Wu Tang Wonton ain't nothin' to fuck with...
“Tokyo Tribe” is what happens when a former poet sees “Streets of Fire”, “The Warriors” and “West Side Story” and explodes with ADD riddled fury. Hip-hop, trap, EDM and other styles of music are heard as everyone raps their lyrics while spitting pure rage. Ninja hookers, Yakuza mistresses, hyped up teenagers and mad game thugs litter the apocalyptic vision of Tokyo. If you’re looking for reality, then stick your damn head out the window.
Echoing the crassness of Frank Miller’s Asian characters, the lyrics of Wu-Tang or Run the Jewels and a dash of Noe…this film is pure crazy. DJs fight as modern samurais while they try to make sense of a world with no rules. Style over substance is the name of the game, but style is an art onto itself. This has been an incredible year for action onscreen and testing the full 2.35:1 frame. In that regard, Shion Sono has created a masterpiece.
On the other hand, “Tokyo Tribe” is a film that will be far too overwhelming for most Western audiences. The film uses high cuts, camera 360 degree movement and forced slants to convey movement instead of traditional panning. I have to say that this is the first film to do that since “Danger Diabolik”. If you’re down for a visual masterpiece not directed by George Miller, this is for you. Otherwise, hang on.
RELEASE DATE: 10/23/2015