Shimotsuma monogatari

Maybe the one and only movie with a theme about Embroidery, that still can be considered "cool". Kyoko Fukada as cute Lolita-look Aficionado and Anna Tsuchia in a tough Biker-Gang Wardrobe make up a most strange, yet sympathetic pair of friends. Makes you laugh, makes you feel warm, yeah, even nostalgic. "Kamikaze Girls" is the archetypal essence of Manga-Culture come alive, pure J-Pop Fanservice in psychedelic, overbidding videoclip visuals (including one hysterical Anime story sequence), and one of those rare movies, where you don't ever want to see the credits. Also features a great entrance by my favorite Pin-up Idol Eiko Koike.

This a well-done girls' coming-of-age tale, like a Japanese 21st-century Alice in Wonderland - one Lewis Carroll would probably have liked. And I presume whoever gave the Kamikaze Girls title to the American edition would have titled the Alice work Kamikaze Alice. The underlying themes are independent thinking, the value of friendship, and the need to pursue one's creative impulses while critically evaluating surrounding people and opportunities.

Most the adult figures in the film are - in one way or another - failures. Though seen in an exaggerated, humorous, or empathetic light, they serve as guideposts to the two girls who come to realize that salvation (or "sallvation" as Ichigo misspells it for emphasis) lies not in following the crowd, not in seeking leaders' approval, but in following one's own dreams - as much as they can be realized in this limited, 3-dimensional, mortal world.

Early in the film, I feared it was headed to be too sweet, especially with the main characters being Momoko (Peaches) and Ichigo (Strawberries). But this sweetness is quickly counterbalanced with the challenges and adventures they face.

This is a fun and very unique film, good for people of all ages. In ways, it's set in a society that seems closer to the U.S. of the 1950's - around the "beat" and the James Dean eras, when youth could be wild without police being called, and yet neighborhoods could leave front doors unlocked without fear and kids could even hitch-hike - an age of greater homogeneity when America had some cultural unity and - with exception of its black-white scar - was not afraid of itself.

I obtained this film, by the way, in VCD format (not the best, but adequate), I believe, from HKFlix. I couldn't find it anywhere in DVD format.

Simply absurd, imaginative, unreal. A naive Kyoko Fukada in Lolita shape, fan of embroidery and Rococò and its fabulous lacy dresses , meets a bad-to-the-bone female thug that will change her life. The story is the quintessence of pop culture's exaltation, a movie so coloured that makes Cutie Honey a faded charcoal, a demential opera as much as Excel Saga, a reflection on the true importance of friends and dears.

Kyoko Fukada's acting is perfect, she makes what she does better: an ingenuous little girl. Anna Tsuchiya is a very talented actress, can't wait to see her on the new Katsushito Ishii..

The story is about a girl who goes to Tokyo to buy her Lolita clothes, and the moped gangster girl she very unwillingly befriends. This movie is funny cute and sexy. Laughed a ton, and then got misty eyed too. A great Thelma and Louise kinda female bonding movie. Haven't seem T&L though, so don't take my word for it. The camerawork and cinematography, wait, the entire storytelling is funky and pop, but it's such a good story. Glad to have caught the last showing. The climax is surreal. But so is everything else. it's a movie driven on fashion, but the plot is knit tightly :) And still I wouldn't care, these two girls are both incredible. Very hot, very hot. A classic for Japanese pop culture conoisseurs. A decent story for all others.

"Kamikaze Girls" is a Japanese film directed by Tetsuya Nakashima that follows the unlikely friendship between Momoko, a teenage girl with a passion for frilly Victorian-style clothing, and Ichigo, a rough-around-the-edges girl who rides a motorcycle and belongs to a biker gang. The film is a quirky and entertaining exploration of Japanese youth culture, and features strong performances from its two lead actresses.

One of the standout aspects of "Kamikaze Girls" is its unique and visually striking aesthetic. The film is a feast for the eyes, with elaborate costume design and a color palette that pops off the screen. Momoko's elaborate Victorian-style outfits are particularly memorable, and the contrast between her and Ichigo's more rough-and-tumble style adds to the film's visual appeal.

The film is also notable for its exploration of Japanese youth culture, particularly the subcultures of "Lolita" fashion and biker gangs. While the film is light-hearted and comedic in tone, it also touches on deeper themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of fitting in. The relationship between Momoko and Ichigo is at the heart of the film, and the two actresses have great chemistry, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to their characters.

Overall, "Kamikaze Girls" is a fun and entertaining film that is sure to appeal to fans of Japanese cinema and youth culture. Its unique aesthetic and strong performances make it a must-see for any film lover.