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Has cinematic brilliance died? Nay, I say!
Topic Started: Oct 4 2008, 02:46 PM (36 Views)
Lunacy
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I originally posted this on Facebook, and it turned out pretty good. So I posted it here as well. I'm quite proud of it.

Most know at least briefly know about the "Golden Age" of Cinema. Some may refer to films such as Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, The Grapes of Wrath, or other fine films of the time and refer to them as flawless. Hardcore cinephiles may even cite references like Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, The Cabinet of Dr. Kaligari, or works of Eisenstien such as Battleship Potempkin. All are great examples of cinema at its finest.

Many would also agree that the age of the cinematic masterpiece has long been behind us.

And I say: Not so!

Though true brilliance is very difficult to find in the days of remakes, reimaginings (aren't those the same thing?), sequels, and adaptions, there are some gems in that ever present rough.

Not convinced? Please, allow me to cite a fine example.

In 2001, a Japanese director by the name of Ryuhei Kitamura (and no, this isn't a reference to Anime) came forth with one such untouchable film.

It's title? VERSUS.

Could the name be any more vague? Probably not. Could any other title sum up the premise of this film better? Definitely not.

I can imagine Kitamura pitching this film (if he pitched it at all).

"Plot? Unnecessary. Character development? No need. Mise-en-scene? Minimal. As long as there's lots of guns and swords, we're good. Let's just take a couple of escaped convicts, a grip load of Yakuza (at least one of which is a total maniac), a token hot chick hostage, and throw them all in a forest full of zombies. Oh, and don't let me forget to put a vampire into the mix. Plus katanas and automatic weapons, because they rock."

One can fully understand the brilliance of this film within fifteen minutes of viewing. Simply undeniable.

I normally don't recommend purchasing DVDs, simply because many people have different tastes. In this case I make an exception. I can't imagine anyone who would not benefit from purchasing Versus, The Ultimate Edition. What was that I said? Yes, there is an Ultimate Edition. It makes the Lord of the Rings extended editions beg for mommy, too. Three DVDs, pumped full of extras, all wrapped up in a metal collector's case. If (or rather, WHEN) you make this purchase, you will NEVER regret it. Not for the rest of your life.

Kitamura has actually been recruited by America studios (much like the Russian master of the Night Watch series, Timur Bekmambetov) for the recently released Midnight Meat Train. We can only hope that the Hollywood studio system hasn't impeded and exploited his genius. As implied from the title, I doubt it.

Summation: The film Versus alone is reason enough for this cinephile to hold on to hope for the future of filmmaking. If only Hollywood could make something so awesome.

*Special thanks to Nathan Schmoe, the great man who introduced me to this fine, fine piece of art a few years ago. It still hasn't lost its luster, and it never will.
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