I started listening to Stereopony(ステレオポニー), when I first saw "Darker than Black - Ryûsei no Gemini". Since Stereopony had the opening song "Tsukiakari no Michishirube" for the mentioned anime. From then on I've always liked them. But I kind of missed out on them for a while...
They did a collaboration with Kariyushi58(かりゆし58)in August 10, 2011. Both Stereopony and Kariyushi58 is from Okinawa.
The single "Tatoeba Utaenaku nattara" stuck in my mind right away. I adore Aimi's vocie.
I haven't seen this, until now. And I don't really know why. But now I ate it like a pie.
Okay, enough with the rhymes.
Ninja Assassin(2009) is a story about Raizo, played by Rain, who is raised to be a ninja assassin. The Ozuno Clan takes orphan children, who is enrolled and brutally trained to kill. Raizo is chosen by Lord Ozuno (Sho Kosugi) himself, to be his son, and to become the best. Therefor Raizo goes through excruciate pain both mentally and physically, to harden himself.
Kiriko (Kylie Goldstein), doubted the way of the clan, already from the beginning. She was the only one, showing some affection and love towards Raizo. One night, she decides to leave and run for freedom. She ask if Raizo wants to come with her, but he declines - because he don't know any other way.When Kiriko gets caught, she is branded as a traitor of the "family" and punished with death.
Raizo sees the only one he harbor any feelings for, get executed right before his eyes.
Raizo now begin to realize certain things, and with time and from carrying a lot of resentment and pain, he decides to go against the clan and Ozuno - who calls himself his father.
Mika Coretti, (Naomi Harris) is investigating political murders. She realize, from the money transfers, that it is linked with Ozuno. But as soon as she deepens in the investigation and comes to a conclusion, she is haunted by the very ninja assassins themselves. Fortunately, Raizo finds her first - but now they have the whole clan after them.
I, myself like splatter and blood in this kind of movies. So this one is for certain a good pick in that genre. I assure you, blood and splatter - it delivers. It is a bit unreal with the blood everywhere. But have you seen "Kill Bill", then you know that the unreal can be really good.
They say, Rain is South Korea's pride - since he got the South Korean actors on the map. Or South Korea overall, on the map? But actually, I think they kind of underestimate themselves. Cause, in my opinion, South Korea is already out in the open - with the very popular k-pop all over the world. And also the k-drama. I don't know, but I don't think they understand how popular they really are. Well, this is for another discussion though.
I like Rain as an actor, he is most definitely a good actor. But, unfortunately - since he don't know English that well, his acting drops a bit. His lines seems forced and his tone of voice is in the same range all the time.
It is hard to act and talk with emotion, when you don't know the language well enough. So I'm not blaming him. With a little more English, his good to go. I would like to see him in more American produced movies, in the future. I also like the fact, that Lee Joon (MBLAQ) are playing Raizo while young. He also did a really good job in his acting.
The fighting scenes are special, I especially like the last one. While fire sparks, gleam through the air and the building is burning down, you will see them fight with every little detail in focus. It is kind of beautiful.
As I said, the fighting is a bit unreal with legs and arms flying everywhere. But the way they film it, it becomes somehow thrilling. You'll see the blade of the knife sweep in a second, next to the camera. And in all, it is as I said, beautiful. Those fighting scenes wouldn't be as good, if it wasn't for how it was filmed.
This is a Warner bros. pictures and amongst the producers, there are Joel Silver, who have been producing "The Matrix" movies and also "The Book of Eli". The director of the movie is James McTeigue, who debuted with directing "V for Vendetta".
All in all, this is not a great movie, because I didn't get any emotions or feelings from the movie overall. But indeed, a worthy and good movie. The pictures and scenery are beautiful and it is greatly done. When I saw the first fight scene, I cracked out in laughter, because it was so damn epic. It is definitely worth seeing.
Ninja Assassin Trailer ~
I wounder if they couldn't show the worst blood scenes in the trailer.... Probably. And I'm laughing my ass of, at the last scene in there. *POW*
Who remembers B1A4, I do! And they are as charismatic as ever. Their songs are still incredible catchy. Maybe the tunes actually are a bit ... well, they are not especially unusual perhaps. But for me, the catchy tunes makes up for it all. You just get a very happy feeling, and all of the sudden you bouncing in the sofa. Or is that just me?
B1A4 came out with the new mini album "It B1A4", with five new songs. (+ instrumental)
The new album consists of;
Beautiful Target
My Love
Chu Chu Chu
Wonderful Tonight
Fooool
Beautiful Target (Instrumental)
I've already done an entry about B1A4, and it isn't much more info to update with.
