointed that John had a small part - I love the way he's so cynical, distrusting, and funny at the same time. It's wonderful to see a man enjoy giving his lady the spotlight. I was new to his movies - absorbing them is an experience. How does the saying go - I was lost but now I'm found! If you're looking for entertainment that makes you think and summons your deepest emotions, well you've just hit the tip of the iceberg...

Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1) - With Series Box

Average customer rating:

ninja meets mecha
Intriguing
mixed opinions
Meh.

Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1) - With Series Box
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
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ASIN: B00008G8QH
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Description

It is the 1920s, and Japan is under attack by demonic invaders. The government has designed sturdy, albeit steam-powered, robot armor suits for the impending battle, but only young ladies with the proper combination of virtue and spirit can pilot the robots successfully.

Enter young Sakura, arriving in the Imperial Capital from the countryside to join the Imperial Flower Combat Troop. She has the qualifications to be a fine robot pilot, but she's surprised to learn that this secret Defense Force has a cover story as a musical theatre troupe-and they take their cover jobs very seriously indeed. It's costumes, line readings and robot combat galore, as Sakura struggles to learn the ropes, learn her lines, and do her part to save the nation!

Customer Reviews:

ninja meets mecha.......2005-09-29

now, this is a very cool title! steam powered robots and tanks in a fedual time along with aristocratic ninjas, a very interesting combination! not only is this a popular anime, but the action figures are a hot seller as well! the storyline is almost like a clan war based theme and the animation is quite good.

Intriguing.......2003-12-14

I've never played the game(s) but I know in #1, you play as Ohgami, who is not introduced until episode 4 (of the 5 on this disc). I thought this was odd, but the first three focus on Sakura and the other members of the group, letting you get to know them. Thus, it starts off a bit slowly but picks up speed towards the end of the disc. You really have to watch the whole disc before you decide whether you like it or not.

The music sounded very unique to me. Oftentimes, the tones would catch my attention and make me listen further. It's a nice, rich sound.

I didn't listen to the dub and had no issues with the orginal voice actors.

The graphic presentation is very...varied. Mad House (the studio) used a variety of filters on the video so sometimes it looks like you're watching a weak TV signal, a film reel, etc. For the most part, they used soft colours, which take a bit of getting used to.

My box is slightly snug around the DVDs, but it's not hard too get them out.

Overall, looks to be an interesting ride.

mixed opinions.......2003-06-16

Whether or not you like the TV series is largely dependent on how you started watching it, and what exactly you liked about it. The OVAs and games were largely light-hearted and crowd-pleasing; the TV series is, as others have said, much darker. Personally, the TV series was my first introduction to the franchise and I adored it. It focuses less on the dramas and more on the existence of the characters' flaws and fears, as opposed to their triumphs over them. True to the series, though, the rather macabre tone is broken up by the occasional comic episode. That said, the art is horrendous.
In summary, the TV series is character-driven, dark, and badly drawn. I enjoyed it immensely, but it depends on what you're looking for. If you want something light, look for Taisen's other incarnations.

Meh........2003-03-30

I'm not too happy about the Sakura Wars TV series. First off, the first episodes are filled with Sakura torture and that's about it. Ohgami enters and things get a little more lighter, but things don't get good until Kohran and Kanna enter...which is around episode 6 or 7.

The good: simple and sometimes beautiful animation with soft colors. There's a lot more character development to be found in this series which is great.

The bad: Sometimes the animation goes from good to fair to poor to REALLY poor. All the characters, except for Sakura, Kohran and Kanna, have completely changed. Maria is extremely, extremely cold which ticks me off because in the first OVAs, she was the only one who accepted Sakura before Kohran and Kanna came. Sumire is a mega-you-know-what now but thankfully, she gets better as the series goes on. Iris is extremely quiet and not cheery at all. Her lines constist of those breathy sounds she does and whimpering. But what really urks me is the overall darker tone of the series. Blood, violence and people being chopped in half, I dunno... I miss the lighter mood of the games and OVAs. Plus Orihime and Reni only make a 30 second appearance later on in a film reel. (Boo!)

I strongly recommend that if you know the story of Sakura Wars, you skip this DVD and get the others. If you really want it, prepare to be disappointed if you're a mega-fan of Sakura Wars like me. Although, that's my opinion...

I gave it four stars because ADV's dvd deserves it! Extras include production sketches, clean opening and closing animation (I love the closing animation!)and a printed booklet with background information ^_^. And once again, listen to the Japanese version...for the love of corn... XP;;;

Average customer rating:
Woman on the Frontline Opening Night

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ASIN: B000EGHVX4

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dvd opening night

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Opening Night [Region 2]

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ASIN: B00004VYIZ

Average customer rating:

this movie is amazing
It Sucks

Opening Night (Criterion Collection)

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Criterion Collection

ASIN: B000I1YGI8

Product Description

2004 Criterion Collection of classic 1977 movie directed by and starring John Cassavetes.

Customer Reviews:

this movie is amazing.......2007-07-01

so...I don't know about the dvd. I have only ever seen this as a movie on the big screen (thank you rep houses and indie cinemas!). but, if you like cassavettes films, opening night is one of his best. gena rowlands gives a mind-blowing performance as a woman dealing with and running from her fears and responsibilities. it's a gorgeous and heavy movie about how staggering it can be to come to terms with who you are and where you are in your life, vs. where you think you should be. of course, as it's a cassavettes film, it's also a lot about what you bring to it as well.

it won't please everyone(see one-star review) but it impresses the hell out of me every time I see it.

