Nope, it’s not the food counter at Ikea – Tetsuo meets the Power Rangers in this schlock horror from the creators of Versus, Kabuking Z: The Movie, Battlefield Baseball, Tokyo Gore Police and The Machine Girl…

On the streets of Tokyo a bizarre battle is taking place as parasitical beings take over humans turning them into biochemical weapons. Their hosts are turned into maniacal killers who attempt to destroy each other, furthering their own existence by consuming the loser alive.

In the midst of such chaos we find a love story between shy Yoki (Issei Takahashi, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Detroit Metal City) and equally bashful Sachiko (Aoba Kawai), just about to finally make a move on each other. The only trouble is those pesky parasites are about to pit them against each other. Love doesn’t get much messier then this…

Co-directors Junichi Yamamoto (Kabuking Z: The Movie) – who directed the original short that inspired Meatball Machine in 1999 – and Yudai Yamaguchi (Battlefield Baseball, co-writer of Versus) pull from a raft of references, from David Cronenburg’s Scanners and eXistenZ, to John Carpenter’s The Thing, from Lucio Fulci’s Zombie Flesheaters to Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead – but most obvious of these is Shinya Tsukamoto’s Tetsuo. Reflecting not only the mechanical fetishism, but the use stop-motion and even, arguably, the plot – it’s just delivered in a less ‘arty’, more coherent fashion (at least for this sort of thing!)

Like Tetsuo it tugs heavily on a long history in Japan of transforming heroes, from Ultraman to (what became in the West) the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers blended with a fascination with mechanisations that goes back nearly as far. It also mirrors the repressed sexuality that was so much a part of Tetsuo – though it arguably takes the fetishism angle further, and despite the more exploitative nature of one scene in particular (which if anything reminded me of Andrzej Zulawski’s cult early 80s horror Possession for some reason), it somehow seems a lot more wholesome. However, even with the more comic book styled-action it never truly escapes Tetsuo’s shadow.

There’s plenty of stylised bloodletting on show, what with eye gouging, human cannons, saws and nasty (laughing) parasites and so on. It’s all good, low-budget, old school horror fun, and with special effects by Yoshihiro Nishimura – who went on to direct Tokyo Gore Police and supervise effects on The Machine Girl, the film can be seen as the nucleus of the new wave of Japan’s splatter-punk horrors. It’s clear the filmmakers were still learning their trade, and even by the end of the film had come a long way from the start. Even the short film made for the original DVD release, Meatball Machine: Reject Of Death (also included on this DVD release), manages to be a lot slicker in production (as well as being more racially and sexually offensive than the original).

Though likeable, the film lacks the naïve charm of the original short that inspired it – also included on the DVD – even if that has all the finesse of a Screen Test young filmmakers entry (and probably wasn’t far off being that). What it comes down to is even with the addition of an unlikely love story, there’s still not quite enough to propel the story over its 90 minute running time, it lacks the tightness of more recent splatter-punk horrors. The films rather drawn out confrontation between the two lovers eventually starts to drag – but perhaps that’s a symptom of filmmakers finding their feet, and a comparably larger budget!

Meatball Machine is an enjoyable romp for those of us brought up on those (ahem) wholesome horror movies of the 80s…

Meatball Machine is released by 4Digital Asia on Monday 6 July 2009.

(I promise – next week I won’t mention Blood. Not once…honest!)

But don’t forget the DVD and t-shirt Competition!

With the upcoming release of the live-action version, what better time to revisit the original that started it all…

In retrospect on the original anime of Blood: The Last Vampire, it’s still an impressive looking piece of film. Essentially a follow-on from Production I.G.’s Ghost In The Shell, both in terms of themes and production, Blood broke new ground in the film was entirely digital – being inked, coloured and animated on computer rather than using animation cells – yet without losing old-fashioned quirks. A revelation that garnered praise from mister CGI himself, James Cameron (who was also a very public fan of Ghost too). It was also one of the first series to be filmed almost entirely in English, no doubt spurred on by the success of Ghost and the financial involvement by UK/USA distribution company Manga Entertainment.

