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Returner Actors: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Anne Suzuki, Goro Kishitani Director: Takashi Yamazaki Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen Format: Color, Widescreen, Digital Video Transfer, Surround Sound, Subtitled, Digital Sound Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Running Time: 116 minutes Studio: Columbia Tristar Hom Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2004-09-07 Buy from Amazon |
 "It's ok"I was expecting an action film from what I had gathered from other reviews saying it was like Terminator and Matrix, but that's pretty far off. The story has elements taken from those films but what disappointed me in Returner was the lack of action. There are some action scenes but they are far and in between most of the film which is talkie. I think there is probably less than 10 minutes of actual action in the entire 2 hours. The effects are pretty good for the most part, some are a little flawed though and some of the dialouge is cartoony and overstated. Overall, I enjoyed the film but just barely. I expected to be entertained by action and hardly found any. The lead characters are enjoyable and that is probably what makes this film only slightly above average. I'd advise you to rent this one before you buy. Just keep in mind that your main reason for watching this film will be for the story that kind of takes parts from a bunch of other blockbusters but doesn't transfer the action along with them.  "A very fun and entertaining film."I first saw previews for this film while watching the Sci-Fi channel, and needless to say, I was interested. The user reviews on this website are much more true to the film than the critic's reviews. I found this film to be very exciting to watch. It combined a well-thought plot, superb acting (minus most of the english speaking characters from the future), creative cinematography, smooth special effects, and fun all into a nice package. I also agree with the reviews here: Who cares if it takes elements from other movies? Lot's of movies do that. The first Charlie's Angels (a horrid film) completely ripped from The Matrix and M:I 2. So much that it was worthless to even watch, mainly because it was ripped so poorly. Furthermore, while most people consider The Matrix the proprietor of showing the bullets, one should recall Face/Off. John Woo showed bullets coming out of the guns during a showdown scene near the end of the feature. And yet, Matrix gets the credit for it. This movie does combine elements of other films, but it does so without losing it's own identity. This is an excellent Japanese film and should be viewed by any fan of action, import, anime, or just plain fun. Also check out "Versus" directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. Do yourself a favor and watch the Director's Cut version rather than the completely dumbed down R version. It's a whole different beast!  "Not original,but very fun and entertaining"Very good movie,sure it has elements of other movies in it,but lets stop being snobs about movies.Movies are here to entertain us,and this movie does exactly that.I for one enjoyed this movie very much,and i recommend it to all fans of action movies,japanese or american.Typical Bitter/Sweet japanese ending...but i love it,i love this movie,go buy it now! "Not bad at all."As anyone can see, this is the Terminator, the Matrix, Back to the Future, Independence Day, and a bit of Miyazaki Hayao all rolled into one, and none the worse for that. Some of the lines are bit saccharine to my taste, and to be sure, there is nothing arty about the film. But faced with a film of this nature, it is not a good idea to set up a counil of perfection. It is a hugely entertainintg work in its own right. I even think it is better than Independence Day or Armageddon. "I liked it alot; a fun, interesting action sci-fi film."I saw the trailer for this film on another DVD, and bought it when it came out. It is a fun and interesting film. First I'll tell you what the film is not: It's not an Oscar film; but I didn't watch it for that. I keep reading where people say; Oh, it's like this film; It's like that film; The effects are like (fill in the blank). Well, there is a small similarity between a couple of effects and past films like the Matrix. But I didn't watch the film solely for it's effects. Then again , I can compare almost any film today, with some past film. This film has some good loveable characters (and love to hate). It has an interesting plot with some good character development. The plot has a small goal with large consequences. And some fun action, humor and , yes even, fun effects. Note, that aliens aren't running up and down the screen the whole movie. It's a bit more subtle. |
