This is one of the movies done for the "Duel Project". The other movie is Aragami. Basically it was a challenge sent out to a couple of directors from a producer. I tell you, these Japanese know how to conduct movie business. Anyway here is the terms of the project:-one set.- two to three characters.- the
characters have to fight each other.- at least one of the characters must die.- filmed in seven days."2LDK" stands for 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. Why is that important to know? Well this is your entire set that you will be seeing for this short 70 minute film. Also, if you've read the rules above, there are only 2 characters in this film. One being played by Eiko Koike (Nozomi) and the other by Maho Nonami (Lana). There are actually a few other characters but they have no lines or their voices are only heard over the phone.The story is really simple and not deep or complex at all. In a way, this is alright since the movie is only 70 minutes, but it would have been nice to have a little more of a deeper story. There is some nice cinematography at certain points, but overall it isn't anything really spectacular. This movie actually seemed like it would have had a lot of potential to have some nice camera work since it is only one setting, but it seemed to fall just a bit short with it.The dialogue is pretty good and more on the funny side, which is needed to help push this movie along with its simple story. The film actually does something interesting throughout the movie and that is it lets you hear the thoughts that the characters are actually thinking. You get a lot of this in the first half of the movie and this is where most of the comedy comes in, since most of the thoughts are sarcastic remarks. Although you do get a lot of girl-talk in the beginning, this movie will be highly entertaining for the male population. I don't have to explain what every male will be thinking about while watching this. Especially the oil rub scene.The action kicks in at about the 40 minute mark. Basically the first half is all talk while the second half is an all out "cat fight." It is somewhat violent and a tad gory, but for some reason it is funny. I mean you've got two young women literally destroying each other with whatever they can find in their apartment and I find myself chuckling when one of them is electrocuting the other. I will find it hard for anybody not to laugh.The acting is pretty good. Eiko Koike does a good job as the shy timid good girl, while Maho Nonami plays the exact opposite of whatever Eiko is. You can already see why they are at odds with each other.In the end this movie could have been a little better if it had a more rich story and maybe some more interesting camera work, but it will entertain you. With the rules that were imposed on the project this is definitely a nice piece of work.My choice for the winner: Aragami, and it wasn't based on the fact that I'm a Kitamura fan.Watch both films and make your own decision.
July 23, 2007
