Plot: What’s it about?
Samehada (Tadanobu Asano) is on the run from some mean mobsters, one who plan to execute him once he has been caught. As he sprints down winding mountain roads, Samehada tries to lose his followers, but with no real luck. After all, he is running in his underwear and the mobsters have the advantage of an automobile. At the same time, a young woman named Toshiko (Shie Kohinata) is also on the run, but not from a band of brutal gangsters, instead from her sex crazed uncle. She has been suffering through her uncle’s depraved ways for too long and now, she just wants to escape. When she sees Samehada, she is distracted for an instant and she crashes right into the mobsters on his trail. A quick decision or two later, Samehada and Toshiko form a partnership and find themselves on the run together. Of course, the assassins inside the limo haven’t given up on executing Samehada, so that chase continues. But the two now have a new person on their heels, as Toshiko’s uncle has hired a hitman of his own. He is by no means a typical assassin however, as he is love struck and dances his way through life. So with all these elements in place, the stage is set for one wild chase. Can Samehada and Toshiko manage to escape, or will the colorful assassins be able to catch up with them sooner or later?
This is just one cool as hell movie, a kind of manga on speed that grabs you from the start and never lets loose. The storyline and performances aren’t good in the traditional sense, but within the film’s outlandish framework, the elements come off as well executed. I have to admit though, I was expecting wall to wall action and chaos with Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl, but the pace is by no means breakneck. A number of intense action sequences can be found here, very cool ones in fact, but don’t expect an all out action epic here. What you can expect is all out style, as director Katsuhito Ishii overloads the movie with colorful visuals, offbeat costumes, and other memorable visual touches. I wouldn’t recommend this for viewers who need a complex, intelligent plot however, as this one is as basic as could be. The depth comes from the characters, which have been fleshed out quite well and have very good interactions. We have a number of substantial characters here, all of whom seem to have bizarre traits and unusual comments to unload. Is Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl cinematic art? I don’t think so, but it is a fun movie that has some cool moments and style to burn, that’s for sure. So if you’re a fan of Asian cinema or cult movies on the whole, then you will want to at least rent this release.
Video: How does it look?
Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The import disc looked excellent and I expected the same kind of visual effort here, which turned out to be just what we have. The print used is in superb condition, with no grain and minimal nicks, scuffs, and marks to mention. A hint of softness is present at times, but it is minor and never lessens the visuals, so no worries. I found colors to be bright and natural, though the visual scheme isn’t as vibrant as I expected. That is due to the intended visuals however, so don’t blame this treatment if the colors don’t seem juiced enough. No troubles with the contrast either, as black levels have a smooth, consistent appearance at all times. In the end, this is a very nice visual presentation and Kino should be commended for their effort here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original Japanese soundtrack is preserved here, but the end result isn’t as impressive as I had hoped. I have an import version of the movie and on that disc, dual 5.1 surround tracks in Dolby Digital and DTS were included. I figured the DTS option would be dropped here, but I expected to have at least one of the 5.1 surround tracks present. Instead, we have a basic, run of the mill stereo soundtrack that provides an unmemorable experience. The elements come through well enough, but none of the spark is to be found, so we have kind of a flat audio presentation. I can understand why the DTS soundtrack was absent, though I would have loved to have it here, but I do think at least the Dolby Digital 5.1 option should have been included. This disc also includes optional English subtitles, should you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
