The Movie: Hoshikuzu kyôdai no densetsu aka The Legend of the Stardust Brothers
The Director: Makoto Teduka
The Cast: Shingo Kubota, Kan Takagi, Kyoko Togawa, Kiyohiko Ozaki, Issay
The Story: In 1985, Makoto Tezuka, the son of manga genius Osamu Tezuka, was still a film student with a few experimental shorts to his credit and who was entrusted with the mission to turn an album by Haruo Chikada into a musical film.
The Review:
How have I never heard of this movie before? How have I never watched this movie before? How has this not been one of my all time favorite movies until now? Seriously people, what is wrong with the world?! Okay, don't answer that question, let's just get back to my review.
So, the story goes, this movie was released in Japan back in 1985 and was an epic flop. Now, over 30 years later, it has resurfaced and has gained an immediate following as people are finally realizing just how good it is, how funny it is, how bat shit crazy it is, how relevant it is, and just how genius it is. Yes, folks this movie is all of that and so much more. I mean, if you're into movies that are awesome than yeah, this movie is everything.
Director Makoto Teduka filled this movie with so much social commentary including pop culture, the music industry, politics, family dynamics, economics, creative oppression, sexism, and a bunch of other things I will remember when I have chance to watch the movie again. All of this might make you think it could come off as a bit preachy or heavy handed but no, my friends, this is quite the opposite.
The tone and style of the film is about as light hearted, carefree, and as fun as you could ever imagine. If you've ever watched the Monkees TV show then you have a bit of an idea of what this movie feels like. It's campy and fun and over the top and just brilliant. There is not one frame of film where the director shoots for subtlety or a softer tone. Every moment is filled with everything and I keep finding myself using the word fun because all of it is.
The three primary cast members are an absolute delight and you get the feeling that they must have had a blast making this movie together. Shingo Kubota and Kan Takagi play the legendary brother while Kyoko Togawa plays aspiring pop star turned Stardust Brothers fan club president and I loved all of them. Togawa definitely fit the classic J-Pop mold and quite honestly could have carried the movie herself if it had just been about her.
The Legend of the Stardust Brothers is an amazingly entertaining movie. Did I mention that it's a lot of fun? If you have the chance, please check this movie out.
The Legend of the Stardust Brothers is an official selection of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival.
To see more reviews, interviews and festival coverage please go to:
TwoOhSix at SIFF 2019
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