Zipang (1990)

[Brick McBurly]

On the recommendation of SA Film Forum member Sickly Bug, the Brickster checked out the 1990 classic film Zipang. Zipang in the movie means 'City of Gold' and it's also one of the names Japan has been known by over the centuries (well, actually Zipangu, but close enuff). It still is in the movie too but it takes the dumbasses up until the very end to figgur that out. The Bug ain't one to steer a fellow cheese-lovin' connoisseur of fine films down, and he came up with a winner this time. Ever wanted to see Zatoichi, Tange Sazen, Daimajin, the Masters Of Death (from Lone Wolf), D'Artagnan from the 3 Muscatels, the wrestler Golddust, not just one Musashi but two, AND Batman in the same movie? Well, who wouldn't? And they're all here! You even get two guys in an elephant suit, a flyin' midget, a black nosed stutterin' hillbilly who blows things up, and a hero who has his swords numbered and carried around in a medieval golf bag by a caddy! There's Tokugawa Ieyasu! Hattori Hanzo and his horde of ninjer, who have way cool high tech medieval versions of modern gadgets! Hanzo's such a badass he has to rip open his own stomach to retrieve his back up weapon! The bad guys, in a nice touch, are all suited up in armor that makes them look like the haniwa from ancient Japan that were found in kofun. And when ya peel off that armor, what do you find but a hot chick in cornrows and warpaint! Yeah baby! And the sets have to be seen to be believed-in one, they're providin' the old Indiana Jones 'walls closin' in' routine. As the walls move, you can see the panels of 'bricks' on the top half wobblin' back and forth-not that they're made of rubber or anythin' and couldn't afford to do a retake. In others, the city of gold is recreated by wrappin' everythin' up in gold Christmas tree garland. All this and the sexy, sassy 'Teppo Yuri' as well, who gets in a slapfight with aforementioned warpaint gal. Do yerself a favor and seek out this classic. Who needs the lameness that is Seppuku when you can watch this?
_________________

[SicklyBug]

Glad you liked it. It's been a rather long time since I watched. I need to revisit the film very soon. I do remember enjoying the first half a lot more than the second half.

Have you seen Paul or Your Highness yet? They seem right up your alley as well. Paul was written by Simon Peg and Nick Frost so it has the witty style of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, but not quite up to par with those 2 greats. Paul was much better than what the trailer suggests it was going to be. Your Highness was stupid, but worth a rent. Nothing legendary, it did have it moments. Neither film have very much pot humor in it, despite what the trailers would lead you to believe. That's a plus in my book though.