Genre: Action, Crime Starring: Simon Yam Tat-Wah, Alex Fong Chung-Sun, Sonny Chiba, Hisako Shirata Release year: 2004 Language: Cantonese Subtitle: English
Handsome Alex Fong goes ultra-intense in the surprisingly decent cop thriller Explosive City. When a government officer (Joe Cheung) visits Hong Kong, he gets targeted for assassination by Jade (Hisako Shirata), a mysterious female killer who subsequently gets into an accident and loses her memory. The officer in charge, Cheung (Simon Yam), assigns CID Yiu Tin-Ming (Alex Fong) to investigate her case, but before he can even start, it's already too late. Ming's wife and child get taken hostage, and he's forced on the run with the still amnesiac Jade. Meanwhile, the nefarious Japanese bad guy (Sonny Chiba) makes his presence known by speaking in a guttural tone, quoting Sun Tzu's "Art of War", and wearing a newsboy cap like it's required gangster chic. Ming must unearth Jade's memories to discover her connection to the baddies, lest further lives be lost and the movie stretch to two hours. All this plus many shots of Simon Yam brooding. At first glance, Explosive City looks to be cheap, crappy action stuff not unlike director Sam Leung's previous Color of Pain. However, instead of that film's questionable leading duo of Raymond Wong Ho-Yin and Kenya Sawada, we get Simon Yam and Alex Fong. If the implication isn't there, then here it is literally: Simon Yam and Alex Fong are much better actors than either Raymond Wong or Kenya Sawada, and both take this typical genre plot and make it much more watchable. Though Fong threatens to overact, he manages to play a convincingly harried cop whose disintegrating emotions prove compelling. Simon Yam is all calm, grizzled cool, and Hisako Shirata makes a competent femme fatale/amnesiac heroine. The rest of the cast ranges from effective (Sonny Chiba overacts, but what else is new?) to just plain bad (the bit players stink like mad). Plus, the inconsistent language only distracts. It's annoying when characters speak different languages while supposedly talking to one other. Why is it that Japanese-born Jade speaks Cantonese when talking to Ming, while everyone else speaks other languages to Sonny Chiba, and he only responds in Japanese? If one were to look at it logically, the implication could be everyone knows multiple languages, but nobody will meet anyone else halfway. However, there's no narrative decision presented, making the language mismatch distracting. There's simply no reason anymore for this sort of illogical storytelling; if the actor can't speak the language, dub them. Also, the majority of the actors who interact with Sonny Chiba are awful, so having them speak their own language is doubly annoying. Director Sam Leung drops the ball there. Still, that's probably the largest ball Leung drops. On the plus side, Leung brings decent pacing, a believably tough tone, and emotions that are less gooey or cheesy than they could have been. He does overdose on gritty handheld camerawork, so those who have problems with motion sickness had better get their Dramamine ready. Also, the climactic final sequence crosscuts between multiple locations, all of which are apparently accessible via teleportation or some other form of fictional high-speed transportation. Ming and Jade manage to zip around Macau at a moment's notice, which is really convenient when lots of bad things are happening at once. But in the end, it's all good, or at least tolerable. While rife with unoriginal plotting and questionable dialogue (at one point, 9/11 is uncomfortably invoked), this is decent B-grade stuff with solid action sequences and an appreciable no-nonsense attitude. Explosive City isn't witty, stylish, or even that interesting, but it's engaging enough for what it is. And it's a hell of a lot better than Color of Pain. (Kozo 2004)
The storyline is a direct continuation from the 85th (and final) episode of the original Robotech television series, and the first third of the movie runs concurrently with the events at the end of the TV series — albeit from different points of view. The plot revolves around the Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF)'s final battle with the Invid on Earth, and the fallout from the events of that battle. An old enemy of the Invid is making its presence known, and is determined to wipe out all Protoculture users, including humanity. The production is a mixture of 2D animation and cel-shaded CG mecha animation.
Though the involvement of original Japanese studio Tatsunoko Productions appeared to be limited to early development, the actual digital production of animation was handled by the Korean animation company DR Movie, whose credits include subcontracting on the inbetweens, ink and paint of Macross Plus, and the inbetweens of Yukikaze. Co-director Tommy Yune said in a Newtype USA interview (republished on the official Robotech website) that the producers "consulted extensively" with Kenji Terada, a writer on Southern Cross and Mospeada (two of the three series adapted into the 1985 Robotech series).
