Gondry, Joon-Ho and Carax amazingly all come together to make one operatic feeling, visionary, fantastical anthology piece all based on Japan’s hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
In the tradition of such films as New York Stories, Night on Earth, Paris Je t’Aime and its forthcoming sequel New York Je t’Aime, Tokyo! addresses the timeless question of whether we shape cities, or if cities shape us.
I’ve heard very little about the film thus far but can tell you I’m highly anticipatory of what is likely to be one of the hidden gems of 2009. Great directors giving a fantasy look at one of their favorite cities as only they can tell it. As a huge fan of Paris Je t’Aime, this has got more greatness written all over it.
The clip below doesn’t give us much, but I stuck the newest trailer under the seats (thanks to filmjunk) along with a few stills. The OFFICIAL SITE has a bunch more information including several clips, images and synopsis.
Carax’s film (titled “Merde” (translation: shit) is easily the strangest of the trio but overall it’s a fascinating project. I had fun with all three films but didn’t get much meaning out of them until after the screening when I had a chance to chat with a friend that lived in Tokyo – it was then that the details really sunk in. Likely to get a better reception from folks intimately familiar with the culture but still a lot of fun to watch. Particularly Joon-Ho’s chapter.
Can’t wait for this…I love them omnibus films – even if there’s only three stories.
Although I did see “New York, I Love You” at TIFF and it was awful…Granted, it was a Work In Progress print and the filmmakers asked everyone not to review it. Didn’t make it any less terrible though. I don’t think they can save it…
This movie was awesome! Definitely a unique film. I heard the DVD is coming out June 30th and I can’t wait to get myself a copy.