the duel project

The duel project is a japanese double feature containing the movies 2LDK directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Araigami directed by ryuhei kitamura(versus). The directors decided to duel each other in a contest, each making a film where the only similarity between them is the idea of a duel or battle between the two main characters. both films are over an hour in length and worthy as movies unto themselves, but together they are great as well.

2LDK in japan refers to an apartment with two bedrooms, and a living, dining, kitchen. The whole movie takes place within the confines of one apartment and only involves two actresses. They play actresses in the movie as well, competeing with each other for the lead role in a film while being roommates together. as their evening in the apartement goes on, they find themselves fighting each other in bloody and ultraviolent fashion. At times it was difficult to watch them tear each others lovely faces apart, but powerful at the same time. Chainsaws, electrical appliances, swords -all used as they duel each other... It was awesome!

I was really looking forward to Aragami because i loved Kitamura s other movies, especially versus and azumi. but this one has more similarities to Alive than the two before mentioned. it involves an injured man who comes to a temple in the mountains for help and shelter. there he begins a battle with his host who is actually an aragami, or a goblin god. This movie also takes place in only one setting. The pacing is a little slow, and so it is much more story driven than action driven , but still worth checking out.

my vote goes to Yukihiko Tsutsumi's 2LDK. and i heard that the voters in japan also went that way. by only one vote...