JinYoung (Jung Jin Young) is the leader and lead vocalist, born in 1991. Blood type A
CNU (Shin Dong Woo) is vocalist and rapper, born in 1991. Blood type A.
Sandeul (Lee Jung Hwan) is main vocalist, born in 1992. Blood type A.
Baro (Cha Sun Woo) is main rapper, born in 1992. Blood type B.
Gongchan (Gong Chan Shik) is vocalist, born 1993 and therefor the youngest one. Blood type A.
They did a great and successful debut in April 2011 with their album "Let's Fly", which consisted of six tracks as well;
O.K
Remember
Only learned the bad things
Bling Girl
Only One
O.K (Instrumental)
B1A4 - Beautiful Target (It B1A4 album 2011)
Their MV's are incredible sugary, almost to the point where my eyes are filled with sugar and itching. But in the end I'm just sitting with a foolish smile on my face. Am I Korean music crazed?
I like the clips after, and the fact that Baro gets hit in the face by JinYoung, while dancing. Poor boy.
My all time favorite Big Bang! Always listening to them, and I always have different favorite songs, depending on mood.
This week have been all about "Tell me Goodbye". A beautiful tune overall, and I adore T.O.P's part at 2.38 ~
The MV is also beautiful, and I'm literally shredding tears watching and hearing it. G.D's part at the beginning is a fangasm.
Big Bang - Tell me Goodbye (Big Bang 2 Japanese album 2011)
I have been listening to IRIS soundtrack/OST a lot too. Should probably watch that drama sometime. But I usually have way to much drama series, on my "to-watch-list". And IRIS isn't the usual genre I would go for. But soon enough.
I have kind of dreaded this one. Super Junior is one of the Korean bands, I listen to every day. But they have, indeed, some members to write about.
They just came out with their new album A-CHA (Mr. Simple repackage), which consists of four new songs. Which is A-CHA, Ooops! (feat f(x)), A Day and Andante.
Super Junior debuted in 2005 with their first single Twins (knock out). They debuted with 12 members in total. Later, the 13 member came along too. They are one of the largest boy-bands in the world.
I fully understand why they always talk about getting so few lines, in the songs. With that many people having their voices heard. But I really like it a lot. It surely gives diversity.
Super Junior consists of thirteen members, all with their own charm. LeeTeuk (Park Jung Soo) is the leader, vocalist and lead rapper. Born in 1983. Heechul (Kim Hee Chul) is a vocalist and rapper. Also born in 1983. HanKyung (Han Geng) is a lead dancer and born in 1984. (Left for a solo career in China, but Super Junior members still consider him a member) Yesung (Kim Jong Woon) is a main vocalist and born in 1984. Kangin (Kim Young Woon) is one of the lead vocalists and born in 1985. ShinDong (Shin Dong Hee) is the main dancer and main rapper. Born in 1985. Sungmin (Lee Sung Min) is a vocalist and main dancer. Born in 1985. Eunhyuk (Lee Hyuk Jae) is a lead dancer, main rapper and a vocalist. Born in 1986. Donghae (Lee Dong Hae) is a main dancer and vocalist. Also born in 1986. Siwon (Choi Si Won) is a vocalist and born in 1987. Ryeowook (Kim Ryeo Wook) is one of the lead vocalists and born in 1987. Kibum (Kim Ki Bum) is a rapper and vocalist. Also born in 1987. Kyuhyun (Cho Kyu Hyun) is a main vocalist and main dancer. Born in 1988 and being the youngest one.
They also have sub-groups within the group -
Super Junior M was formed to target the mandarin popular music. They debuted in 2008 with Han Geng (as leader), Siwon, Donghae, Ryewook and Kyuhyun. They also added two new members, Henry and Zhou Mi. In 2009 Han Geng returned to China to pursue a solo career. And in 2011 members, Eunhyuk and Sungmin was added instead. Currently they are eight members in total.
Super Junior K.R.Y, was created in 2006 and is a trio with Kyuhyun, Ryewook and Yesung. Their initials make K.R.Y. They target a more mature audience, and are amongst the most vocally powerful members with similar music qualities.
There are also Super Junior Happy and Super Junior T.
Now in September 2011, only 8 members are active. Han Geng - in China, Heechul and Kangin - temporary leave of absence for military service, Siwon - filming for his upcoming drama, and Kibum - pursuing an acting career.
I myself are most attached to LeeTeuk, Eunhyuk, Shindong, Donghae and Siwon because of different reasons. LeeTeuk (my bias), Eunhyuk and Shindong, mostly because they are extremely charming and funny. (I love Strong heart)
I didn't really get attached to any of the new four songs, on the repackage album. A Day and Andante was two very calm good songs, Oops!! was ... "special". *laugh* and A-CHA was... nothing special, but good overall. Sound like an opening song...
