Sukeban deka: Kôdo nêmu = Asamiya Saki (2006) Reviews

• Matsuura Aya Displays Her "Wild Side" in Crowd Pleasing "Sukeban Deka"

  jmaruyama2006-09-26

  When popular Hello! Project (Jpop) idol Matsuura Aya (Ayaya) was first announced as the new "Sukeban Deka" in Fukasaku Kenta's big budget movie adaptation of the popular 80's TV crime drama, I had my serious doubts. I thought that the pixie faced Aya was just too "girlie" to portray the tough talking, rough and tumble schoolgirl cop. I am happy to report that my fears were unwarranted and that Matsuura Aya proved to be a worthy successor to the role, following successfully in the footsteps of her predecessors Asaka Yui, Minamino Yoko and the always fetching Saito Yuki. "Sukeban Deka: Codename = Asamiya Saki" is a fun movie which manages to stay true to the original TV series and at the same time update the character for current audiences. There is a lot to like about the movie - from the Maurice Binder 007 inspired opening credits to the finale showdown between Saki and renegade "Tokumei Keiji" (Special Detective) Akiyama Reika, played with sheer camp by Vyuden idol Ishikawa Reika. Yet some may be turned off by all the "rip offs" Fukasaku seemed to have taken from other movies and popular entertainment. The haunting music more than echoes "Silence of the Lambs" with Fukasaku going so far as to introduce Saki a la Hannibal Lecter, complete with a straight jacket and restraining mask. There is also the "dooms day" clock countdown which seems to be in imitation to the series "24". Even the fore-mentioned showdown with Reika seems like a copy of the Bride's showdown with Go-Go Yubari in "Kill Bill Vol. 1". Fukasaku even takes elements from his own "Battle Royale II" with the use of "human bombs" and youth terrorists. Yet these elements add to the mayhem and madness of the film. While very much more darker than the TV series and the 80's movies, the film also has some funny moments such as Saki's first attempt to use her trademark steel "Yo-yo". Aya fans will definitely cheer at the sight of her in a skin-tight "battle suit" in the finale. The movie isn't perfect however as there are frequent disjointed subplots that don't seem to lead anywhere and needless introductions of boring secondary characters. Takeuchi Riki is great as Saki's gruff handler Kira Kazutoshi and Sukeban Deka #1, Saito Yuki also makes a surprise cameo as Saki's mother in a bit of fan boy casting. All-in-all the movie is great "retro" entertainment and does a good job at introducing new audiences to this cool character as well as giving fans of the 80s TV show something to cheer about. Probably the best of the "Sukeban Deka" movies, which isn't a major accomplishment.

• Fun film but avoid the dubbed version

  23skidoo-42008-03-22

  I have to confess the weird title and sexy pictures of its star on the DVD box were what first attracted my attention with this film, that and the fact it was directed by one of the minds behind Battle Royale. In fact the box cover suggested this would be another bloodbath-style film along the lines of BR or Suicide Club. But while the film does follow some of the similar theme lines as those two films (I don't know if I'd ever have wanted to go to school in Japan with all the suicides that are apparently going on!) Yo- Yo Girl Cop is far removed from these other shows. As I understand it, Yo-Yo Girl is sort of a female James Bond or Doctor Who in that it's a venerable role that has been featured in several other films and TV shows over the years and played by different women (the actress who plays Saki's mother in this film was the first to play the role and she's treated with the same reverence you might see if Sean Connery appeared in a Bond film today). As a result, there are a few things Western viewers might not get, such as the significance of the Yo-Yo for example. Or why when the villain suddenly reveals that he has brightly dyed hair that this is somehow significant. The entertaining behind-the-scenes featurette also reveals that the somewhat stilted proclamation Saki makes before her big battle at the end is a traditional part of the franchise (much as 007 saying "My name is Bond, James Bond" is a moment everyone waits for in the 007 films; this film also pays homage to that tradition, too). Western viewers might also not get the fact that this film's star, Aya Matsuura, is sort of a Hilary Duff type over in Japan (actially, I think all the female leads are singers. Aya does a great job, and I could see how this role might make her a film star over there. (Apparently she did all her own stunts, which involve some slapstick action of the type you'd never expect her counterparts in America to do). Rika Ishikawa, as the resident bad girl, steals every scene she's in, which in true Bond fashion is what a good bad girl is supposed to do. There are a few inconsistencies that detract from the film. You have to take it as given, for example, that Saki is able to heal a rather serious-looking eye injury within the matter of only a few hours, and also become a master of yo-yo flinging (although to be fair the film does show her screwing it up initially). And the revelation as to the true origin of the Enola Gay "suicide club" is very disappointing. But the performances, humor and action - not to mention the cute girls - make up for it. One good thing, though, is unlike the horrific experiences with the North American DVD releases of Cashern and Avalon, there doesn't appear to be any indication of major editing or alteration of the film. Hopefully that means distributors are finally starting to understand that North American viewers aren't interested in bastardized versions of these films. However, do NOT watch the English-dubbed version. I usually prefer watching the versions with the original language and subtitles, but understand those who don't want to "read" their movies. But in this case the dubbing was pretty awful and would definitely give first-time Wetsern viewers a bad impression. PS. Since writing this review I've read some very negative comments about this film on websites and forums where this new film is being treated the way most TV show remakes are treated - with contempt. Well, just to add to my earlier comments, I was able to enjoy the film in part because I approached it from a completely fresh perspective. It may or may not be better or worse than the original series, but I'm definitely going to try and track down episodes of the original show if I can.

