(1999)

review by:

12-29-03

Written and Directed by: Katsuhito Ishii Original Manga by: Minetaro Mochizuki Starring: Tadanobu Asano, Sie Kohinata, Ittoku Kishibe, Kimie Shingyoji

When a runaway hotel worker comes across an almost-naked man running for his life, she is pulled into a frenzied manhunt. It seems Samaheda, the man she inadvertently helps, is on the run from the Yakuza with a very important suitcase. Add in some crazy people and a P.I.-turned-hitman and you've got a movie. Based on a popular Manga (which I haven't read), the film version of Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl appears to have been written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Guy Ritchie. Not that it's a bad thing, but this movie often reminded me a little too much of their work. Every important scene is preceded by a sitting-around-bullshitting dialogue scene, which Tarantino does best. Unlike a Tarantino film, though, Shark Skin Man uses them a little too often, slowing down the flow of the movie. And although this film is meant to be a live-action Manga, it borrows heavily from Guy Ritchie's style. In fact, there are scenes when one might think he's actually watching Snatch. Now, I know this movie isn't trying to be Snatch Fiction, but it's never good for a film to constantly remind the viewer of other, possibly better movies. Not to say that Shark Skin Man doesn't have its own strengths. There are some truly hilarious shots, made even better by great editing. The characters are great, especially that of Yamada, the gay P.I. who comes off as a robotic Mr. Bean with a gun. In fact, one of the best things about Shark Skin Man is Yamada's lobby shootout scene. It's...strange (good strange, not "Carrot Top's getting a movie!" strange). Despite the occasional offense of "style biting," Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl is a pretty good movie. It's interesting, funny, and most importantly weird. And very Japanese. Maybe only a handful of people have heard of this little "Japan" island, but if they keep pumping out good movies like this they'll get on the map any day now.

Rating