Yoshiaki Kawajiri Movies

The effects of schizophrenia reverberate through three generations of educated Indian women when a woman is diagnosed with the psychotic disorder and those around her, including her westernized daughter, struggle to maintain normal lives. As Azumi 2 gets underway, remaining assassins Azumi and Nagara set out in pursuit of their final target - the notorious Masayuki Sanada. But Sanada is fully prepared for the confrontation; he's hired the dreaded Koga Ninja Clan to dispense with Azumi, and they won't stop until their mission has been completed. The Koga Ninja Clan aren't the only foes that Azumi has to worry about either, because Kiyomasa's failed retainer Kanbei is out for blood as well. With enemies closing in from all sides, things are beginning to look decidedly grim for the assassin forced to choose between love and duty. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

In this science fiction tale, two scientists find themselves waging war against a supernatural force that has taken hold of one of their bodies and threatens to destroy it. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

In the era of U.S. pulp novels, basically between the 1920s and 1950s, "space operas" emerged as some of the most popular fiction going. Few authors had more success selling these improbable tales than E.E. (Doc) Smith, and his "Lensman" series remained popular well into the 1970s. This Japanese animated feature, begun in 1979, is based on those novels and was not released in its final form until 1984. It was not seen in the West until 1991. During a war between the Bosconian War Lords (the bad guys) and the Galactic Alliance, Kim becomes a lensman, and wields the unusual powers granted by that transformation to fight for the right. Even with his new powers, he barely escapes alive in his numerous engagements with the bad guys. An unusual amount of work went into this feature's highly detailed animation, the voiceovers (for the American version) are competently done, and the film features a score which includes disco and "new age" music. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

Removed from the typical futuristic element of most Japanese animated adventures, this 1994 feature takes place in more of a sword-and-sorcery epic set in feudal Japan. Jubei Kipagami, a ninja mercenary, wanders the countryside in search of work. On his travels, he encounters Kagero, a female ninja whose poisoned blood causes her pale skin to be lethal to the touch. Jubei rescues the woman from Tessai, a creature made of rock. They later find that Tessai is one of the Eight Devils of Kimon, who are involved in a plot to overthrow the Shogun. A story of impossible love between Jubei and Kagero is somewhat interesting, but the true draw of Ninja Scroll is its action sequences. The dazzling swordplay of Japanese live-action samurai movies is not often seen in the animated genre, which tends more towards science fiction; however, this animated work has fight scenes in abundance. Although its content is too strong for children, adult fans of Japanese animation, samurai films, and fantasy should find it enjoyable.
~ Jonathan E. Laxamana, All Movie Guide

The World Record segment from the collection of animated shorts known as the Animatrix focuses on a track runner named Dan Davis, who is preparing for the 100 meter dash. Early on, it's clear that Dan has the kind of intuitive sensitivity that has been known to wake people from the Matrix, and he describes the ecstasy of extreme athleticism in terms that seem to mimic the detachment from his surrounding world often mentioned by those who've broken free from the Matrix. In the midst of the race, he begins to see visions that indicate he's "waking," and Agents begin to close in, while simultaneously, his muscles fail as his speed tops out. Innately aware that the pain isn't real, however, Dan is able to continue. As he rushes towards the finish line, the imposed reality of the Matrix seems to fail, leaving the singular question of whether he will win the greater race by awakening completely. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

This animated Japanese film is a dark, adult-oriented thriller. A peace treaty between the Earth and the Black World, a parallel universe of spider-like aliens is coming to an end. Two cops, Taki, a human male, and Maki, a female alien, are assigned to protect a diplomat who will help secure another treaty. A radical group of aliens from the Black World are out to assassinate the diplomat and prevent the treaty; only the bond that forms between the two cops can save the Earth from destruction. Sex is strongly associated with violence in many graphic scenes; although this is intended to play a symbolic role, this theme is used excessively. The story is effective, but the film is definitely not for children or anyone easily offended.
~ Jonathan E. Laxamana, All Movie Guide