Game of Thrones from Japan

Shogun was not exactly a Cinderella in this year’s TV production, but there was not much talk about it before its release. Yet, it was clear from the beginning that it would be a very expensive spectacle.

Many times we have seen that a generous budget does not automatically mean a good work. Fortunately, this is different in this case.

Shogun has strong support in James Clavell’s bestselling novel of the same name. It is gratifying that the series sticks quite closely to its famous source material, as the novel is excellent.

There were concerns that the creators of the new Shogun series might deviate significantly from the book, but fortunately, this did not happen. Although it is possible to find many small deviations, the overall direction and essence of the original work remain unchanged.

In both the book and the latest series, we follow the fate of English sailor John Blackthorne, who is forced to slowly come to terms with the specific reality of Japan after being shipwrecked on its shores. This reality includes murders, intrigues, and religious oppression—things we love to see on our TV screens.

In this regard, Shogun resembles the early seasons of Game of Thrones. However, it would be cheap to accuse its creators of plagiarism, especially since Clavell finished Shogun in 1975, while the Song of Ice and Fire series came out much later.

A Visual Feast

For obvious reasons, you won’t find any dragons or other magical creatures in Shogun. Nevertheless, the series features numerous attractions beyond the meticulous script that can sufficiently captivate even today’s viewers spoiled by special effects.

First, we are naturally captivated by the top-notch visual execution. Every second, it feels like we are watching a story from ancient Japan. The sets and costumes here can only be rated as top-notch with a star.

Their historical accuracy is also appreciated by professional historians specializing in feudal Japan.

Equally captivating are the performances. Each actor in the series delivers, at worst, a very good performance. Most actors, however, excel.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga exudes concentrated charisma, stealing every scene he is in.

Close behind are Cosmo Jarvis, who plays John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai, who transforms into Toda Mariko in Shogun.

Harley Quinn is a bit different. Firstly, she’s not a heroine, but a villain, and secondly, she does not belong to the Marvel universe, but is under the wing of the rival DC publishing house.

And unlike many other comic book characters, she is also entertaining. At least that’s true for her latest animated iteration.

Animated Form

Harley Quinn is no unknown for fans of comic book movies. She has already appeared in both Suicide Squads, and even recently got her own film.

However, it’s best not to highlight that film too much, as watching it can cause some viewers to feel queasy.

But if we forget the last lapse, so far Harley Quinn has done pretty well in live-action form. The 2019 series, however, is animated, which may cause concerns for some.

Fortunately, these concerns are not justified at all, as this project turned out to be extremely successful. Harley Quinn can even be considered among the most entertaining series gems, like Rick and Morty or Lower Deck. And that includes live-action production.

In Joker’s Shadow

Harley is not the most well-known comic book character, so it’s good to introduce her a bit more to the readers. Originally, she was a slightly goofy psychiatrist of DC’s most notorious villain – Joker.

However, their professional relationship turned into love, and the poor Dr. Quinzel became the clown’s right hand with a slightly modified name, Harley Quinn.. 

The series, however, does not tell the story of the troubles of this murderous duo, but about Harley herself, who is tired of constantly standing in Joker’s shadow and would like to emancipate herself, which also happens in the first episode.

The story primarily deals with Harley and her successes and failures in her independent criminal career. It might sound a bit banal. Fortunately, the opposite is true

Bloody Fun

DC movies, except for those with Batman, are not doing very well. What they do excel in, however, is animated creation. And it is also visible in Harley Quinn. The series can boast not only top-notch technical aspects, but also a very good script.

Each episode is about 22 minutes long, which makes the plot move briskly forward and there’s no chance of getting bored for even a minute. When there is no fighting or shooting going on, the viewer can be entertained by often very funny dialogues.

The characters are written excellently. Not only the main anti-heroine is discussed, but also other actors, such as Poison Ivy, Joker, Bane, or for instance Dr. Psycho. It has long been the case that what is drawn and on TV is meant for children.

Although it might be tempting, Harley Quinn should definitely not be seen by anyone under twelve. There’s really no sparing of cuss words. On the other hand, there’s no wonder, as the series mainly mocks the criminal environment, where few abide by the Guth-Jarkovsky principles.

