Product Details

• Actors: Byron Coley, David Fair, Jad Fair, David Greenberger, Penn Jillette
• Directors: Jeff Feuerzeig
• Writers: Jeff Feuerzeig
• Producers: Jeff Feuerzeig
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Vanguard Cinema
• VHS Release Date: February 1, 2000
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00003IPF9
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,695 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There's a moment in Jeff Feuerzeig's rockumentary Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King in which Jad Fair--one half of the brother team that made up the avant-garde indie rock band Half Japanese--casually states that his only goal as a musician is to write the most popular song in the world. The statement gushes forth without irony or pretension, only admirable confidence and naiveté. Most of mainstream America probably hasn't a clue who Half Japanese is, and Feuerzeig's main agenda here is to enlighten all of us who let the band slip through the cracks of rock history. He does a pretty fine job. Along with performances by the band (whose lo-fi sound champions the Velvet Underground and whose goofy approach recalls the earnestly infantile Jonathan Richman), the film features interviews with the numerous lineups that have played with the Fair brothers, as well as gushing critics who seem like they've waited a lifetime to preach about Half Japanese ("Given the choice between Sgt. Pepper and Charmed Life [considered Half Japanese's masterpiece], it's a no-brainer: I'd take Charmed Life," blurts out one critic). Perhaps the finest hour belongs to Penn Jillette (one half of the comedy troupe Penn and Teller), who tells long, hilarious stories about taking all of the money he made on Miami Vice and starting a record label (50 Skidillion Watts Records) just to release out-of-print Half Japanese albums. Obviously Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King shouldn't be missed by any of the band's hard-core fans, but it's also the kind of rare, in-depth rockumentary that captures the essence of rock & roll and is a must-see for anyone interested in the medium. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Film, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Half Japanese: Band That Would Be King [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This film reminds us what rock music is supposed to be about. At the conclusion of the movie I was left second guessing my own opinion of what talent is and what what music is supposed to represent. It takes a stab at the changes in music brought about by music video and what the music industry has compromised by insisting that performers be beautiful. I would recommend this video to any young person thinking about starting a band or any old person who has forgotten what it is like to feel something when you hear music. A must see.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indie rock heaven - - showing the kids how it is done!, September 20, 2000

By 

"kennyfantastic" (Seattle, WA unfortunately) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Half Japanese - The Band That Would Be King (DVD)

This is a wonderful picture about some of indie rock's most eccentric stars. The live rooftop performance of "1,000,000 kisses" is worth the price of admission alone. And Jay Fair's explanation of "How to play guitar" may cause you to wet yourself with delight. Have napkins close for the tears of laughter and joy. If you like indie rock check this out. My only complaint is all of the major label bashing. It is rather pointless in this context. There is also some blow hard DJ type who disses the Beatles (! ). As does someone who negatively reviewed this DVD, but he appears to hate almost everything except the J Geils Band's (?) first album. Bwahahahahahahaha! BUY BUY BUY!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An American Treasure, July 22, 2000

By 

Michael Monteiro (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Half Japanese - The Band That Would Be King (DVD)

Some day the Fair brothers will be spoken about in the same breath as Woody Guthrie and Elvis. They are pure American treasures worthy of having their heads put on stamps. Especially if the stamps aren't perfect rectangles. You need to see this documentary. For extra credit check out "Daniel Johnston & Jad Fair ."