DC Comics' Wildstorm label released Robotech: Prelude to the Shadow Chronicles, a comic prequel series bridging the end of the aborted Sentinels storyline with The Shadow Chronicles. Each of the issues features a "behind-the-scenes" article about the new animation production.
The main characters in the film include Vince Grant, Dr. Jean Grant, Marcus Rush, Maia Sterling, Scott Bernard, Ariel, Janice Em, Louie Nicols, Alex Romero and General Reinhardt. Rick Hunter is seen briefly at the beginning of the movie at an advanced age.
The Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF) fleet gathers for its final attempt to drive the alien Invid from the Earth. Several previous attempts by elements of the Mars division have been made, but failed. This time, the REF has important technological advantages in the new Shadow technology and Synchro-cannons. All available REF forces have been gathered for the assault but even with their new technology and ships, the greater numbers of the Invid mean that the attack, even if successful, will likely result in very heavy losses. If this attack fails, then the REF has prepared the devastating Neutron-S missiles as a last resort to wipe out the primary Invid hive at Reflex Point, although this will also wipe out most or all of life on earth.
General Reinhardt, acting commander of the REF forces, sends Vince Grant, captain of the Icarus, on a rescue mission to look for the SDF-3 and Admiral Rick Hunter, chief military commander of all REF forces. In its last transmission to the REF, it seems that the SDF-3 was involved in an accident of some kind.
Meanwhile, the REF fleet has been assembled near the moon. Despite the disadvantage of not having the SDF-3 and its powerful arsenal,General Reinhardt is forced to begin the attack. The attack begins with a full-scale assault on the Invid forces with new shadow technology obtained from the Haydonites. The force assembled includes the SDF-4 Izumo, four battleships, several dozen carriers, hundreds of frigates, and thousands of veritech fighters. The assault initially goes well as the REF. Capital Ships of the fleet fire their massive syncro-Cannons, which destroy many Invid Carriers before they can launch their fighters while REF fighter squadrons, utilizing shadow technology that makes them invisible to the Invid sensors, easily cripple the first wave of the Invid attack. However, the Invid Regis, determined to hold on to Earth no matter the cost, launches all of her remains forces at once in one final attack wave. All remaining Invid forces capable of space combat are sent against the REF fleet. In addition, she orders all of her remaining ground forces to retreat to Reflex Point for a last stand. The human ground forces on Earth are pushed back by this attack. When Reinhardt tries to get an update from the ground forces, he makes contact with resistance leader Scott Bernard, a survivor of one of the previous failed REF assaults. Scott informs Reinhardt that the attack is going poorly. Ending the communication, Scott meets with Ariel, an Invid that looks like a young human woman, and Scott's love interest. Ariel hopes to convince her mother, the Invid Regess, that the humans and the Invid can live in peace. However, the Regis is skeptical of Ariel's words as she recognizes the Humans' new Shadow technology as something used by an ancient enemy of the Invid — the "Children of the Shadow" and remains determined to fight to the bitter end.
In space, REF fighter squadrons become overwhelmed by sheer Invid numbers and begin taking heavy losses. Invid fighters soon begin punching through the frontlines of the fleet and, to further compensate for the technological disadvantages, resort to making suicide runs against the REF capital ships, further straining the ability of the REF to continue the battle. General Reinhardt is informed that the fleet, in particular the fighter squadrons, are taking heavy losses and further attempts to contact the ground forces' get no response. Reinhardt decides he has no choice but to use the Neutron-S missiles and orders their launch, but is unaware of the missiles true power. However, the Regis' daughter Ariel finally convinces her mother to leave Earth rather than allow both races to be destroyed. This request, combined with the Regis' knowledge of the true power of the Neutron-S missiles which are about to impact Earth, convinces the Regis that her race no longer belongs on Earth. She realizes that the REF has been fooled - if the REF had known how powerful the missiles were, they never would have used them. Realizing that the Earth is no longer a safe haven for the Invid, the Regess transforms the Invid race into pure energy, and leaves. As a parting gift to Ariel, who has chosen to remain behind, the Regess destroys the Neutron-S missiles. The Invid stream of light flies off into space in search for a new planet on which to continue their evolution. Earth, for the first time in 13 years is now free and the Third Robotech War is over.
