Brian Harris (wildsidecinema) 2LDK is one of those films that initially appear to be a black-comedy but quickly spirals into a tense, bloody thriller. This actually turned out to be my favorite film from the Danger After Dark box set from TLA Releasing's new DVD imprint, Danger After Dark.Trust me, this film doesn't get "too deep" nor does it remain comedic for long. As the film gets going you can see the girl's sanity levels drop as the attacks become more severe. The acting was wonderful.2LDK is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85) format. The transfer was a bit grainy and whites tended to blur together. It wasn't horrible but it was noticeable. One thing worth noting is the special features on this release…THERE'S ACTUALLY SPECIAL FEATURES! We're given a "making of" featurette, an original trailer and a press conference announcing the film and offering up a Q&A session with the cast and filmmaker. It was great fun. I'd recommend this film.

8thSin Watching this after Kitamura Ryuuhei's "Aragami", I personally believe Tsutsumi Mikihiko has won in the Dual Project.Using "inner voice" in the beginning really seemed like something a film school students would do, but it turned out to be pretty funny and really helped show the pent-up frustration within these two women, which eventually rationalized the showdown.I like how the director depicted the series of humiliation to opponent as the most important factor in girl fights as opposed to physical pain inflicted as in male battles. That's so true in real life.This film had a distinctive B-movie quality with sloppy production and poor camera work etc, but enjoyable nonetheless. Although the concept of only 2 main character in a single setting was quite interesting, it clearly is a huge handicap against normal movies. The "Dual Project" should never be done again.

K_Todorov Yukihiko Tsutsumi's entry for the "Duel" project is a 70 minute film, which unlike Ryuhei Kitamura's takes place in a modern times Japanese apartment.It is worth noting that even though "2LDK" and "Aragami" meet the requirements for the project, they have turned out in two completely different genres. With "Aragami" taking the path to a stylish action movie while "2LDK" taking that of a character driven thriller.The premise is that of two up and coming actresses living in the same apartment who have auditioned for the same role in a movie. From their very introduction we start learning about their characters. Their background, where they come from, what they like, what they hate, their fear and joys, all of them become quite apparent thanks to director Tsutsumi's use of various story telling devices : flashbacks, hearing their thoughts, even their living rooms become a source for information about them. With every next minute it becomes clear how different from one another they are and how both desperately need the role. With tension building up between them all it would be needed for them to start fighting is a simple reason. When that moment comes, literally all hell breaks lose, with the actresses battling it off with anything they can find. The fight is passionate and raw, there is nothing stylish to it, both use every dirty trick possible or any weapon they can find. Including, chainsaws, swords, knives, bleach etc. etc. It can't get more brutal than this. This is their hatred towards each other finally revealed after so long. The conclusion of the story is by itself a very ironic and touching moment with the actresses finally able to settle their differences in one final bloody standoff.A strong main cast and an interesting premise makes "2LDK" a interesting watch. Questioning our own personal drive for success and higher social standing. How far are you willing to go, in order to consider yourself "better than average".

krikit A movie in the Japanese "Duel" Project, Duel project you might ask?"Imagine, if you will, two Japanese directors who meet at a film festival, each familiar with (and appreciative of) each other's work. Then imagine a night of binge drinking that leads to the gauntlet being thrown down - a little friendly competition to see who can make the best 'Duel to the Death' film. Then throw in a few rules like 1) The script can contain no more than 2-3 characters 2) The film must be shot in seven days and on a small budget 3) the film can only take place in one setting, and most importantly 4) at least one character must die. Thus, the Duel Project was born. "The other movie in this project is Aragmi by Ryuhei KitamuraThe movie itself is about two rival actresses sharing a stylish apartment in Tokyo. They have both auditioned for a part in a new big movie and one of them will get it. They are also fighting over a guy named Takuya.The movie itself takes place purely in the apartment with only two actors. But it never gets boring. The acting is surprisingly solid from Eiko Koike & Maho Nonami. And camera work and directing is stylish.The movie is now without flaws, but it's a pretty funny ironic comedy about a rivalry turned bad, very bad. And defintly an enjoyable movie experience.