by Chris MaGeeIt was only a short time ago that the net was buzzing about news of Mamoru Oshii's feature length, live-action "Assault Girls" film (read our full coverage here). The film doesn't get a theatrical release in Japan until December 19th, but now the online Japanese film fan community is alternately grumbling and scratching their heads with news that Hollywood may already be looking at optioning "Assault Girls" for a remake.
Oshii and his cast were on hand Monday for a news conference to announce the end of production on "Assault Girls" and it was there that the "Ghost in the Shell" and "The Sky Crawlers" animator/ director (above right) let slip that he'd been approached by Hollywood producers while filming the sci-fi epic starring Meisa Kuroki (above left), Rinko Kikuchi, and Hinako Saeki as gun-toting warriors. Oshii didn't get into specifics, but only said that he'd dicussed it with these unknown representaives and that he didn't think it was a bad idea... then he said something that has me scratching my head. He mentioned that he would like to see Kuroki, Kikuchi and Saeki reprise their roles in a Hollywood remake.
Okay, let's break this down for a second. From what I've heard about "Assault Girls" thus far is that it already includes quite a bit of English dialogue, dialogue that Kuroki and Saeki had to learn phonetically (Kikuchi's English is actually good enough for her to handle it on her own). So is Hollywood thinking of remaking a film in English that already has English dialogue, while Oshii wants the actresses who had trouble the first time out reprising their roles... after attending language classes, I can only presume? Wouldn't it basically be the same movie?
Like I said - grumbling and head scratching. Thanks to Twitch for confusing all of us.
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6 comments:
Oshii always looks so unhappy. I'd totally give him a hug.
What I don't get is not that fact that Oshii wants Kuroki, Kikuchi and Saeki to play in the remake. Its not going to be possible anyway. What is strange is the fact that they already want to remake it. Goddamn, what is going on?
What's going on is simple: It's a high-concept action film, and (most) Americans won't tolerate subtitles. Hence a remake.
If the film IS remade, they'll doubtless get a far less talented and foxy trio...
Was there ever a picture which better illustrated the sadness of what it means to be a man in late middle age?
(I'm 61, believe me, I know!)
He looks especially forlorn standing next to the exquisite Meisa Kuroki. I don't normally get all in the weak-knees over actresses, but she a special case.
Sorry "...all weak in the knees". What's wrong with me today?!
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