MOVIE: Ekusute (2007)

Ekusute ~ Hair Extensions
2007
direction: Sono, S.
screenplay: Sono, S.

quickie:
Hair extensions. Duh.

general impression:
Creepy but at the same time quirky, odd and funny.

lows:
Has an overall goofy first-impression, has some dragging points, lots of sense of humor required from the audience

highs:
Sion Sono quirk. Chiaki Kuriyama good looks. Ridiculous and entertaining.

notes:
If you’ve watched Suicide Circle, then you probably know who Sion Sono is. And if you’ve watched Kill Bill or Battle Royale, you probably know who Chiaki Kuriyama is.

This movie is kind of odd and strange. It is about… hair extensions. I admit to the idea being more than just a little goofy. But truth is, hair extensions are creepy. It’s real human hair and who knows where it comes from.

Ekusute cleverly juxtaposes the idea of hair extensions with organ transplant. People put on this pieces without feeling at all iffy about the fact that it might come from someone who died of some terrible disease or if it was shaved off a rape victim (ok, maybe farfetched…).

I won’t go as far as saying that organ transplant concerns vanity but it is in the same line as getting a liver harvested from some kid who was abducted. Freakish, really.

Of course, Sion Sono can’t scare the heck out of a guy dying from kidney failure so he settles for frightening the… erm, hair out of girls and guys who put odd things in their head.

The movie is interesting and entertaining but only if you’re willing. Otherwise, I think you’ll end up disappointed or bored. It doesn’t have screaming moments or horrible, horrible imagery. It will make you cringe here and there but it’s mostly ridiculous and fun. The good thing is, Sion Sono wanted it to be.

The shop where Chiaki Kuriyama works in is named after a serial killer. Flashing sign saying ‘don’t take it too seriously’

And it’s kind of hard to. The fetishist character who propagates the extensions is silly to the bones, right up to his death. Despite the absurd violence, I laughed out loud as he died. It’s… ridiculous.

Horror fans might not like this, there are better gore-trip movies to see with your friends. I think this movie is for the seriously interested people. If you like the absurd, then Ekusute will provide some Goosebumps and laughs.

FINAL RATING:
[2] out of [5]

MUSIC: Comatose Bunny Butcher (2003)

Comatose Bunny Butcher
2003
OLIVIA

I never really thought of checking out Olivia. If you don’t know her yet, she’s more famous for providing the music of Reira from the Nana anime.

First of, she’s really pretty. When dressed up in loli-like clothing anyways. I had no idea what her music is like and easily dismissed her as being a cutesy, same-old-same-old artist.

Occasionally, being proven wrong is good.

Comatose Bunny Butcher is Olivia’s third mini-album. I will be doing a review of her discography (albums + minis) and I thought it’s fun to start with this one. Why? Because the title is fricking “Comatose Bunny Butcher”. I’m sure the morbid is already interested.

I don’t really have all that much knowledge about music but I like what I like. Strangely enough, this is how Olivia defines her music. One minute she can be slightly pop and the next, she’s experimental rock.

The mini is an introductory course to where Olivia’s music trips can lead. It opens with Celestial Delinquent which has this Mario Brothers beep music which might put people off but get past that, you’ll start appreciating Olivia’s… shall we say, eclectic style.

She sings English here and there and for those who are not big fans of Japanese Engrish, fret not. English is her first language and I think she sings best in it. Her voice is just below the typical high-pitched Hamasaki Ayumi-ish, idol-type voice and I can actually honestly say that it’s pleasant. She even belts out a few ‘screamo’ lines as illustrated in the second track, 026unconscious333.

Her style is still within pop rock here but in a different way that Anna Tsuchiya is. Olivia’s sound is heavier, more Ben Gibbard-ish marries Amanda Palmer-ish. That is to say, a bit of trip hop mixed with punk cabaret (or perhaps, rock cabaret?). But still quite pop enough not to completely fall in experimental rock.

The sound mixes soft melodies with fast beats. I’m not describing it very well but I can say that it’s absolutely entertaining to listen to. It’s outside what I usually hear.

As far as Comatose Bunny Butcher goes, I like its pace. Quick and heavy with fascinating beats and interesting style.

I suppose that if by listening to this, you find a mild liking for her, then you’ll like most of her work.

FINAL RATING:
[4] out of [5]