Meanwhile, in the Omicron sector, the Icarus arrives and locates Admiral Hunter's ship, the SDF-3, near a brand-new black hole. Both the SDF-3 and the science vessel, Deukalion, have been badly damaged by an accident involving the testing of the new Neutron-S missiles. Admiral Hunter orders Vince Grant to warn the REF fleet that there's a problem with the missiles. An unfamiliar alien warship attacks and rams the SDF-3, and the Icarus is forced to race back to Earth with the wrecked science vessel. The SDF-3 is left behind, adrift in space.
With the battle over, the REF begins evacuating wounded personnel and damaged ships to Space Station Liberty for recovery and repairs. The fighter squadrons are ordered to assemble at Moon Base ALUCE. Since Earth will be vulnerable while the REF rebuilds, the fighter squadrons will remain behind to protect the newly liberated planet. However, the Invid took all of the Protoculture with them and the REF only has enough power to last a little less than a year. The only way to generate more power is with the Protoculture Matrix onboard the SDF-3. Due to the heavy losses (including the death of Wolf Squadron commander Daryl Taylor), Wolf Squadron, home of Marcus Rush and Alex Romero, is folded into Maia Sterling's Skull Squadron. Marcus is attracted to Maia, but has only managed to bungle a pass at her so far.
Back on Earth, Scott is surprised to find that Ariel has stayed behind. But Scott can't stay. He has decided to try and convince the REF leadership that humanity can co-exist with the Invid. As he flies to the main REF base at Moon Base ALUCE (Advanced LUnar Chemical Engineering), he stumbles upon the just-arrived Icarus, and the enemy fighters that it accidentally brought with it. He helps the Icarus against the fighters, and then escorts it to ALUCE. Once there, he is reunited with Marcus, who is the younger brother of Scott's late fiancée, Marlene.
The science vessel is examined, and the only surviving crew member is Janice Em, an android that uses a holographic overlay that makes her look like a young woman. Louie Nichols, a scientist and veteran of the Second Robotech War, takes Janice to the science lab, and the two go over the test data to try and figure out what went wrong with the missile test. While there, Louie learns from Janice that the new REF technologies — Shadow technology, Synchro-cannons, and the Neutron-S missiles — were partly the result of aid from an advanced alien race known as the Haydonites. The Haydonites aided the REF because they'd also suffered greatly at the hands of the Invid. Janice herself is a combination of Human and Haydonite technology, built to act as a go-between for the two races. Louie finds himself somewhat distracted by Janice, and decides to take a break. He goes to the Officers' Club with Janice and Maia.
Scott, Alex, and Marcus are already there, and Scott is silently disturbed by Marcus's hatred for the Invid. Ariel suddenly walks up behind Scott, and surprises him. He introduces her as a friend from Earth before hurrying off with her. Questions about his abrupt departure are put on hold, as Janice gets on stage and demonstrates her ability as a singer with the Minmei song, "It's You." The three men watch in fascination, until a visibly-annoyed Maia informs Marcus that Janice isn't his type.
In an empty room, Ariel informs Scott that the reason she came to see him was because she had a vision. The Children of the Shadow are planning on attacking the REF. The Children destroyed the first Invid homeworld because they fear the power of Protoculture, and they will attack the Humans for the same reason. The discussion is interrupted by Marcus and Alex, and Marcus realizes that Ariel is an Invid. Scott is arrested and interrogated. During the interrogation, he warns of the impending attack, and reveals the Children's connection to the new REF technologies. Reinhardt and Vince watch on a monitor in another room. But the name Scott uses for the alien race is unfamiliar. And Reinhardt suspects that the warning is an attempt by the Invid to drive a wedge between the REF and the Haydonites.
But during the interrogation, contact is lost with Space Station Liberty. Louie analyzes the transmission data, and realizes that the race that attacked the SDF-3 is jamming communications. Vince is ordered to head to Liberty and determine the situation there. Vince takes Scott and Ariel with him. Also attached to the Icarus are Janice and Skull Squadron.
