Movielogr
RE:BORN (2016)
Directed by Yûji Shimomura
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Overview
A former special forces operative struggling to contain the destructive impulses of his past goes on a rampage against a squad of ruthless assassins.
Rated NR | Length 101 minutes
Actors
Tak Sakaguchi | Yura Kondo | Takumi Saito | Hitomi Hasebe | Mariko Shinoda | Masanori Mimoto | Hiroko Yashiki | Makoto Sakaguchi | Orson Mochizuki | Kenta | Yoshitaka Inagawa | Issei Ishida | Masaya Kato | Akio Otsuka | Rina Takeda | Saori Izawa
Viewing History (seen 3 times)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/04/2022 | TV | Blu-ray | Owned | 8.5 stars |
| 09/26/2016 | Movie Screen | Digital | Theater | 8.5 stars |
| 09/24/2016 | Movie Screen | Digital | Theater | 8 stars |
| (Average) 8.33 stars |
Viewing Notes
Film 4 on Day 3 at FF2016 Day 3 - I’m a big fan of Tak Sakaguchi so my rating for this movie skews favorably in his direction. Still remember my reaction when I saw VERSUS at Facets Cinematheque in 2003, “I like this guy. A lot.” Met him back in 2011 during his YAKUZA WEAPON tour (when Tak broke his neck during that 4min+ long take fight sequence); he was amiable and thrilled to discuss his film with his fans. Then he retired, returned, retired and returned again. Reborn, if you will (sorry, too easy). He’s back in this super soldier flick in which he mows down 200+ enemies (that’s the premise not a spoiler). It’s linear, basic, whatever; it’s Tak being Tak. Even when he’s microwaving a meal, he’s fun to watch. Also love him as a father figure and mentor here. Tak exudes charisma when he’s standing still smoking a cigarette. Fight me if you disagree.
After the screening at Fantastic Fest, Tak did a demonstration of this new knife combat system he and Yoshitaka Inagawa developed for the movie. At 41yo he hasn’t lost a step, wisecracking with the audience between lightning fast moves. He’s charming and passionate about his work. I enjoyed this movie so much that picked it up again during its second slot (first time I’ve watched a movie twice at Fantastic Fest).
That’s not to say RE: BORN isn’t without its faults and will work for everyone (particularly those adverse to blood and violence). During my second viewing I noticed areas that dragged and the frenetic editing became more distracting. Doesn’t detract from all the positives, especially his relationship with his niece, which is more interesting than knifing the umpteenth dude in the neck. The film drops the viewer into this story and turns on the action rather soon, which is appreciated. RE: BORN seems to be working from a very ‘90s action movie template. Nothing wrong with that.
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