
Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo
2009, Documentary, 1h 30m
36 Reviews 100+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Offbeat and wondrously shot, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo makes persuasive macro observations about Japanese culture through a microcosmic study of insects. Read critic reviews
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Critic Reviews for Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo
All Critics (36) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (33) | Rotten (3)
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After initially pondering the basic fact that creepy-crawlies are not always viewed with affection elsewhere, the film delves into Japanese thought and culture.
July 1, 2013 | Full Review… -
It flies like a moth around its subject suggesting, sometimes playfully and occasionally ponderously, that we humans are as much like bugs as the creepy-crawlies themselves.
July 1, 2011 | Rating: 2/5 -
What an original and distinctive film this is.
June 30, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
No, not a Toho creature feature, but a diverting, slightly meandering, mini- DV-shot documentary on the Japanese love for insects.
June 28, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
An oddball documentary that strives to capture the essence of an entire culture through one preoccupation: insects.
July 16, 2010 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
Beetle Queen does a wonderful job of showing the connection between things like Zen gardens, bonsai trees and the love of watching insects move in a small habitat.
July 8, 2010 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo
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Sep 02, 2015Similar to the way that people collect coins or playing cards, the Japanese love to collect beetles of all different shapes and sizes. Some are quite ornate and lovely to look at it but I find it hard not to think that every beetle in the country has to have been captured to meet the high demand.John B Super Reviewer
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Jun 18, 2012As anecdotal, reductive, and repetitive a documentary that "Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" sometimes is(although you have to love that title), at the same time, there is a fine sentiment buried here about respecting nature, using Japan's blend of Shinto and Buddhist philosophy as a model. According to the documentary, this is why insects(even the creepiest and ickiest of them) are so widely accepted there. So much so, that the songs of crickets are enormously popular and an entrepreneur buys a Ferrari solely from the profits from capturing beetles for stores. Except it does not tell the whole story and is a prime example why bringing up the idea of national identity is to say the least, wrong. If you don't believe me, check out "The Cove" about how some Japanese fishermen have a total lack of respect for nature. So which picture is right? Both? Neither? Just remember that this is a complex world we live in.Walter M Super Reviewer
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Feb 19, 2012A doc that focuses on japans onsession with insects, here we get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people fasination with insects as pets to the industry itself and the people whom make money catching these creatures, its all loosely told more visual than hard facts. it comes off great at times. seeiong the industry created through this is fun to see. and the doc overall shows a japan of today while delving into its past to compare. a interesting doc that certainly wont be for everyone,m and a cover and tile is no monster movie.scott g Super Reviewer
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May 27, 2010Artistically this film works on all levels, information wise is another story. The film is about how the Japanese culture is obsessed with insects, but the Doc. never dives into why. I went into this film expecting those questions to be answered, but instead it is full of beautiful imagery and transience music. I loved that part about this film, but I was expecting something else. It would have been nice to get some information, but as long as you know what you going into you should enjoy yourself.cody f Super Reviewer
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