When the Icarus arrives, Liberty is under attack by a large fleet of alien ships which have jammed all communications. The battle is going poorly for the REF; Numerous ships are destroyed with just one hit by a disrupter wave emitted by the enemy fleet which causes the new Synchro-cannons to overload and explode. Instead of charging into the battle, Vince sends Skull Squadron to collect information. While flying through the REF fleet, Skull Squadron records an REF carrier destroyed due to a single hit on its reflex furnace. Scans reveal that the shadow device on the carrier caused its reflex furnance to implode when triggered by the enemy's disrupter wave. Janice sees the footage, and realizes that such an event should be impossible, due to the Shadow technology incorporated in all REF vessels. It then becomes clear to everyone that the Haydonites are the mysterious Children of the Shadow, and that Ariel's warning was true. By now, 89% of the REF forces that engaged the Haydonites at Liberty have been destroyed. Captain Vince Grant, after watching the carrier explode, slams his fist as he realizes that every piece of technology the Haydonites have given to the REF contains some kind of Trojan Horse. Unable to restore communications, Grant is unable to warn the remaining ships of these findings, and they are left to fight a hopless battle.
Maia Sterling initially leads her Skull Squadron into battle, but is called back by Grant since the Haydonite-supplied Syncro-Cannons equipped on the fighters will make any engagement futile. Unable to fight back, the squadron is ordered is ordered to head to Liberty, and accquire fighters that don't incorporate Haydonite technology. As they approach Liberty, the squadron is pursued by Haydonite fighters. Alex Romero tries to engage them but his syncro-cannon, crippled by the Haydonite attack, malfunctions and his fighter becomes stalled. Despite the pleas of Maia and Marcus for Alex to eject, he flies into the enemy squadron as his fighter explodes, destroying himself and the enemy fighters. Maia is visibly upset by Alex's sacrifice while Marcus, who was Alex's best friend, is completely devastated.
Realizing that the Icarus, which is equipped with Shadow technology, is no longer a viable ship, Vince orders the Icarus to dock with Space Station Liberty. He then tells Louie to scan Liberty's ship registry for capital ships that have no shadow technology. Louie finds only one capital ship on Liberty that has no Haydonite technologies installed — the colony ship Ark Angel. However, its reflex furnance is offline. Vince orders the evacuation of all station personnel to the Ark Angel, and gives Louie one hour to get the ship's inactive reflex furnace online. Ariel uses her teleportation power to assist in the evacuation after transporting Louie and his team immediately to the Ark Angel. In the meantime, Skull Squadron has located brand-new prototype Advanced Shadow Fighters that haven't had the Shadow technology installed yet, and Maia promises to buy time for the evacuation.
Scott and Vince board Cyclones, and prepare to head into the space station. Liberty has the remaining stockpile of Neutron-S missiles, and Vince sets one to self-destruct. The Ark Angel is able to depart as planned, with the Icarus following closely. The Haydonites, unaware of the Grant's plan, move their fleet towards Liberty to destroy the Ark Angel as Skull Squadron continues to engage the Haydonite fighters. During the battle, Maia's fighter takes damage and she is forced to eject. Marcus uses his fighters' robotic hands to grab Maia's ejection pod and throw it towards the Ark Angel as it prepares to enter a spacefold. Marcus, deciding he has nothing left to live for, holds down his weapon triggers and launches a suicide run against the Haydonites to hold them off long enough for Ark Angel to escape. However, just before the Neutron-S missiles denotate, Ariel uses her teleportation power to save him. The Ark Angel then initiates a spacefold. The Neutron-S warheads detonate and the massive explosion destroys Liberty and the entire Haydonite fleet.
