ARAGAMI and 2LDK

The Duel Project

These two movies came about after producer Shinya Kawai challenged directors Ryu Kitamura (Versus, Azumi) and Yukihiko Tsutsumi (TV Series Director). He challenged them to each make a full length movie based on the following rules. 1. Has to filmed within 1 week. 2. Has to be about two people in a duel to the death. 3. The action has to take place all in one place or location.

Ryu's entry is Aragami "God of Battle". The movie is about two wounded soldiers that stumble upon a temple which lives a mysterious man. That man is Aragami an immortal that appears to be bored with living and wants a serious challenge. One wounded soldier dies but they other lives on to eventually confront this "deity".

Without giving too much away because i definitely recommend that it be seen there is a twist to the story along with some excellent dialogue. Most of the movie is dialogue but it is very well written and gives me the feel like Tarantino's dialogue in Kill Bill. Both lead actors are awesome and convey a lot of emotion with body and facial expressions. The action choreography is excellent with a style that reminds me of real live anime. The cinemotography is top notch with excellent low light and wide shots. The soundtrack is one again awesome like most of his movies and fits the mood perfectly. Its definitely better than what i was expecting and a much more mature movie than the excellent Versus.

The next entry is by director Yukihiko is 2LDK. This movie is both more light hearted and more brutal than Aragami. Its about two female roommates that are both actresses at the same talent agency and have tried out for the same part. They are both waiting for a phone call at the apartment to see if they got the part. Both girls are total opposites are far as personalities and they have a lot of catty female conversations through the first half of the movie. Just like Aragami the action kicks in finally towards the last 30 min. By the end of the movie each girl has pure hatred for each other and they go at each other with no holds barred. They use any household object they can find as a weapon.

The acting is also very good by both ladies but unfortunately there is no nudity to be seen. The film is not as "slick" looking as Aragami but it is still very well directed and edited. The dialogue fits perfect with the mood of the movie. The over the top violence might turn off some because its not totally realistic but it works for me and never takes me out of the movie.

Each movie is excellent and worth recommending but its personal preference for which is better. 2LDK seems to higher rated in most places ive seen but overall I like Aragami better. To me it has much more of a rewatchability factor. If you havent seen them and you like Asian action cinema then go out and rent or buy both of them.