Gemini

Tsukamoto's style of filmmaking and the writing's of Rampo combine to make a tense and an ultimately outstanding thriller! I love all of Tsukamoto's films and Gemini is my second favorite film coming right after Tetsuo: The Iron Man. Like Tetsuo this film stands out from the directors many other works because it is a period piece and it's also an adaptation of the short story The Twins by Edogawa Rampo. I have always been a big fan of Rampo and when I found out this film was an adaptation of his work I was always on the look out for an affordable DVD copy. As I've said before I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of this film for some time now. I was extremely happy when I found out about this new blu ray release! The extras are much appreciated and the quality of the film itself is outstanding! This film is a must have for any fan of foreign cinema and anybody interested in getting started watching extreme cinema as well.

I agree with the reveiwer below, that director Shinya Tsukamoto is very underrated. I purchased the film "Gemini," several years ago from Japan, and found it to be a very intriguing film. And what starts out as a horror film, soon evolves into something completely different. The story was inspired by the writer Edogawa Rampo, whose novels and short stories were prolific during the Meiji period of Japan, especially during the 1920s. The film begins with the main protagonist Dr. Yukio Daitokuji (Masahiro Motoki) living a good life. He has a great practice in the Tokyo suburbs and a beautiful wife. Things couldn't seem any better for this prosperous doctor. However, events are about to take a turn for the worse.For starters, there is a plague that is running rampant in the slums, and many of his neighbors harbor resentment towards him, due to the fact that he treats the richer clients in the area. Soon, there appears strange smells emanating from his neighborhood residence. Further, a stranger has been spotted near his home. Some sort of doppelganger. Moreover, in a cruel twist, his father has been found murdered. And although the mother knows something, she too winds up dead not long aferwards. You get the feeling that this is some sort of horror film at first, however, things begin to move into another direction as the film progresses further along. It appears that the Doctor has a twin. His name is Sutekichi.Apparentely his twin brother was abandoned at birth due to a snake-like scar on his leg, and was raised by the poorer denizens of the town. Now, Sutekichi wants what he feels is owed to him. He shoves his brother Yukio down into a well near the garden, while sleeping with his brothers wife. However, there is a stronger connection to the wife and Sutekichi than meets the eye. This is a very strange and creepy film, and I liked every minute of it. This film may not appeal to all viewers, therefore, I recommend you rent the film first. I was surprised to see that there was only one other reviewer of this film. It is definitely worth the watch, and purchase. But once again, rent the film first. Highly recommended. [Stars: 4.5]

Shinya Tsukimoto does an Edogawa Rampo story great justice. Good actors, good writing, an all around great movie. I really enjoy the pacing and visual style the director used. Tadanobu Asano (you may have seen him most recently in 47 ronin) even makes an appearance in this film.

I enjoy every Tuskamoto directed film I have seen so far and this one was just as entertaining. Watch it all the way through to answer any questions that you may have come up during it. It was visually appealing to watch and well worth adding it to my dvd collection.

Tarō Hirai is better known as his pen name, Edogawa Ranpo (taken from Edgar Allan Poe). Writing often of the Boy Detectives Club and their leader Kogoro Akechi, he brought his love for Western detective fiction and melded it with traditional Japanese legend.Shinya Tsukamoto is best known for his stop-motion cyberpunk body freakouts Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tetsuo II: Body Hammer and Tetsuo: The Bullet Man.So imagine — a director mostly known for his modern takes on man’s inhumanity to man going back in time to Japan’s Meiji era for a story loosely based on Ranpo’s work that ties closely to the same themes he’s explored in our time and the near future.Dr. Daitokuji Yukio (Masahiro Motoki, once an idol singer and now a serious actor) seemingly has it all. After a military career, he has taken over his father’s practice and has a gorgeous wife named Rin (Ryo, Goemon, Alive).However, she has no memory of her past. That’s the least of his worries as in short order, both of his parents are killed by a mysterious stranger and his wife shuns him after he treats the rich instead of the poor during a plague. Yes, these same issues still were with us in 1910 Japan.That strange man (Motoki in a dual role) ends up being his long-lost twin Sutekichi, who throws Yukio into a well and takes over his life. The true secret? Rin was once his and now, he has her back. The once-proud and rich doctor must now crawl from the muck to claim what was once his.This is one strange movie and I say that in the best of ways. Here’s one small example: no one has eyebrows. Everyone wore makeup to conceal them, which lends the movie an odd look.You can get this from Mondo Macabro. It comes complete with a 17-minute feature, Tsukamoto Shinya ga Ranpo suru, detailing the creation of this movie. It was made by Takeshi Miike, so if you’re a fan of his work, that’s just another great reason to make this purchase.

“Well” let me see. oh wait I think I’ve said enough already. the perils of our mind swing from the taleswe run from don’t it. you know some movies scare you and some well. deliver.