Marcus has a vision of his sister, who tells him it is not his time to die, before he wakes up onboard the Ark Angel, with Ariel by his side. Marcus, almost angrily, asks Ariel why she saved his life, since he has only hatred for the Invid. Ariel simply tells him "hatred can only breed more hatred. It is not what we seek... any of us" and Marcus is left at a loss for words. As the Ark Angel approaches Earth, Maia and Marcus console each other over the recent events. Marcus is despondent as he states that everyone he has been close to; his sister Marlene, his commanding officer (Daryl Taylor) and his best friend (Alex Romero) have been taken by war. Maia is also despondent as she states that most of her family was aboard the SDF-3, which is lost in space and may have been destroyed. Maia puts her head on Marcus' shoulder and the two look out a viewport as the Ark Angel flies over Earth's surface, a planet which neither of them has seen until now.
Back on Moon Base ALUCE, General Reinhardt gives Vince his new orders. Vince and his crew, including the new personnel from on the last mission, are to take the Ark Angel and attempt to locate the SDF-3, which may not have been destroyed as initially thought. As the Ark Angel prepares to leave on its new mission, Scott and Ariel share their first kiss and Louie reassures a confused and uncertain Janice that, "We will win."
Genre: 3D Animation , Action Release year: 2007 Language: USA Subtitle: None
After years of collecting my thoughts, this is my first foray into blogging. Although I very much enjoyed the technical aspects of the prequel trology, from an emotional standpoint I was very much disapponted that my childhood fantasy world was not represented on screen. Consequently, I started to jot down notes on how the first three episodes in the Star Wars saga could relieve my unfulfilled expectations. Here in this space, I will test the patience of Lucasfilm Inc. by challenging the canon relayed in the prequel trilogy. As Lucasfilm goes into production of the Clone Wars animated series, I will concurrently be deconstructing the background story of Anakin Skywalker and the events that lead to his conversion to the dark side of the Force.
Genre: Anime, Action Release year: 2007 Language: Japanese Subtitle: English
Sword of the Stranger(ストレンヂア 無皇刃譚,Sutorenjia Mukōhadan,?Stranger Mukou Hadan) is a Japaneseanimefeature film directed by Masahiro Andō and produced by Bones. The film follows a swordsman with no name and a golden-haired assassin as circumstances draw them towards a mysterious young boy.
Hunted by the Ming from China, young Kotaro and his dog meet a nameless samurai ("Nanashi") who is haunted by memories of his past which have led him to avoid drawing his sword ever again. Among the Ming is a fearsome Western fighter named Luo-Lang, whose only desire is to find a worthy opponent. When both groups clash with a Sengoku-era feudal lord, a proud general, and monks torn between faith and survival, the reason behind the Ming's pursuit tests the bond between Kotaro and Nanashi.
Genre: Anime, Action, Drama Release year: 2008 Language: Japanese Subtitle: English
The Sky Crawlers(スカイ·クロラ,Sukai Kurora?) is a Japanese novel series by Hiroshi Mori. First published by Chuōkōron-shinsha in June 2001 and spanning five books, it follows the journeys and tribulations of a group of young fighter pilots involved in dogfight warfare, and is set during an alternate historical period. The series is unlike other works by Mori, noted for his series of mystery novels. The art for the series is illustrated by mangakaKenji Tsuruta. In 2008, the series was adapted into an animatedfilm, directed by acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii.
The film is based on a popular five-part novel by a best-seller writer, MORI Hiroshi, who enjoys enthusiastic support from younger generations and has sold over 8 million copies of his works in total. The story unfolds in another ‘possible’ modern age. The main characters are youngsters called “Kildren”, who are destined to live eternally in their adolescence. The Kildren are conscious that every day could be the last, because they fight a “war as entertainment” organized and operated by adults. But as they embrace the reality they are faced with, they live their day-to-day lives to the full.
After reading the novel, Director Oshii praised it as “a work that should be made into a movie for young people now.” Clothing, food and housing are in abundance in our modern society, and yet we carry an unfulfilled vacuum in our hearts. “It is time to face this new perception to our existence through the Kildren, who live indefinitely in eternal adolescence, and this theme should be dealt with now,” claims Oshii earnestly. The author MORI regards his novel, The Sky Crawlers “as the most difficult among all of my works for film adaptation.” However, MORI declared himself “surprised and relieved at the same time to know the director was going to be Mamoru Oshii,” and gave his immediate consent.
