Doppelganger

2004
Color
Rated R
107 minutes
Dir: Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Cast: Keji Yakusho, Hiromi Nagasaku, Yusuke Santamaria, Masahiro Toda, Hitomi Sato
Tartan Video US DVD Reviewed
Order Availability: Amazon

Extras: "Making Of", Tartan Trailers, Dolby 5.1, DTS, Interview with Director and More. (A nice Package and great cover art/layout).

Am I seeing double again?...
Review: Allen F.

One of the first 2 releases (the other being Phone) Doppelganger gets its official US release from the superior new division of the UK's Tartan Video, know in the United States as Tartan Video USA. Tartan US is a welcome addition to the growing list of companies releasing Asian cult and horror films in the US.

Doppelganger is not really a horror film as some may have thought or as the world wide web has in some web-board circles made it out to be. What Doppelganger is is a interesting non-horror dramatic thriller. The film has some fine acting by Yakusho Koji (Kairo aka Pulse, Seance, Cure) plays Michio Hayasaki a scientist and inventor of sorts. A note also Koji has acted in several films by Doppelganger director Kiyoshi Kurosawa.

I truly enjoyed the first 45 min's of this film but got kind of lost in the center for some reason so gave it a second watch a few days later.

I was impressed with the split screen work and the green screen work as well some of the effects were very impressive having one actor play two parts in the same frame is always a challenge. I think the directing was well done and the drastic difference between Michio and his darker Doppelganger is as eerie as it is entertaining.

I do like the portrayal of Michio's darker side a hell of alot. I am not going to give the story away but just tell you its about one mans struggle with his darker and in this film material other half. The look at both sides of a human being is good material for a thriller film and may even make you think about your actions and attitudes when your darker side starts to shine thru. It happens to all of us.

This film is not to be confused with the horrible Drew Barrymore nude romp called Doppelganger "The Evil Within". The Barrymore film was more of a genuine horror film and a horrible one at that. This Japanese dark side journey is a much better presentation than that 1993 disaster. There are alot of films and shorts with this same title out there in movieland. I like the Japanese title better Dopperugengâ it sounds better.

I would recommend a more horror oriented film like "Pulse" also directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa if you are strictly a horror fan. Then again pick up Doppelganger if you are in the mood for a mix of the drama and thriller genres. I found no parts of the film to be scary, but the film did prompt me to think about it a bit more second time around. A good and well composed film, good acting and cool effects. Just no spooky stuff....