Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
All you need to know is January 26-Feb 12th. Here’s a link to the schedule and it’s in two locations, Santa Monica and Hollywood. You have little excuses if you’re a fan and in LA. There’s also some rarities so do take a look at the calendar. Miyazaki is more than Totoro! (American Cinematique – Miyazaki)
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This looks heavy but at the same time hopeful. It has both the hard hitting and the shoegaze feel of atmosphere. I do hope it’s as great as the trailer. [youtube]j_xxz5mneAo[/youtube]
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The articles about white washing of Hollwood continue, and it’s not just Akira. This article touches upon history and also another upcoming manga based movie called All You Need is Kill. Again, casting is said to be non Asian. Although it’s nearing an epidemic, especially with the past films already ruined, Dragonball and Speed Racer included, I’m still not sure how bad it really is. I know it’s counter to what many of you think my opinion would be, but is it better to have Asian faces speaking their roles in English in a story that’s adapted, yet taking place in American neighborhoods? So instead of Kaneda racing through Neo Tokyo streets in Akira, we’ll have an Asian American face also named Kaneda racing through Baltimore speaking English with a pill design on his jacket? Meanwhile, he rides by Starbucks and Nordstroms Rack? Then all of his other friends and lead characters are also Asian, yet they’re cruising around in a world of non-Asians? It’s not going to work regardless of his skin color. The safest is an all out adaptation like The Departed where it can stand on it’s own having non-Asian names and faces. The real answer is do it in Japan, or not do it at all. Or else, change the name, the story and have a midwest motorcycle rally. I’d rather not see a lose, lose production that makes no sense. (LA Times – Whitewashing)
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With a name that no one can pronounce? Is it like See Dick Bale? This is a not a joking matter except for when we tell it. This is the largest movie made funded by both John Woo and the Government – yes they’re becoming synonymous these days – at least by the movies he’s making. It’s epic at 24 million dollars and tells the aboriginal tale of a Taiwanese historical figure who fights against… that drum roll… the Japanese! Does he win? Just look up history and you’ll find out. According to Montreal Gazette – “Taiwanese cinema is in the midst of a renaissance,” says Peggy Chiao, Taiwanese film critic, professor and commercial producer. “It’s a question of national identity. For 20 years, Taiwan has been searching for its own distinctive identity. People want to see films that reflect who they are,” she says. The article does go on to explain more about Taiwan cinema, and how some of the actors are being favored in China thanks for their better Mandarin command than the Hong Kong actors. Will Seediq Bale provide any kind of cross over across the seas or across borders? Perhaps not, but it’s a start to yet another industry of entertainment aside from the internationally known films of Hou Hsiao Hsien. (Canada.com – Taiwan Movies)
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People were curious as to who the person behind the 40 year old Asian American woman / IMDB name and age revealing debacle is. It’s Junie Hoang. (Huong Hoang). She had to reveal herself in the lawsuit and does so with some disappointments. She’s played minor roles, resides in Texas of all places and is seeking 1 million dollars. The lawsuit isn’t frivolous but is it really harming her career? Is she really battling against the 20 year old hotties in Hollywood? She’s entitled to something and they’re clearly shooting for the stars. She’s telling a joke at bottom. [youtube]suvpho7fjOM[/youtube]
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