Some children would also probably have a hard time digesting the violence here. It’s not just about the fact that during the first episode Harley manages to cause more open fractures than Arnold and Seagal managed to do throughout their entire career, whole families are being wiped out here! Well, so far one family, but still, for an animated comic book it’s quite a lot.

Controversial source material

The Man in the High Castle is not only a dramatic series produced by the streaming platform Amazon Prime but also a controversial novel by Philip K. Dick, an author whose works have inspired films such as Blade Runner and A Scanner Darkly.

The original literary work has many devoted fans, but there are also readers who criticize the novel for excessive philosophizing and an open ending.

Therefore, the first information about the creation of the series did not arouse enthusiasm even among the biggest fans of the book. After all, it is a challenging literary work that does not lend itself easily to adaptation.

Fortunately, the creators of the series decided to take a slightly different approach, borrowing only a few characters, the basic storyline, and most importantly, the brilliantly conceived world from the book.

They invented many things on their own, and they did well. As a result, a series emerged that has something to offer even to people who have never heard of the original work.

The world as the main character

If The Man in the High Castle truly excels in anything, it is the world it presents to the viewers. In this world, the Germans managed to drive the Soviets behind the Ural Mountains, repel the invasion of Normandy, and successfully invade the eastern part of the United States.

The Japanese did not lag behind their Nazi counterparts in any way, adding the entire western coast of the former United States to their Asian territories.

What remained of the United States was a powerless remnant in the middle of the continent, forming a fragile border between the two superpowers.

As the series’ storyline deals with events in both the German and Japanese parts of the former United States, viewers have the opportunity to compare these two worlds firsthand.

While the areas under German influence are characterized by a somewhat unsurprising omnipresent order and technological development, the Japanese territories on the American continent appear to be much less maintained.

A perfectly crafted story

The story revolves around mysterious recordings that depict the fall of the Third Reich, which never happened in this alternate reality.

However, the films appear too realistic and costly to be mere forgeries. That’s why the SS, led by the demonic John Smith, brilliantly portrayed by Rufus Sewell, are so keen on getting their hands on them.

But Juliana, the series’ titular heroine, who initially seeks her sister, allegedly involved with the rebels fighting against Japanese domination, comes across the recordings first.

She is joined by Joe from a resistance group based in New York, who becomes involved with Juliana due to circumstances, and together they will try to uncover the origin of the mysterious recordings.

The series does not boast a fast pace, but that is not a bad thing. At least the viewer has the opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the alternate 1960s USA under Nazi or Japanese rule.

The plot unfolds slowly, but it is so interesting that the viewer can forgive a few dull moments. Technically, the series is definitely above average, and the same can be said for the actors.

However, the real standout is the aforementioned Rufus Sewell, who must have truly enjoyed his role as the high-ranking American Nazi officer.

Crazy Adventurer

We first saw him in 1981 in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. Since then, Indy has appeared in four more sequels and a series that tells the beginnings of the famous archaeologist.

Trying to emulate this icon with Harrison Ford’s face might seem like madness, but every now and then, someone tries. Often, however, the result is at best controversial or even terrible.

Yet there are instances where the work turns out exceptionally well. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

Lara Croft

Lara Croft is probably one of the most famous gaming celebrities. Critics claim her popularity is mainly due to her ample bust, but the renowned tomb raider has much more up her sleeve.

Firstly, she’s a highly intelligent woman, boasting the abilities of Olympic athletes and is exceptionally skilled with her pistols.

Originally, she was a fearless heroine, but the new Tomb Raider series shows Lara in her early days, when she was much more vulnerable.

This doesn’t stop her from eliminating hundreds of enemies and occasionally saving the world or at least securing some intriguing artifact.

Outside of games, there are three movies titled Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie played the lead role in the first two, while Alicia Vikander took over in the latest installment.

Nathan Drake

Another competitor to Indy is Nathan Drake. Like Lara, he first appeared in a game. Unlike the Tomb Raider series, which initially was primarily an action platformer, the Uncharted brand, chronicling Nathan Drake’s adventures, introduces new game mechanics like stealth.