• Anti-bullying Deka

  poikkeus2006-10-11

  The first Subekan Deka in over ten years updates the special effects and boosts the star power to make for a pleasantly watchable entertainment that excels in its social conscience. Former Deka entries, whether drawn or dramatized, have taken the usual hero vs. super- villain route, making them seem tired even before they've left the gate. In addition, they suffered from the basic limitations of the special effects at that time; the manga-inspired concept of razor yo-yos and killer cranes seemed less than convincing in a martial arts film. As the series progressed, the plots became almost as silly as the James Bond films of the period. In Kodo Nemo - Asamiya Saki, director Kenta Fukasaku (Battle Royale 2) modernizes he action sequences and frames the story to reflect contemporary social realities - in particular, the prevalence of bullying in the Japanese school system. It comes to focus when an underground internet site counts down, and a teenage undercover agent - code-named Saki Asamiya - tries to uncover the mystery before it's too late. As Idol Aya Matsuura is a good pick for the lead role, beautiful but tough in the tradition of the series (and a much better singer than any of the girls who preceded her). Matsuura is dynamic though (like former deka girls) lacking in a certain humor. The standout villain, played by Morning Musume alumnus Rika Ishikawa, is sexy in her faux-leather action outfit - a complete surprise. The normally demure Ishikawa is clearly having fun in her over-the-top role, and you wish she could appear more often. The film could have used more hard-edged humor - something that Fukasaku might learn from the work of his latefather, the late Kinji Fukusaku. Also, the film's plot makes a high ratio of characters irritatingly geeky and impossibly suicidal. But these flaws are tolerable in the anticipation of a possible sequel, either on film or serial. Certainly there's enough talent in Upfront Management to cast several film projects. Aibon would be amusing in some suitably smoky role, Miki perfect as a villain, and Eri could be on hand for comic relief.

• Cheesy action fun! The best kind!

  UberNoodle2008-06-11

  I saw the film at the cinema years ago and came out as the only person in the group that appeared to like it. SOme of my friends begrudgingly let slip that "the actions scenes were cool" or that "the chicks were hot", and it was then that I updated my list of people not to see movies with. Yes, the main girl is cute and yes the action scenes are cool, but in my mind a film doesn't earn the designation "crap" because it doesn't sate one's thirst for blood and titillation. Sadly it seems that Japanese film has scored a legion of followers expecting everything to be "extreme". It doesn't help that Western marketers pander to this lowest common denominator. This latest Sukeban Deka movie is pure teen drama and super-hero action and it doesn't need misogynistic violence, tentacles or acupuncture needles in tender places to be entertaining. The main character is established early on as the daughter of now outcast original "Sukeban Deka", translating to "Girl-gang leader Detective". She is reportedly just as cute and just as aggressive as her mum. After a very stylish intro and opening credits (cool rotoscoping) the daughter, taking her mother's old moniker, Asamiya, as well as her old job, is sent to investigate an Internet based terrorist organisation. It is here that the film sets into "highschool detective" mode where all manner of tangled intra-personal troubles and dark motivations are unraveled. Anyone familiar with the above genre will probably know what that entails: bullies, student politics, trust and friendship, and there is nothing wrong with that. Interspersed with the detective work is intrigue, action and character building enough to draw the viewer along to the climax, which is comprised of a couple of great action setpeices but unfortunately a slightly disappointing conclusion. Kenta Fukasaku has put together a stylish film that works well within obvious budget constraints and ultimately delivers some great cheesy fun, reminiscent of the TV dramas before it. No, it isn't gory, and no, those expecting the next "Asia Extreme Gorefest" with blood, bodily fluids and TnA all over the place, are not going to be happy. But if you can put aside your base desires and just enjoy the flimsy teen drama and cheesy action, you will enjoy yourself.

• A pale shadow of Battle Royale.

  oobleckboy2007-07-20

  Oh lord, was this ever bad. The worst action flick I've ever seen. I mean, Yu-Gi-Oh anime has better acting - and action. The plot is disconnected and schizophrenic, which wouldn't matter if the action were good, but sadly it is not. The action scenes are far too infrequent and disappointing. The actors playing these "bad girls" are so thin and soft that every shot of "action" is laughable. (I'd rather see the cast of Dawson's Creek take each other on.) The quick and choppy editing during the fight scenes is necessary to cover up the actors' inability even to swing a rubber prop convincingly. The director, Kenta Fukasaku, continues to spiral down in his inability to follow in his father's footsteps (Kinji Fukasaku, director of "Battle Royale", "The Shogun's Samurai", "The Yakuza Papers" and "Tora! Tora! Tora!".) The DVD cover claims "From the creator of Battle Royale". That's quite a stretch. That claim could be made only by the novelist, Koushun Takami, or director Kinji Fukasaku. And any comparison to the exciting "Battle Royale" does not stand up.