I have to write an essay about how the spread of American culture has brought harmony and/or conflict to the world. Since I'm a film major, I decided to concentrate on film, particularly the Americanizing...of articles that discuss this topic especially how Japanese filmmakers feel about American filmmakers remaking their films, commercializing and then distributing them to the rest of the world. Thanks

Director: Tsukamoto Shinya Duration: 49 minutes Most famous for his film Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989), director/actor Tsukamoto Shinya has over the past two decades released some of the most...gives off a screech that will almost make one’s ears bleed. Although uncomfortable to watch, Haze is a good film which delves into some quite unpleasant subjects. *** Films watched 2008: 105/15

Director: Yamaguchi Yudai Duration: 85 minutes Although I rarely watch anime now, from time to time there is a series that catches my interest, not so much because of an intricate plot or stunning...at times, but mostly dull and stale, Cromartie High School the movie is one that can be skipped by those familiar with its earlier formats and those who are not. *** Films watched 2008: 104/15

This is based on Maxim Gorky's The Lower Depths . I've never read Gorky, but it did remind me of a more pessimistic Cannery Row in that the story follows a bunch of tramps who seem to have dropped out...like that is her only joy.” And although it didn’t do much for me, a bit too grand and theatrical, whoever subtitled this was a genius. Who knew that they used such filthy language in medieval Japan

Director: Iguchi Noboru Duration: 97 minutes Although she is quite tough and excels in sports such as basketball, Hyuga Ami is a normal high school girl. However, there is one aspect to her...the buckets of blood and guts produce laughs instead of cringes. Campy, poorly acted, and bizarre, The Machine Girl makes for a bit of mindless fun on a boring day. *** Films watched 2008: 99/15

Director: Okuda Eiji Duration: 123 minutes One day while Iwata Mariko is heading home, a young punk and his crony accost her. The duo do not seem to be out to do any real damage to her, but...throughout its duration. However, there is more to the film that that and although some of its execution is quite clumsy at times, it does treat the issues with respect. *** Films watched 2008: 98/15

Director: Mishima Yukio Duration: 27 minutes On February 26, 1936, a day noted for the thick snow that had fallen, a group of some 1400 soldiers, primarily from the Imperial Japanese Army’s First... But after her death, the film resurfaced and world film audiences can now see this beautifully gory and tragic film by one of Japan’s most prominent postwar writers. *** Films watched 2008: 97/15

Director: Matsushima Tetsuya Duration: 101 minutes If losing her father at sea during a storm while he pursued his hobby of photographing whales was not bad enough, the pretty, fierce-eyed Suzuki...nature to tell a simple story of a girl who finds herself in new horizons and who learns how to grieve for those and things the cruelty of life has taken from her. *** Films watched 2008: 96/15

Director: Imamura Shohei Duration: 119 minutes Along with Oshima Nagisa and Shinoda Masahiro, Imamura Shohei is considered to be one of the main promulgators of Japanese New Wave cinema of the...into libidinal delights before they get old and their waters dry up, so the film might be a bit much for some, but for others it makes for an entertaining two hours. *** Films watched 2008: 93/15

Director: Kitano Takeshi Duration: 108 minutes Although I have watched Kitano Takeshi’s 2005 film Takeshis’ twice over the last two days and have recently read a chapter about the film in Aaron...and the perception of others. A complex film, Takeshis’, while it might not offer the most enjoyable one, makes for a fascinating, thoughtful film viewing experience. *** Films watched 2008: 91/15