Infofreak
The amazing movies of Shinya Tsukamoto are only a recent discovery for me, but boy, am I impressed! 'Tetsuo' remains an utterly unique and an unforgettable experience. 'Tetsuo 2' attempted to add conventional plot elements and character development to the originals more abstract experimentalism, and wasn't entirely successful in my opinion. However even that flawed follow-up wiped the floor with the brainless "action movies" Hollywood spews out year after year. 'Tokyo Fist', while not directly related to the 'Tetsuo' films, takes many of their elements, themes and hyperkinetic style, sets it in a more recognizable and relatively normal setting, and pulls off one of the most powerful and confronting movies you'll ever see.The basic plot of a love triangle set against the background of explicit and life-altering violence cannot fail to remind the viewer of 'Fight Club'. In fact the parallels are so similar that one must wonder whether the creators of 'Fight Club' (novel or movie) are aware of this movie. To my mind 'Tokyo Fist' is a much more original, morally ambiguous and complex film than that overrated piece of MTV nihilism. Some people have questioned what the "real meaning" of this movie is. To me that speaks volumes regarding it's worth. No-one I'm sure would have to ask what 'Fight Club' is "really" about. It's so bloody obvious and spelled out for the audience. 'Tokyo Fist' is nowhere near as simplistic. It makes you THINK. Kudos to Tsukamoto for creating such an interesting and extreme cinematic experience!
John Seal
Japan's answer to Ed Wood may have an entirely different row to hoe, but Shinya Tsukamoto continues to match America's beloved auteur when it comes to obsessive filmmaking. Unfortunately his films are a lot less fun than Wood's. If you enjoy watching people pound on each other in between shots of festering meat and other nastiness, this is your film.
friek47
Have you ever thought that almost every movie you see is bound to be american? Of course I am assuming that you live in the western world and you are living what has been called a perfect life. You go to work in the morning, then you return home to eat, watch maybe a little television or read a book and go to bed. That is how it is Japan too. But Tsukamoto doesn't think that way. He goes BEYOND that. And it isn't pretty whatever he sees. His movies has the same elements every time. Fast Editing and persons at the moment before they get a mental breakdown. Expect a dark, dark movie. He uses symbolism more than american presidents have lied and violence as a metaphore. I shouldn't tell what. This movie is bound to make you think for some weeks. And that can be nice? P.S Be sure not to miss his next film "Gemini". I saw it at Bergen International Film Festival and I am stunned.
FATLOSER
This film is the directors best work. The overall look is very manga-like but the acting, camerawork, and story is on a totally different cinematic level than the primitive Tetsuo films. The latter rely totally on the biotech/cyberpunk concept for the entire momentum of the film and cinematically(especially the sequel) they leave much to be desired for the fan of a well made movie. In "Tokyo Fist" the director works in a totally organic arena with a compelling Nietzchean theme. The result is an adrenaline charged endurance ride which shouldn't be missed by any fans of the genre.