Working for a dubious US government agency, the eternally young Saya hunts down demonic bat-like creatures intent on causing some, undisclosed, havoc on the world. Tensions raised between her and her employers – they refer to her as the last ‘original’ – she is sent undercover as a schoolgirl on an American Air Base in Japan shortly before the start of the Vietnam war. Armed with just a samurai sword that has seen better days, Saya must flush out and destroy these creatures before they fulfill their nefarious plans – but Saya’s allegiances seem strained – she has more in common with them than her human employers…

At less than 50 minutes long, Blood: The Last Vampire was something of a deliberate tease for audiences. Intended as something of a multimedia release, with the story continued in a light novel, and a two-part video game – with hindsight an extremely savvy and forward-looking concept. Of course, for most of those of us unaware of those other release, or even just unable to get hold of them, it was hard not to be somewhat disappointed…

I remember its DVD release coming at quite an opportune moment. I’d just gotten round to watching the original Ghost In The Shell, and spurred on by a love of that film (as well as a new-found knowledge of how much of a rip-off The Matrix was!) I was keen to absorb any similar cutting edge Anime I could lay my hands on, particularly from the same producers. That was in the days when DVD releases were easily over £15 in retail price. Honestly for less than an hours worth of film, however beautiful the animation, that seemed a little steep.

(It’s notable that the original trailer, which we’ve included above, includes several shots that weren’t only not in the finished film, but don’t even appear to be from the same situations shown.)

But the animation itself is truly stunning. It inhabits a murky gray/brown world of golden tints, not unlike Production I.G./ Hiroyuki Okiura’s earlier Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (except without the Hitchcock-styled soft focus). The studio had used a mix of CG and old-fashioned animation styles for years, but despite the digital conception kept the style full of character, and avoiding the soulless flaws of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Unlike other films of the time, here the 2D and 3D techniques don’t jar against each other, despite some of the backgrounds and objects almost looking too real.

The style is as reminiscent of artist Gene Colan’s work on Marvel’s Tomb Of Dracula in the 70s as it is of previous Vampire-themed Animes like Vampire Hunter D. Perhaps that’s not coincidental, considering that series originally launched the Blade character, which had only recently been turned into a successful movie franchise. Half-human, half-vampire, intent on wiping out vampire-like creatures, the characters have a lot in common. Dressed as a schoolgirl, you could also argue the influence of Buffy. (Director Guillermo del Toro returned the ‘compliment’ by referencing Blood in Blade II.)

The scenes within the school have a superb, tangible tension, as Saya waits for the creatures to expose themselves. Indeed, considering the length this section could have been longer. Like most of the Anime coming from Production I.G. at the time, the pace neither rattles along nor brakes, finding a natural rhythm within the simple, effective plotline. Here the unresolved aspects of Saya’s origin, the government agency she works for and the creatures she hunts down help to cover the flaws in the script.

The action is well shot, if lacking the speed or surprise you might expect from an action/horror. Possibly the most memorable scene is where we first meet Saya, in a subway train leading up to a kill, (fairly) faithfully recreated in the new live-action movie. It obviously left a mark on the Pang Brothers, borrowing much the style and look for an assassination scene in the original Bangkok Dangerous. Elsewhere the Halloween party has obvious potential, but again doesn’t seem fully explored.

Despite the English language the acting in generally good, if occasionally stilted. Its greatly helped by Youki Kudo’s performance as Saya, her career far outstretching the occasional Anime voice-over, previous roles had included Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train and Snow Falling on Cedars, she’s gone on to appear in L: Change the World, Memoirs of a Geisha and, ahem, Rush Hour 3. Joe Romersa, voice of lead agent David, also has had a somewhat unexpected career, an engineer, singer and songwriter for over 30 years, he’s more recently become known for his Anime voice-over work. (And his singing can be heard on Silent Hill.)

