12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST-SEE IF YOU ARE A KANESHIRO FAN, May 16, 2005
In this movie Takeshi Kaneshiro continues his trend of picking roles that are nuanced, complicated, and mesmerizing. Looking gritty, dark, and foreboding, Kaneshiro pulls all the strings in this multi-tiered crime-drama. Only an actor as versatile and talented as Kaneshiro could have made this movie work, and he does. The twists and turns can be confusing if you cannot keep track of all the characters involved in the various mob factions, but if you can follow the story, it really will make sense. The cinematography is exquisite, and each scene is beautifully crafted. And, of course, if you are in love with Takeshi Kaneshiro, well...suffice it to know that he is in almost every scene, looking impossibly gorgeous.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Good, April 5, 2004
I watched this movie a couple of years ago and its one that's always come back to my mind, I keep thinking "What a movie". Its got beautiful cinematography - grungy smoky scenes shot in little lanes in shinjuku, crisp dialogue, perfect mix of underworld crime and romance... I certainly have a sentimental spot for this movie. Play it on a rainy night of added effect.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Absolutely Terrific Film: Takeshi Kaneshiro Shines, August 14, 2006
This review is from: Sleepless Town (DVD)
"Sleepless Town," is a very gritty and terrific crime-drama film. I have really liked everything by Takeshi Kaneshiro. Although I have not seen all of his work, he definitely has the talent and charisma to go a long, long way in the world of cinema. This film riveted me and pulled me in from the start. It is an absolute must watch. The film takes place in an area of Japan named Kabukichio. It is a place where there are different races and languages spoken. A place where hegemony over the area is in the hands of the crime bosses. But in order to keep control, without the different factions facing off in a war, truces are established, and lines are not to be crossed.
Here we find the main protagonist, Kenichi, played aptly by (Takeshi Kaneshiro). Kenichi walks a very fragile line. He is half Japanese, and half Chinese. And although he himself is a dealer of stolen goods, and knows the rules, he must walk an even more delicate line thanks in part to his former business partner Fu-chun, who killed the right-hand man of the don of the Shanghai mafia. There are no loyalties in this crime-drama. Fu-chun, who has left town after causing this mess mysteriously returns. Why? What is his purpose?
Suddenly, another intriguing character jumps into the plot. A mysterious woman named Natsumi Sato, played by (Mirai Yamamoto) Kenichi falls in love with her, and she with him. However, she will lie, cheat and steal--anything to further herself. Therefore, can Kenichi still trust her? But there is more to her and the crime lords that Kenichi has to deal with. Meanwhile, his former business partner Fu-chun wants something. What is it? This film gets more intriguing and mysterious as it moves along. I do not want to spoil this film for you, but the ending has a terrific twist. Or should I say, several twists. A must see.
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