Kani

Wonderful Paradise

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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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 special limited edition spot gloss slipcover is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

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!

In this demented spin on the “unwanted guest” scenario from iconoclast Masashi Yamamoto, the debt-ridden Sasayas must move out of their suburban Tokyo house. In the midst of packing, the family’s rebellious daughter posts an open invitation online: “Let’s have a party!” Soon, guest after guest pours in: from estranged relatives, to jilted lovers; from drug dealers and yakuza to supernatural delights of the kaiju variety..._x000D_

With the unflinching logic of an ever-escalating matsuri, Yamamoto offers a demented spin on Teorema that pinballs until all notions of cinematic realism and common sense are well thrown out the window. Here, he casts his eye on the upper middle classes yet continues to build a version of his onscreen punk utopia (as begun in Robinson’s Garden, What’s Up Connection and the earlier, nihilistic Carnival in the Night): finding the fault lines in yet another set of zany characters that allow for the upending of Japanese propriety and decorum by way of an unexpected, joyful cinematic mayhem.

directed by: Masashi Yamamoto
starring: Kaho Minami, Seiko Ito, Soran Tamoto, Miyu Ogawa, Hyunri, Jun Murakami, Arata Furuta

2020 / 95 min / 1.85:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 7.1

Additional info:

  • Region A Blu-ray
  • High definition presentation
  • Interview with director Masashi Yamamoto (12 mins, 2024)
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Booklet with behind-the-scene photographs and new writing by Ariel Esteban Cayer
  • Optional English subtitles

          Overall rating: 4.6666665 / 5 from 27 reviews.

          AI Generated Review Summary

          Wonderful Paradise is a unique and enjoyable Japanese fantasy-comedy film with a surreal and unpredictable plot. It features a diverse cast of bizarre characters and has received positive feedback from many customers.

          Summary topics

          • Film Quality: 23%
          • Comedy Genre: 23%

          Review topics: ["guests","film","movie","comedy","release","characters","japan","paradise","party","slipcover"].

          Review highlights

          • "The Perfect "Weird Japan" Hangout Film"Forrest M.
          • "This is my favorite Masashi Yamamoto film, and may be my favorite Kani release!"Forrest M.
          • "Here's hoping for more contemporary Japanese films from Kani!"Justin O.

          Reviews

          Something wild

          "Something delightful too."

          Kyle K. (5/5)

          A wonderful release

          "Beautiful artwork and presentation of this wonderfully quirky movie"

          MR H. (5/5)

          Another great film from Kani.

          "Another great film from Kani."

          Dave C. (4/5)

          Another great film by Masashi Yamamoto

          "Masashi Yamamoto takes his punk surrealistic japaneese vision even firhter in this movie about leaving, debt family and unwanted guests. Highly entertaining and a real treat. Great package with cool slip and booklet. Very Highly Recommended"

          Hansi L. (5/5)

          Wonderful Paradise is amazing

          "Another great release by Kani. And another great piece of contemporary Japanese cinema. The slipcover is really nice too."

          Chris Z. (5/5)

          Can I say that this

          "Can I say that this is one of the most Japanese movies ever? Does that make sense to someone that’s seen a good amount of Japanese films? There’s a surrealist, playful vibe that they do firmly without a sense of phoning it in. It rules. This, along with every other Kani release, does not disappoint. Total gem."

          Keith R. (5/5)

          Ratchets itself up into its

          "Ratchets itself up into its own unique brand of madness at a lovingly measured pace, drawing you in with calculated camera shots and edits filled with a biting sense of humor that wins you over almost immediately with its large swath of schlubs for characters. Before you know it, there's Bollywood dancing, blood-shower weddings, and kaiju-like fights between lawn decorations as it marries touching upon just about every film genre that's ever existed in Japan's history along with the healing of a fractured family in the most lovingly surreal ways."

          Dustin B. (4/5)

          Wonderful Paradise

          "An enjoyable film."

          Gloria W. (5/5)

          Wonderful Paradise (Kani Releasing)

          "The Film: A wildly surreal and unpredictable Japanese fantasy-comedy, Wonderful Paradise (2020) starts as a simple moving day drama before spiraling into an absurd, otherworldly fever dream. Masashi Yamamoto crafts a film that blends humor, family drama, and bizarre supernatural occurrences into a wholly unique experience. The Blu-ray: Kani Releasing delivers a strong HD transfer that preserves the film’s vibrant, dreamlike visuals. Extras include a director’s commentary, interviews, and a visual essay exploring Yamamoto’s unconventional filmography. The packaging features eye-catching artwork that captures the film’s offbeat charm, making it a fantastic addition to any collection of contemporary Japanese cinema."

          Dave P. (5/5)

          Surreal Slice of Life

          "Surreal-but-not-quite (until it is), the characters really drive this strange moving-out party turned wedding turned funeral turned fight for reality?? Kani never fails to impress with their releases."

          Kelsey G. (5/5)

          Q&A

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