There’s a promise of so much more in Blood: The Last Vampire, that without any sort of resolution in its Anime form, doesn’t quite deliver. Fans of Ghost In The Shell should perhaps look first to the earlier Jin-Roh. However, it’s easy to see the enduring attraction to Blood, having inspired mangas, an Anime series Blood+, and now a live-action film. Perhaps we might finally get that decisive conclusion we’re been waiting for…

The new live-action version of Blood: The Last Vampire is released around UK cinemas on 26 June 2009 by Pathé. We also exclusively interviewed director Chris Nahon and lead star Gianna Jun.

There’s still time to enter our competition and you can win an exclusive Blood t-shirt and this original Anime version on DVD! Click here…

We chat to Gianna Jun, who plays the lead Saya in the new version of Blood: The Last Vampire, released this Friday…

In Blood: The Last Vampire did you perform your own stunts? What sort of training did you do to get in shape for the role?

I had various training programs from a distance race to kicking practice and muscle-strengthening exercises in China and U.S. I also learned intensive skills such as wire action. The action director Corey Yuen helped me a lot.

What attracted you to the role of Saya in the first place?

When I first saw her, she looked very mysterious – unfriendly and gloomy. It was kind of shocking, but very attractive.

Had you seen the original short but impressive Animation version of Blood: The Last Vampire before accepting the role? How do you think the new film differs from the original Animation?

I saw the animation after receiving the role offer from the producer Bill Kong and was impressed by the character Saya. The film focused on visual attraction rather than the story flow, while the animation describes Saya’s character and relations in more detail.

As this is your first English language film, are you hoping it leads to more roles in the West? Perhaps even a career in Hollywood?

Of course. I’m willing to do my best whenever I can have a chance.

The production itself was truly international, with talent from France, China, UK, Hong Kong, Argentina, Japan, US and of course Korea. What was the atmosphere like on set?

We barely had mutual information one another, so at first, it sometimes made the work hard. But people were so nice and friendly that we all hit it off together.

What was the best part about making this movie?

I liked to travel several countries such as China, US and Argentina. It helped me feel refreshed.

In South Korea you are best known for appearing in romantic comedies and dramas, including Il Mare, the original version of The Lake House. What was it like appearing in an all-out action movie for a change? Did you enjoy it?

It was really hard, actually. I had a three-month hard training for this action project and it made me extremely hard. But it was nothing compared to the shooting. Have you ever hung on a wire in the rain for the whole month? I’m certainly sure it’d make you feel crazy. (laughs) I was able to get in the project because I had no idea how hard it would be before. However, it also has so many attractions that I’m willing to do it again if there are any good chances.

Have you ever seen American version of The Lake House? What did you think?

It looks new and very different from the original film. But, I’m so happy that Korean films are acknowledged and remade by Hollywood.

What are plans now?

I’m planning to do one of several Korean films, but nothing is decided yet.

Blood: The Last Vampire is released around UK cinemas on 26 June 2009 by Pathé.

There’s still time to enter our competition and you can win an exclusive Blood t-shirt and the original Anime on DVD! Click here…

We also spoke to Blood director Chris Nahon on Monday, click here to read our interview.

Thanks to Gianna Jun, Pathé and Charlotte Mach from Substance for setting up the interview.

We talk exclusively to Chris Nahon, director of Kiss Of The Dragon and the new live-action version of Blood: The Last Vampire, released Friday…

How did you become involved with making the live-action version of Blood: The Last Vampire?

I met the producer but at the time Ronny Yu had just been confirmed as director. I was surprised when the producer asked one year after if I wanted to direct Blood. I was a fan since the beginning and I accepted with no hesitations.

Had you seen the original Blood: The Last Vampire anime?

I’d had the DVD for year. It always been a reference for me.