A military romance drama, it is set in an era similar to WWII’s. To fight as a fighter pilot is the only way for the Kildren to live their lives, for they do not age, thus do not die unless killed. Puppets of the two warring companies, the Kildren have no choice but to embrace their destiny and try to live fulfillingly. Some point in the movie reveals the darker side of the plot; who Kannami really is, who the father of Kusanagi’s daughter is, who Jin-roh before his death is, and of course when you realise where the plot is directing you to, everything falls into place.
True to director Oshii’s style, the visuals in the film were nothing short of spectacular, with dogfighting skirmishes punctuating the cadence of slow-paced expositions. Character development for the adolescent protagonists sufficed to portray the intricate relationships between Kannami and Suito, the other Kildren and the system that drives their world. Towards the end, that powerful moment enhanced by Kusanagi’s one rare emotional outbreak as well as the trifling of Kannami’s seemingly heroic determination and will to defeat ‘the Teacher’, had made the powerful, thought-inducing element that complements the main feel of the film. Why has her resolution dissolved? Was she any different in other of Kannami’s incarnation? Did she break down everytime Kannami or his predecessors came to love her? What will become of their found love? How would Kusanagi choose to face death itself?
The film subliminally teases you into its gripping plot, with heart-wrenching the audience its motive. The sparse discourse throughout the film, the trance-inducing background music, as well as the explosive opening marred by death, creates a surreal and overpoweringly oppressive flavour. With each iteration of death we are aware of, the atmosphere becomes heavier. With each incarnation we see, the mood becomes more tense. Till towards the end, as Kusanagi waits for Kannami’s return that will never come, with her daughter hopeful of a new father, it was painfully so Kusanagi has to accept the reality. Being another taint to her already torn insides, it was Kannami’s feelings for her that had gave her the last reason to continue living and deplore nothing of her loss.
A visually stunning, thought inducing film that grips you from the start till the last moment with its plot, ‘The Sky Crawlers’ is one of the most intriguing I’ve watched to date. If time and finances allow, I would have no hesitation in wanting to rewatch Sky Crawlers.
Genre: Anime, Action, Drama Release year: 2009 Language: Japanese Subtitle: English
A theatrical adaptation, Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers(交響詩篇エウレカセブン ポケットが虹でいっぱい,Kōkyōshihen Eureka Sebun: Poketto ga Niji de Ippai?, literally "Symphonic Psalms Eureka Seven: Pocket Full of Rainbows"), was first announced in the May 2008 issue of Newtype; it was publicly released on April 25, 2009, during Golden Week, with the animation production handled by Kinema Citrus.[16] It contained a new mythos, despite still featuring Renton and Eureka as the main characters.[17]Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers screened at select theaters nationwide in America for a one night only special event on September 24, 2009.[18] The movie also played at the Fantasia festival in Montreal on July 28, 2009. A DVD release of the movie was planned for February 9, 2010 but was pushed back to March 2nd for unknown reasons.[19]
Crows ZERO(クローズZERO,Kurōzu Zero?) is a film based on the manga Crows by Hiroshi Takahashi. The film was directed by Takashi Miike, written by Shogo Muto and stars Oguri Shun and Yamada Takayuki. The movie tells the untold story behind the characters in Suzuran, a violent high school.[1]
Plot
The story starts with Takiya Genji (Shun Oguri), the son of a Yakuza boss, entering Suzuran All-Boys High School as a transferred senior with the goal of conquering it. During the Freshers' orientation lecture, Yakuza arrive at the school seeking Tamao Serizawa to avenge an injury. To show his worth, Genji fights and defeats the Yakuza, who mistake him for Tamao. One of the Yakuza, Ken Katagiri is impressed by Genji's skills. Meanwhile, Tamao greets his best friend Tokio, who is discharged from a hospital. Tamao is then arrested for not having a driver's license for a bike.
After the intro, Genji meets Ruka in a nightclub, where she sings as an R&B singer. Genji declares his ambition of conquering Suzuran to his father, who failed in the task. They agree that if Genji conquers Suzuran, he may inherit his father's Yakuza family. The next day, Genji meets Serizawa and Tokio, who was a childhood friend of Genji's. Tokio tells Genji to take down Rindaman before approaching Serizawa. Rindaman, who is giant-sized and a legendary figure in the school, ignores Genji , who instead finds Ken Katagiri.
