Customer Reviews

Sleepless Town

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

"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.

remarkable for being a full blown video haiku at the very start with a starting credit sequence that falls nothing short of magnificent. absorbing dialogue if wordy at times and runs short of story as a whole.. ....but the four stars come for some gritty acting by chow and kaneshiro and the subtle sensuality that threads through the movie. there will be complaints, but, gosh who would have believed contemporary asian noir was possible?

What I like in this flick--reality, operator work, lighting, story line and actors. What is confusing--mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanian names--all of it very local but probably important and at the same time it shows an existing conflicts beyond private lives. These conflicts more likely will be driving force in future again.Of course main character is freaking excellent and realistic and producer shows he knows life as is. What I didnt like was some of the music and self-sensoship in matters of sex and this subtlery remained very subtle.

This product has it all--a serpentine plot, some stellar performances, and Yamamoto Mirai's totally loopy presence, a combination of treachery and sensuality in one package. One can only feel despair for poor Kaneshiro Takeshi...he never had a chance!

More than a bit of brutality and sexuality in this film, so if these elements are things you wish to avoid, best to move on. But if you can overlook the more offensive content, it's time well worth spent.

I'm a Takeshi Kaneshiro fan, so naturally he's my favorite part of this movie. He's easily got to be one of the most beautiful men in the entire world. A negative aspect about this film that I have to address is the female lead he gets involved with. Her character is so annoying, all over him all the time. For those of you who think that's just my jealousy talking, I'll have you know that I'm ok with some of his other on-screen relationships. Anyway, my fondness for him led to my watching this movie (and enjoying his performance as always), but my dislike of her will keep me from watching it again.

It is so pain,deeply,cool,etc.And its music is great.
It is the best Japanese movie I had seen(after <ran>).

I just watched this movie, and I thought it was a really beautiful movie. It was in Japanese and some other language when I watched it and I thought it was great. All the characters are really cool. The starring lady is beautiful and she is always trying to get the guy. The acting seemed to be good. The whole film had a really awesome feeling to it. I think this is one DVD I would love to have!

Hmmm...what can I say that won't be biased? I love, I mean LOVE Takeshi Kaneshiro. For me he can do no wrong, with that said, I love this movie. Even though I saw it with no subtitles and it was not dubbed, and I absolutely did not understand half of it, Takeshi was positively GORGEOUS! At this time his popularity was growing in Japan so, I think that this movie beautifully promoted him there. I also recognized alot of the Chinese actors and the the lead chinese woman was beautiful too ( happy guys?). I want to see this with subtitles so I can better understand the plot, but I could watch it over and over again just for Takeshi. Sorry I hope this helps. He played the brooding, bad-but-deep-down-good-guy role pretty well.