Uncharted, in its approach, is more cinematic than the early Lara Croft titles. It’s worth noting that today’s Lara is catching up with Nathan in this aspect.

Nathan Drake could be jokingly referred to as the Indiana Jones of the 21st century. He also possesses wit and a touch of sarcasm, and his adventures are always intriguing and entertaining. It’s no wonder Hollywood decided to bring Uncharted to the big screen.

It’s not a bad movie, but it lacks the charm of the first three Indiana Jones films. It relies more on stunts and action than on mystery.

However, if you enjoy fast-paced action movies and don’t mind Tom Holland, the current Spider-man, in the lead role, you won’t regret watching this film.

Benjamin Gates

The third in the group is Benjamin Gates. Unlike the two aforementioned heroes, he has nothing to do with the gaming industry. He’s purely a cinematic character brought to life by Hollywood screenwriters.

Like Lara and Nathan, Benjamin also has an insatiable desire to chase after every dusty relic. In pursuing his hobby, he falls, gets beaten up, and of course, is shot at.

Benjamin, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, has so far been seen only in the movie National Treasure and its sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Whether this franchise will continue with Nicolas Cage or be rebooted with a new cast is still unknown at this moment.

Although they don’t match the quality of Indiana Jones, it would be a shame to miss out on National Treasure, as it’s quite a pleasant diversion.

Dawn of the Dead

Zombies are primarily meant to be frightening, but our list begins with a comedy. Dawn of the Dead is a creation of British director Edgar Wright, known for films like Ant-Man, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho.

The story focuses on two ordinary guys, rather slackers, who suddenly find themselves having to deal with a zombie apocalypse. And it’s a lot of fun.

Dawn of the Dead attacks almost every existing zombie cliché in a playful manner that entertains even those viewers who otherwise actively avoid films with walking corpses.í.

28 Days Later

Staying in Britain for a moment, in 2002 another zombie genre icon was born – 28 Days Later.

Unlike its counterparts, the zombies here are not actual walking dead but are instead ‘merely’ rabid. This makes them all the more dangerous.

Danny Boyle, the director of this film, was one of the first to really get the undead moving quickly.

In this movie, the infected do not move with a slow, shuffling walk but are capable of breaking speed records. This is partly why 28 Days Later is such a terrifying horror film.

Train to Busan

The zombie genre is not just a Western cinematography affair. Train to Busan is the best possible example of this.

As the name suggests, this South Korean gem mostly takes place on a moving train.

The film tells the story of a father and daughter trying to get through zombie-infested South Korea to Busan, supposedly the only place in the country where civilization still functions.

Specific setting, a large budget, good acting performances, and excellent direction rightly make Train to Busan one of the best zombie films of all time.

Rec

Although Rec is primarily classified under the found-footage sub-genre, it is still a damn good zombie horror. The terror unfolding in a closed apartment building is made much more tangible as we observe everything through the camera of the main character.

However, the film doesn’t just rely on cheap scares but also boasts a very oppressive atmosphere. Much of this is, of course, due to the setting in which the film takes place.

Night of the Living Dead

No list of zombie films would be complete without the greatest classic of them all, Night of the Living Dead by legendary genre founder George A. Romero.

The film introduced almost all the clichés we associate today with zombie horror – the slow walk of the undead, a disparate group of survivors, and the need to build a defensive position.

While these might seem overused today, they were not at the time of the film’s release. Even today, this black and white movie from 1968 works excellently. It should be noted that there are two films with this title. This one and the 1990 remake by Tom Savini.

The plot of the film is a thrilling ride that takes us back into the high-stakes world of naval aviation. Maverick, after thirty years, is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator. However, he must confront the ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

This narrative is a compelling exploration of Maverick’s character, showcasing his rule-flouting, death-cheating, and heart-breaking nature.

The film’s themes and tone are deeply rooted in the spirit of old-school action, which is sure to resonate with fans of the original “Top Gun” and newcomers alike.

It’s a film that’s not afraid to push the envelope, much like its protagonist, and this is reflected in its high-octane action sequences and dramatic narrative arcs.

