Pop Culture Whirlwind: Fame’s Unexpected Challenges

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Tokyo Pop
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1988, 2023 Kino 4K
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Fran Rubel Kuzui
Writer(s): Lynn Grossman, Fran Rubel Kuzui
Cast: Carrie Hamilton, Diamond Yukai, Taiji Tonoyama, Tetsurô Tanba, Masumi Harukawa
Language: English and Japanese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available December 5, 2023; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com.

RAVING REVIEW: Fran Rubel is a creative powerhouse who has silently shaped the celluloid landscape while staying out of the spotlight. Her resume includes influential works such as the film (of the same name) that gave birth to the television phenomenon, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, and the overlooked but remarkable TOKYO POP.

Let’s roll the camera back to the neon hues of the ’80s and focus our lens on TOKYO POP. The narrative focuses on the story of a hopeful musician (an unforgettable performance by Carrie Hamilton) who swaps the familiarity of her home for the uncharted territory of Japan. This mirrors Rubel’s off-screen narrative; after graduating from NYU, she joined Haruki Kadokawa’s company as a script supervisor.

While TOKYO POP might have flown under the radar compared to the critically acclaimed LOST IN TRANSLATION, many argue that the former more authentically captures the soul of Tokyo. This turning point also marked a shift for Rubel, as she and assistant director Kaz Kuzui formed a potent professional partnership that bloomed into marriage. Their collaboration gave birth to Kuzui Enterprises, a bridge connecting the American and Japanese entertainment worlds. In the electrifying ’80s, Kuzui Enterprises was a beacon, illuminating the path for modern Japanese cinema to reach American shores and vice versa. Their first project, TOKYO POP, was a testament to Rubel’s journey and an homage to her new identity as Fran Rubel Kuzui.

We enter the world of TOKYO POP through Wendy Reed, brought vividly to life by Carrie Hamilton. A singer in her boyfriend’s band back in New York City, Wendy’s performances led to her getting the boot and a relationship breakup, which set the stage for her voyage to Japan, prompted by a friend’s postcard. Despite landing in Japan to find her friend absent, Wendy exhibits admirable tenacity in navigating the city’s frenetic rhythm.

Finding the Japanese music scene irresistible and seeing a chance for a fresh start, Wendy leaves behind her life of thankless jobs and unfulfilling relationships. Despite feeling like a fish out of water in Tokyo, she crosses paths with Hiro (Diamond Yukai,) a local musician who dreams big. They bond over their shared passion for music, but cultural differences and personal aspirations cast long shadows over their relationship.

The fusion of Wendy’s American charm with Hiro’s band offers them a unique selling point, and under their savvy record producer Dota (Tetsurô Tanba,) their popularity soars. Yet, this fame comes with its challenges as the duo grapples with maintaining their elevated status in the whirlwind of pop culture.

While TOKYO POP may appear straightforward at first glance, it is an irresistible cocktail of ’80s nostalgia, alluring performances, and aesthetically pleasing visuals (especially in this gorgeous 4K restoration.) It uniquely depicts Tokyo beyond tourist hotspots, opening a world of karaoke bars and late-night ramen joints.

TOKYO POP doesn’t just skim the surface of its characters but dives deep into their narratives. Wendy’s journey from New York to the musical avenues of Tokyo forms the story’s core. Hiro, juggling his daily grind with his nighttime music pursuits, embodies the trials of the aspirational dreamer.

In their unexpected union, Wendy’s exotic appeal and Hiro’s local charm blend to produce a sound that weaves Eastern and Western threads into a captivating melody, hitting the right notes with a global audience. Despite the passage of time, TOKYO POP continues to capture viewers’ hearts, serving as a lasting tribute to Fran Rubel’s profound legacy in the annals of cinema. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

@kinolorber
@daiyamondo__yukai

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals’ extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I’m steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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