Ken tells Genji that he was in Suzuran as well, and came close to ruling it, but failed and ended up being a dropout. He proposes teaching Genji about leadership and influencing others to join his army, in order to correct Genji's lack of strategy in his ambition. Genji uses his advice to conquer Chuta Tamura's class, admitting him into his army. The Mikami Brothers of Class B join Serizawa's army, who then approach Class C's leader, Takasi Makise, who maintains a neutral position.
Genji decides to acquire Makise by exploiting his weakness for sex. Ken arranges a date, but it gets botched. Makise joins Genji anyway, based solely on the friendship formed on the day. A gang known as the Freshmen Trio defeat all the other freshmen, but are provoked by Izaki, a senior. Izaki proposes joining Genji , but ambushes him instead, to test his strength. Genji fights valiantly, and Izaki is impressed, despite thoroughly defeating Genji . He joins forces with Genji , forming the Genji Perfect Seiha Army.
Serizawa is alarmed by the rapid rise of Genji , but chooses not to take action. A member of his army, Tokaji takes covert action against the perceived threat by ambushing Izaki and hanging him from a rope, bloodied. This provokes Genji , but Makise stops him from making a rash attack on Serizawa. Later, Serizawa and Tokio meet Genji , but Tokio suffers a seizure and is rushed to a hospital, where he learns that he has a large cerebral aneurysm, and that the surgery required has a 30% success rate. Tokio chooses to go ahead with the operation, confident of his survival.
Angered by the provocations, Genji attacks Serizawa's classes even as Makise tries to stop him. Chuta is also ambushed by Tokaji, and as Genji tries to leave to attack Serizawa, Makise finally decides to leave the GPS Army, stating that he cannot follow a leader without control. Ken tries to encourage Genji, and learns that Genji 's father is Hideo Takiya, a former associate of Ken's.
Tokaji covertly arranges a deal with Hideto Bando, leader of a biker gang to kidnap Ruka to provoke Genji . Genji challenges Makise to a fight, with a condition that if Genji wins, Makise joins him again. Ken's boss, Joji Yazaki asks Ken to kill Genji , disregarding the fact that killing the heir to a Yakuza family would entail an all-out war. Izaki returns from the hospital and is welcomed by the GPS Army.
Ruka is kidnapped by The Front of Armament, Bando's army. Ken approaches Hideo Takiya, informing him of Yazaki's plan to kill him. Ken decides that he will not do as he was asked, and suffer Yakuza punishment for disobedience - death. Ruka calls Genji , telling him that she is abducted and that her abductors wore jackets. Realising that they are the Front of Armament, the GPS Army advances to the Narai Warehouse, The Front's headquarters.
A fight ensues, and Bando is impressed by Genji 's strength. He reveals that Ruka is in a basement owned by Tokaji. Finding Ruka there, Ayman is finally bent for war against Serizawa. Serizawa, who was not aware of Tokaji's actions, fights him and agrees to Genji 's proposal for an all-out battle. They decide to fight at 5 PM, at the same time when Tokio will enter operation, the idea being that Serizawa will fight alongside Tokio.
As the battle enters full swing, the Freshmen Trio comment on the battle's balance. The battle goes in Serizawa's favour, even though the GPS army fights strongly. The Front of Armament joins the battle midway on the GPS' side, evening the odds. Towards the end, only Serizawa and Genji remain standing, and fight. Meanwhile, Ken's boss takes him to a dock to be executed for his disobedience. He gives Ken his coat, stating that Ken had always wanted to wear it (aspired to becoming a Yakuza leader). He then shoots Ken, who cries out to Genji before sinking.
Genji wins the fight against Serizawa, who receives a call informing him that Tokio's operation was a success. Ken wakes up in the sea suddenly and swims up to the surface, realising that the coat he wore was bulletproof. Having defeated Serizawa, Genji finally meets Rindaman, stating that he has to be defeated if Genji is to be titled the king of Suzuran. Rindaman replies that Suzuran can never be conquered, as there is always someone left to defeat. The film ends as Genji attacks Rindaman.
6:26 PM
Burn Toro
Genre: Action, Crime