It Sucks.......2007-02-11

this movie is so boring ti's not worth having if it was free. this movie really sucked.

Average customer rating:

Sakura wars-ugg
Sakura to the Rescue...
Good Series and Excellent Dubbing! ADV films Rules
Excellent English language production. ADV rocks!

Sakura Wars TV - Opening Night (Vol. 1)
Starring: John Howrey , Travis Dean (II) , Robert Pierson , J. Damian Gillen , and L.B. Bartholomee
Manufacturer: Adv Films
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ASIN: B00008G8PT
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sakura Wars TV is a more satisfying treatment of this popular continuity than the feature or OVAs. The longer format gives the filmmakers time to delineate characters more fully, to explore the nature of the threat the Imperial Flower Combat Troupe faces, and to explain how putting on plays prepares the Troupers for specialized warfare. When klutzy swordswoman Sakura Shinguji arrives in Tokyo in the mid-1920s, she inadvertently alienates the other members of the Troupe. As she works to make amends, she learns that these young women fight in Koubus, special mecha that run on spiritual energy. They battle the Wakiji, mecha that wreak destruction whenever they appear. The first episodes introduce the principle cast members: arrogant Sumire Kanzaki, sharpshooter Maria Tachibana, and petite psychic Iris Chateaubriand. Handsome Second Lieutenant Ohgami assumes command of the Troop, but receives a less than warm welcome. (Rated 12 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon

Description

Customer Reviews:

Sakura wars-ugg.......2006-11-09

i rate this a two-out-of-five. It's just---so weak! I thought this would be a cute show like with mecha robots, but, yuck, it's just---all over the place! the story-line, well, their isn't one! I have to admit the animation is very crisp, but the voice actors stink, everythings just so wrong. When i rented this from block-bursters, i thought i'd like it, but---nope! a definate 2-out-of-five! (because i like the theme song!)

Sakura to the Rescue..........2005-10-10

I'm not quite sure why I never paid any attention to this series. Other than the fact that robot fighting machines are not my preferred anime genre, especially when manned by psychic young ladies who tend to be nasty or grumpy with each other. After a brief momentary lapse in which I viewed that introductory OVA and actually enjoyed it I decided to check out the series. While the story is indeed what I thought it was, it's also something else entirely, and that hard to define something else is what makes this series a success where similar stories fail.

Sakura Shinjugi is a young woman with a talent for spiritual swordsmanship. She is called to Tokyo to join the Imperial Flower Combat Troop and defend the capital from demonic invasions. What Sakura finds, a theatrical troop that spends their off hours riding giant robots and slaughtering demons, is not quite what she expected. She starts off on the wrong foot with everyone especially Kanzaki Sumire - obnoxious grand-daughter of the man who has invented the spiritual armor the troop uses, Maria Tachibana - first captain of the team, and Iris Chateaubriand - a very young and powerful psychic.

Part of Sakura's problems come from finding herself in a team, when she has previously been alone. She starts off rushing into things without any thought, to the discomfiture of all. She lacks self confidence, and fears her own powers. Even so, by the end of this first DVD she has found a niche and we, as viewer. Have reached a level of comfort with the dynamics of the team. Other than Sumire, for whom there is no hope at all.

There actually isn't all that much fighting in these first episodes. What makes things tick is the writing and acting, which are surprisingly good for a television series of this type. The artwork is well done as well, which a lot of use of shadow and close shots to build the atmospherics. As I did the film, I found myself enjoying the DVD in spite of myself. It's easy enough to see why Sakura Wars became a hit.

Good Series and Excellent Dubbing! ADV films Rules.......2003-12-27

Sakura Wars is a great series. ADV films did a fantastic job realsing this series.
Sakura Wars is a fantastic series you wont be disaponted
The ova and movie can be boring but the tv series rules.

Excellent English language production. ADV rocks!.......2003-05-17

This is a fantastic English languiage production of the hugely popular Japanese series. The voiceover work that ADV produces is splendid. They have managed to get great performances that truly fit the characters. The transfer looks beautiful, and the sound is impeccable. The script is intelligently translated--and the dialogue actually fits the mouth flaps really well! There are some nice extras, especially the subtitle-free opening and closing credits. Of course, you can watch the show in its original Japanese or in the (again, excellent) English dub. I really like the dub on this one. I don't know where ADV gets the actors they use, but they're all terrific. Even minor characters are expertly voiced. I can't wait until Vol. 2 comes out. If you like ADV productions, Sakura Wars movie, or just good Anime in general, get this DVD.

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