What changes did you need to make to the original in order to recreate it as a full-length live-action movie?

Adding another dimension in order to develop more the character of Saya. We open a door on her past.

What was it like working with action director Corey Yuen again?

Working with an old friend reminded me of so much emotion from the making of Kiss of the Dragon. Him and his team are incredible – they are ready to jump from the window for you anytime!

Did you encounter any problems during the shooting of the film?

Directing is managing problems to drive your movie back on your track. If we can avoid accidents it’s the best that I can ask for because we took a lot of risks.

What was the best part about making this movie?

Having Gianna and Koyuki together. Doing action with women. I loved it!

Kiss Of The Dragon has been easily one of the best Jet Li vehicles made in the West (in my opinion at least!). How do you think you got it so right, and why do others get it so wrong?

It comes from the good communication between the production and the director. I have never been so free since that one.

You obviously enjoy making action movies, but do you plan to move into any other genres?

I have a lot of plans. I would like to work develop more and more emotions on my next projects. The studio or the production still have a lot to understand in term of action movies. Most of the time they separate the genres when one can help the other.

What are you working on next?

I have many projects… but I never talk about them until they are done. I am too much superstitious for that…! Cheers.

Blood: The Last Vampire is released around UK cinemas on 26 June 2009 by Pathé. We’ll be talking to lead star Gianna Jun on Wednesday, so stay tuned…!

…And there’s still time to enter our competition and you can win an exclusive Blood t-shirt and the original Anime on DVD! Click here…

Thanks to Chris Nahon, Pathé and Charlotte Mach from Substance for setting up the interview.

Ichi will be released by Manga Entertainment and opens at ICA London from 7 July, and selected UK cinemas on 10th July 2009.

There’s a fantastic hour and a half long ‘making of’ documentary, featurettes on cinematography, action sequences, production and set design, costumes and much more, over 50 minutes of deleted scenes and alternative endings, and an entertaining four-way interview with the director and his three leads. You can read our updated review here.

And don’t forget there’s still plenty of time to bag your self the film on Blu-ray – enter our competition here!

The Good, The Bad, The Weird is released on Blu-Ray and two-disc DVD today by Icon Home Entertainment.

Catch Red Cliff in UK cinemas from today…

To celebrate the upcoming release of the live-action version of Blood: The Last Vampire we have 5 DVDs of the original Anime and t-shirts to giveaway AND five t-shirts!

From the creators of Ghost In The Shell, the original Blood: The Last Vampire, directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo (who was the key animator for Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira, was a genre-breaking, awarding-winning slice of Anime, thrilling and beautiful. It also inspired manga spin-offs and even 50-episode TV series.

Almost inevitably that vision has been brought to the big screen, starring Gianna Jun, who appeared in the original Korean version of The Lake House, and directed by Chris Nahon, responsible for one of the only decent Western Jet Li vehicles, Kiss Of The Dragon. The film is released in UK cinemas 26 June by Pathé.

To be in with a chance of winning a t-shirt and DVD of the original Anime, all you have to do is fill in the following form. The first five names out of the hat will get both the DVD and t-shirt, the next five just the t-shirt. The competition closes midnight Wednesday 22 July 2009.

Any information given is purely for the purposes of this competition. No information will be held after the competiton closes and will not be shared with any third parties. The winners will be drawn at random when the competition closes. Please note that only UK residents can enter. ©2009 Pathé.

Shih Kien (also known as Sek Kin) may be best remembered as Lee’s one-handed arch-rival in Enter The Dragon, but with a career stretching back to 1940 appeared in hundreds of movies. These included appearing alongside Chow Yun-fat in A Better Tomorrow III, and many Shaw Brothers productions including Buddha’s Palm. 

Shih died on Wednesday at a Hong Kong hospital with his children by his side, the Ming Pao Daily News reported.

Read more about Shih Kien on BBC News Online »