Well, my favorites from the actual album though ~
Only because of the MV, because I actually don't like Mr.Simple that much. There is a few sounds I like in the song though.
Super Junior - Mr. Simple (Mr.Simple album 2011)
The song starts at 0.38 ~
Super Junior - Feels Good (Mr.Simple album 2011)
Up-beat tune.
Super Junior - Walkin' (Mr.Simple album 2011)
A bit of a reggae feeling to this.
Super Junior - My Love, My Kiss, My Heart (Mr.Simple album 2011)
Up-beat ballad. Probably the one I've listened to the most.
You really hear when it's Super Junior, in my opinion. They sound really unique. They have music for every occasion. And I most definitely like the new sound of the new album.
I have always loved Bump of Chicken's music, and their lyrics. I never get tired of them, and always come back to them - from time to time.
Their lyrics are kind of special, you can really relate to it easily. Since the lyrics are very "open" and you can read in what you feel into it, depending on how you, yourself, read and understand it.
Bump of Chicken - Sento erumo no hi (Cosmonaut album 2010)
Will I be able to catch up with you before the night ends? We're on the same hill road, in different locations.
Walking towards the same place, I wonder what kind of face you're making right now.
I wonder how far along are you?
We both know as much words as the other, the number of words we'd both don't know is also the same.
I willfully followed you, so don't mind me and just go, See? We are in the same boat.
How far are you? I wonder if you've noticed how beautiful the stars are?
If I've noticed, it's thanks to you, because I was always looking upwards.
The path suddenly became precipitous, I need to use my hands.
I hope I won't injure myself while I climb here.
It's when I stood still that I realized it's so cold it makes me laugh, I should have brought a coat.
When we tried to understand each other, we became lost. No matter how close or faraway we are, we are both such a bother.
That's why I followed you, I'm easy to understand, it's a little tiresome, but it's fun.
How far are you? I wonder if you've found that small flower shivering.
If I'm not scared of the dark, it's thanks to you, because it's the path you walked on too.
There is nothing I want to say, there is nothing I want to hear.
But there are a few things I want to transmit to you.
There is no worth at all, to the absurd truth.
Of me having followed you, but I just wanted you to know that much.
I wonder how far along are you? I wonder how far apart we are?
I'll rest while I tie my shoelaces and I know it's a mere detail, but canteens are convenient.
Silence smiled at the night sky I laid down under, and the moon sways as it blurs.
My heart is full of something I don't understand, my legs still move even though I'm that tired.
I wasn't walking in the same direction as you, I'm walking towards you.
How far are you? Existing together is not something easy.
We came this far by earnestly deciphering the other's breath.
How far are you? If you haven't noticed the song I've unleashed I'll sing it anytime, it's thanks to you, because you always look for me
And because you always find me.
I wonder what kind of face you're making right now, it's a little tiresome, but it's fun
See? We are in the same boat. And now, which song should I sing?
I wonder how far along are you? I wonder how far apart we are?
I wonder how much I've caught up to you?
From the smallest thing, everything can change. From a flip of a coin and the choices you make, all can make a difference. All you have to do, is take a step in any direction.
Naomi, played by Maki Horikita, fall down the stairs - to save her camera. All her choices from before, is all forgotten in that one moment. Four years of impressions, feelings, facts and friends - all memories gone, and changed.
She didn't know the boy Yuji, played by Kenichi Matsuyama, who sat with her in the hospital. Even though he mention, he once wanted to kiss her.
She didn't remember the best friend Mirai, played by Yuya Tegoshi. Even though he always thinks of her best. And always tries to give a smile on her face.
And she doesn't remember the boyfriend, who is not there to see her, in the hospital.
Her father tries to help her remember, but how can she remember the forgotten?
She starts school again, and sees everything in a different light. With this, she can change. Not remembering who she was, makes a pretty big picture of who you can be. Naomi are just doing the things she think is right and wrong, for the moment. And for her self, in that stage.
So maybe when she picked "heads" on that coin, it was meant to be. Running back for the camera, and falling while hurrying... maybe that coin, was a lucky one. Maybe, she didn't fall - but dived.
Memoirs of a Teenage amnesiac (Japanese/American 2010) is a story about Naomi Sukuse, who loses her memory. At first, the main problem is the amnesia itself. But later, it evolves to be more about who she was before the amnesia, and who she is now. How she looks at things differently, from another light and perspective.
