This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Connor Willumsen) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
When Hong Kong teenager Chi Gau Shin (Tse Wai Kit, School on Fire) wins a trip to Japan, he unleashes a chain of events that will soon bring him from the secluded fishing village of Po Toi O to Tokyo, by way of Kamagasaki – the so-called slums of Osaka. On the way, he connects with a barely competent tour guide named Kumi and the shapeshifting, loud-mouthed and loveable thief Akane. Upon returning home with this merry band of schemers, Gau Shin finds his family of resourceful counterfeiters on the verge of expropriation. A multinational conglomerate led by a ruthless Japanese developer has found the village, and is determined to raze it to build the new center of world trade!
Masashi Yamamoto one-ups Robinson's Garden (1987) with the go-for-broke ambition of What's Up Connection: a rare bilingual Japan-Hong Kong coproduction that unfolds as part unhinged globalization mini-epic, fringe documentary and portrait of a crazy family (the “Chi” of the Chi family a homonym for “crazy” in Cantonese). A breathless, kaleidoscopic evocation of a specific pan-Asian cultural experience as the 1990s drew near, What's Up has it all: Hongkongers looking to Japan for shopping and recreation; Japanese looking to Hong Kong for investment and opportunity – and the gangsters, hackers, thieves and Taoist priests stuck in-between it all. Scored by avant-garde trumpeter Toshinori Kondo, here is a lively film that bursts at the seams with possibility and brings Yamamoto’s project – of capturing beauty and resilience in the margins of capital – to its maximalist apex.
directed by: Masashi Yamamoto starring: Tse Wai Kit,Reiko Arai 1990 / 120 min / 1.85:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
An Interview with Director Masashi Yamamoto, Part II (22MIN, 2022)
Interview with Critic and Filmmaker Shu Kei (14MINS, 2022)
Interview with Actor Tse Wai Kit & Priduction Manager Bill Yip (17MINS, 2022)
Interview with Assitant Director Michael Wong (9MINS, 2022)
Booklet with New Writing By Cheng Yu Shing
Nova Alpha Credit Card*
Japanese Theatrical Trailer
Optional English Subtitles
Optional Chinese Subtitles
New Cover Art by Connor Willumsen
Overall rating: 4.59375 / 5 from 32 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
What's Up Connection is a bilingual Japan-Hong Kong coproduction that offers a kaleidoscopic view of pan-Asian cultural experiences as the 1990s approached. This film, directed by Masashi Yamamoto, features a captivating adventure with a multinational conglomerate threatening a secluded fishing village. The Blu-ray release includes interviews with the director, critic, and cast, along with a booklet and new cover art by Connor Willumsen.
"Kani continues to do great work by restoring and releasing these obscure movies from Asia." — Jeff S.
"Crazy fun goofy movie that’s right up my alley." — Kyle B.
"A special and very fun movie." — JIANJIANG B.
Reviews
More Masashi Yamamoto goodness
"Masashi Yamamotos follow-up to the brilliant Robinson's Garden, What's Up Connection? is another really fun and subversive film with really great characters and a wild plot. Super watchable!"
— Jon B. (5/5)
Great little film! Another gem
"Great little film! Another gem I wouldn't have found without Kani."
— Matthew P. (4/5)
Retro Groove Rediscovered
"What's Up Connection is a lively and playful exploration of 1970s counterculture, blending music, youth antics, and a carefree energy that feels distinctly of its time. The film thrives on its colorful visuals, quirky characters, and a sense of spontaneity that makes every scene feel like a snapshot of an era in motion. While the plot is loose and episodic, the charm lies in its enthusiasm and personality rather than narrative cohesion. This release gives the film the clarity and attention it deserves, letting its vibrant spirit shine for both nostalgic viewers and new audiences discovering its joyful chaos."
— Antonio T. (5/5)
What´s Up Connection
"Another Masashi Yamamoto film, What a rush, really entertaining. Thank you KAni for making this available. Highly recommended."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
What's up connection
"Beautiful box art. Excited to watch this"
— Patrick P. (5/5)
What's Up Connection
"a really fun time."
— Chris Z. (5/5)
Amazing to see a film
"Amazing to see a film like this get released - a truly special film that brings together Japanese and Hong Kong film worlds and languages like no other - if you liked Shunji Iwai's Swallowtail Butterfly there's a good chance you'd find this really interesting too. Thanks Kani!"
— Thomas C. (5/5)
Great release from Kani
"Very unpredictable movie, nice companion piece to Robinson garden. Great release from Kani one of my favourite partner labels"
— Rohan J. (4/5)
Excellent movie
"Excellent movie this was"
— James A. (5/5)
What is up!
"Fun. Love the slipcover"
— Justin M. (5/5)
Q&A
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