The acting in the film is top-notch, with Tom Cruise delivering a performance that is both nostalgic and fresh. His portrayal of Maverick is a testament to his enduring star power and his ability to bring depth and complexity to an iconic character.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding depth to the film’s narrative.

The direction by Joseph Kosinski is commendable, as he manages to balance the film’s action sequences with its dramatic moments, creating a film that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging.

The cinematography and special effects are also noteworthy, creating a visually stunning spectacle that enhances the film’s narrative.

The film’s score is another highlight, adding to the film’s intense and exhilarating atmosphere. The production design is impressive, effectively recreating the world of naval aviation and adding authenticity to the film’s narrative.

“Top Gun: Maverick” was also recognized for its technical excellence, winning the Best Sound award at the 95th Academy Awards and receiving numerous other accolades.

The film grossed $1.493 billion worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 and the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While it excels in its action sequences and technical aspects, some may find the film’s narrative to be somewhat predictable.

Additionally, the film’s pacing could have been tighter, with some scenes feeling a bit drawn out.

Despite these minor flaws, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a thrilling cinematic experience that is sure to resonate with audiences. It’s a film that celebrates the spirit of old-school action cinema, while also offering a fresh and engaging narrative.

It’s a film that’s not afraid to push the envelope, much like its protagonist, and this is reflected in its high-octane action sequences and dramatic narrative arcs.

In conclusion, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a high-flying action spectacle that delivers on all fronts. It’s a film that’s sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, and it’s a worthy addition to the legacy of “Top Gun”.

It’s a film that’s not just about the thrill of flying, but also about the human spirit and the sacrifices that come with it. And in the end, it’s a film that,much like its protagonist, is not afraid to push the envelope and take risks.

It’s a film that’s sure to resonate with audiences, leaving them with a sense of exhilaration and a deeper appreciation for the world of naval aviation.

Specifics

The fundamental element of every found footage horror is authenticity, or at least the illusion of it. The viewer watches all events through the main character, who records everything on a camera. This makes it much easier to get immersed in the whirl of events, enhancing the film experience.

This is why there is such interest in found footage horrors, even though they often don’t make much sense. Few would likely run from mad killers, demons, ghosts, or zombies with a camera/phone held out in their hand.

However, those who can dismiss this illogic will find great entertainment in the best films of this horror genre. And which found footage horrors are among the most popular?

The Blair Witch Project

This film undoubtedly defined the found footage horror genre as we know it today. When it premiered in 1999, it caused a major stir. Although The Blair Witch Project was made on a shoestring budget, it earned a quarter of a billion dollars. One reason was a clever marketing campaign.

The campaign presented the film as an authentic document compiled from the recordings of three missing filmmakers who disappeared deep in the woods.

Today, The Blair Witch Project may not seem terribly frightening. Apart from the last ten minutes and a few shots of sinister-looking figures made of twigs, most of the film is essentially uneventful.

Still, The Blair Witch Project deserves its place on this list, especially for its pioneering role. After its great success, two sequels were made, neither of which is noteworthy.

Cloverfield

Before director J.J. Abrams decided to mangle Star Trek and destroy the Star Wars saga, he was involved in producing quite decent films. For example, he produced one of the most expensive found footage horrors of all time – Cloverfield.

The film is told from the perspective of several friends trying to escape from New York, which is being ravaged by unknown monsters. Cloverfield is a very intense affair. The film grabs the viewer around the tenth minute and doesn’t let go until the end credits roll. It is definitely worth watching.

This film also has two sequels, but in neither do the main characters run around the world with a camera turned on. However, they are worth watching as they are quite quality pieces.

REC

The film REC shows that being a firefighter is tough and sometimes very dangerous, as even the main character finds out. The movie begins with a fire brigade’s callout, which is unusually accompanied by a young reporter.

What seems like a routine call to an apartment building turns into a fight for sheer survival. Some tenants develop an uncontrollable craving for human flesh.

REC is among the best ever created in the found footage horror genre. This Spanish film has it all – action, suspense, and blood.

Given its huge success with audiences, it’s no wonder that this film has three more sequels. They are quite good, but they fall short of the original’s quality.