The movie is based on the book, with the same name - written by Gabrielle Zevin. And directed by Hans Canosa. It takes place in a Japanese/American school - so it involves a lot of the English language. It was meant to be filmed in America. But it changed, when they wanted a setting and background - that only Japan could give.
I myself, adore this movie. Japanese movies tend to be, way overreacted. It gets to much angst, and the probability is really low.
But in this movie, it holds a very reasonable line. Yeah, of course - the amnesia is a big thing to begin with. But this movie really makes up for it. And it is a fiction, so it is probably allowed.
The message with this movie is incredible and I love the way they tell it.
The pictures through-out the movie, is beautiful. And the way they mix it with the story is great. To see the pictures show up, like that... especially in the end, is a little bit of a mind-blow.
But in the other hand, I love photography too. And the photos made it really beautiful visual, and the storytelling just got better.
The movie involves a lot of English, of course. And I think they do a great work with the language too. It is a little bit unsure with the pronouncement, sometimes. But overall, okay.
The only thing which went a bit to far - is Yujis depression. But after a hole, of a little bit to much angst, it went right back up and smoothed it all out - getting it only better again. So I forgive that little point of weakness.
The soundtrack makes it go further, in getting the right feeling to the scenes. In whole, the movie is great and worth the watch. I recommend it.
Yesterday, when I was talking to my friend. She reminded me of the song "Spell", from No.6 opening. Since we often talk about No.6, and how amazing it is.
Well, there are actually just a few anime openings or endings that I like. But "Spell" is most definitely one of them. I really like her voice in this, it gives a good feeling to the opening of a great anime.
Some may say her voice is "a pain in the ass", but I like the different and odd sound of her voice. But as I said before, I like weird things. Music should stand out.
LAMA - Spell (No.6 Opening)
And then we follow to the ending. Which I also like a lot.
It gives a calm but nerve tickled feeling. And Aimer's voice is beautiful.
Aimer - Rokutõ Sei no Yoru (No.6 Ending)
No.6 is absolutely one of the best anime series, this season. Unfortunately it will probably fall in the end, since it have way to few episodes. All I hope for is, that it will have a second season. It's just like "Deadman Wonderland", which also had to few episodes to make something out of it. But still, a very great and intriguing storyline. - Which only lead you on, wanting to see more.
The story takes place in the city No.6, which is built as an ideal city. The protagonist, Sion, is a model student with a really bright future. He is raised in No.6 as an elite and have a lot of privileges. One stormy night, a strange boy enters his room through the balcony. The boy is wounded, so Sion decides to give him shelter and treat the wound. The boy presents him self as "Nezumi", which means "mouse" or "rat". But when Sion wakes up the day after, Nezumi is gone without a trace. Sion has all his privileges and good future prospects, taken away from him. Since he gave shelter to a fugitive. Four years later - Sion is in a few events of happenings, through his work - where a deadly infection is spread by a bee and everything is quiet down. He starts questioning the No.6, entirely. His co-worker dies, and Sion is arrested for murder. When they transporting him, he is saved by none less then Nezumi. Sion breaks out of No.6, with Nezumi - and from there on, he tries to figure out the hidden truth about the ideal city, No.6.
U-KISS just made me happy, for the entire day. (Yeah, i wrote that comment several hours ago. But I got stuck watching different shows, where U-KISS members were guesting.)
The highlight of the day, for sure. They gave me everything I wanted and more. I love the feeling in the tunes, and the electro sound. Also, I love and adore Kiseop and Kevin's new style.
U-KISS really stepped up with this. I'm telling you, they only get better and better with each year.
I don't know if I'm being a total bias here. But I seriously like every track in the new album. Obviously, I like a few a little bit more then others - but still. Also, I definitely like that they made quite a few calm tunes too.
Already out with the MV, too. Absolutely, a very great video. U-KISS - Neverland (Neverland album 2011)
U-KISS - Top That (Neverland album 2011)
I loved this from the very first beat ("Heeey"). The "La-la-la-la" in the background is great. Up-beat sound that makes you jump up and down in excitement.
And a calm tune, where you actually get to hear their reactions first. They have a lot of fun recording, huh! And in this song they collaborate with Paran, the other group which A.J is in.
U-KISS (With Paran) - We'll meet again (Neverland album 2011)
Finishing of with a up-beat tune.
U-KISS - On the Floor (Neverland album 2011)
Listen to the rest of the album too. My favorites, other then the ones I posted, is "Baby dont cry" (Up-beat ballad), "Someday" (which I already posted in another entry),
"Take me Away" (Beautiful calm tune), "Obsession" (Seriously good tune with A.J and Kiseop)
