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Retrospective Review: Fist of the North Star

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The nuclear bombs have destroyed the modern civilization. Buildings have crumpled and energy is pretty much nonexistent. The strong have survived and the weak has perished or become fodder for the ones who are ruling the different villages or nomadic tribes that are inhabiting the world today. The world is desolate.

The grounds are ruined and cannot even grow even the most basic of flora. This is the world that makes up Fist of the North Star. In this world, which is very reminiscent of any kind of Mad Max or any kind of future dystopia, we have a man who, like from many Shakespeare or Greek tragedies, must reunite with his love and fight off his evil brothers and a traitor of a best friend.

This anime is a cult classic and is very well known with abridged series and with the main character being cos-played at many conventions. However, given the grim subject of the movie and considering the gravity of the nature and the amount of blood and head explosions, is the film any good? We will be looking at story, fighting scenes and the animation. Does this movie live up to the standards of classic anime movies or will it be another defeat in the hands of the viewers? Let’s roll up our sleeves and power up as we review Fist of the North Star.

The film is loosely based on the manga of the same title. The story (at least the dubbed version I had to view) is about Ken (Kenshiro) who is betrayed by his rival and friend Shin when he beats him up and takes his woman who he loved. When he is left for dead, his brothers (Jagi and Raoh) decide to disprove of his body by throwing it down a crevice. Raoh goes back home and claims to his master that Kenshiro has been defeated and he is now the new Fist of the North Star. He stares off into the earth and plans on what taking over the world.

Meanwhile, as time has passed, Kenshiro reemerges from a mute girl who psychologically called for help when she and her brother figure were being harassed by the local gang. He has a full beard and it seems like he has learned more abilities since his earlier defeat. He easily makes work of the gang in a quick manner with lots of body parts and heads exploding with all the bloody gruesome details.

Without revealing all the play-by-play sequences, Kenshiro ends up defeating his brother Jagi (who took over a town claiming to be the fist of the north star), defeated Shin and was able to stand his own against his brother Raoh, but eventually did lose the fight but not his life. He did rescue his girl but she disappeared during the fighting. Her goal seemed to just want to plant some seeds that she had and try and regrow the habitation that was long gone. At the end of the movie when Kenshiro is looking for her, he comes across an oasis of trees and water in the middle of the desert. He doesn’t really smile but rather looks determined to continue his quest to find her and be together again. The movie ends.

The fighting scenes are reminiscent of what anime was like during the 1980’s. There are lots of movements with the fists but the rest of the body is pretty stagnant (probably due to animation being expensive). With the fighting scenes, there are a lot of blood and body parts being ripped off from the limbs and dissected as well.

It’s very macho and very in your face about the violence of the nature that the creators have surrounded themselves in this story in so it does feel very appropriate that the gore and violence and the fighting match with the nature of the environment that this story is taking place in. The fighting itself has a little feel of Berserk meeting some early DBZ feel to it but the fights don’t last long enough to really have any kind of shonen hidden gem to it.

The animation style had the hand drawn appeal that I miss in modern animated features and it also has some grittiness to the way everyone is drawn. Everyone has some dirt, mud, smudges on them because in the vast desert and baron wasteland of Japan, clean water is scarce and having clean clothes seems unheard of or a luxury that people cannot have unless you have power and not money.

Even though the animation does have some stiffness in it and there is a lot of standing around with dialogue coming from mouths we cannot see, I think it’s still has a decent animation given the resources and what they had to work with. It can be choppy and the flow might not be the most crisp as later animated features would prove but there is a charm to what is shown to the viewer and a passion showcasing their style and their skills getting the story across.

This movie has some flaws but it does have some Greek tragedy/Shakespearean elements to it that western audiences can relate to and have an understanding why Kenshiro must do what he has to. A man who loses his love must fight back against all odds and armies to reclaim his love from the clutches of a jealous rival and a hate ridden older brother. That’s a story audiences can understand and root for.

The violence is over the top and there are a lot of body parts exploding but luckily the paste like red blood that comes from the victims are not in focus and we usually move on to the next victim until we get to the boss of that stage and have the epic take down. If you are an anime fan or if you enjoy animation with an interesting plot and some dark elements on a budget, then you’d like this film. I think the story of Fist of the North Star has been around for a while but, I think new audiences would quite enjoy some of the over-the-top fight scenes and some of the gritty atmosphere that is very symbolic to a Mad Max or a reverse Waterworld.

The movie is on the streaming site Crackle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences.

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 I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes

Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

Writer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Aditya Chopra

Studio: Yash Raj Films

Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes

Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor

Writer: Imtiaz Ali

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone

Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Studio: Dharma Productions

Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz

Writer: Anurag Basu

Director: Anurag Basu

Studio: UTV Motion Pictures

Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes

Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal

Writer: Kanika Dhillon

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai

Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.

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the Top 10 List of Korean Romance Dramas with details on where you can stream them

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1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin

Director: Lee Jung-hyo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.

2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video

Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi

Director: Kim Sung-yoon

Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young

Director: Park Joon-hwa

Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun

Director: Jang Tae-yoo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 21

Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu

Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo

Director: Oh Choong-hwan

Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Jung Ji-hyun

Writer: Kwon Do-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)

Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Oh Hyun-jong

Writer: Yang Hee-seung

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho

Director: Yoo Je-won

Writer: Shin Ha-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.

These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.

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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime

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1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Director: Kyohei Ishiguro

Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)

Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music

Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 22

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)

Director: Yoshihide Ibata

Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)

Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)

Animation Studio: J.C. Staff

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 25

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE

Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden

Director: Taichi Ishidate

Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)

Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation

Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)

Director: Masahiro Ando

Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)

Animation Studio: Bones

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.

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