Bloodtype Online

    One of the things I enjoy most about Japanese cinema is the fact that they can throw out some really wild and unpredictable movies. Of course they can also cannibalize themselves to the point of making whatever was original seem boring. However it does seem that there is always someone over there that can deliver a movie that will surprise you. In the case of Party 7 it is writer director Katshuhito Ishi, who has managed to incorporate gangsters, weird shit falling from the sky and a Peeping Tom or two. As well including a character named Captain Banana and a giant Teddy Bear. Yet, despite all this, by the time the end credits roll it all made perfect sense. Well almost anyway. 

    The majority of the movie is set within a room in the Hotel New Mexico, where Miki ,a gangster, has taken refuge after stealing a suitcase of money from the mob he works (or worked) for. Despite his thinking that no-one knows he is there he is visited upon by an ex-girlfriend who is looking for him to pay back some cash, her present boyfriend, a member of Miki's former gang who has come to take the cash back to his boss. 

    On top of all this there is a hyper Travel Agent as well the events in the hotel room being watched by a young Peeping Tom, whose father built the hotel, and an older Peeping Tom named Captain Banana. 

    Party 7 could so easily have been a movie that failed due to over-complicating itself with outlandish characters and situation, yet it never drops below utterly enthralling. The script is hilarious, some of the conversations had me in stitches despite there absurdity, and this is a fairly dialogue heavy movie. However, despite the dialogue it never gets bogged down, as although the main focal point of the movie is the hotel room there is plenty of backstory and cut scenes that help the movie flow smoothly along. Of course, having a solid cast more than helps, and the cast here is spot on. 

    Well shot throughout, including a wonderful Anime opening sequence, this movie looks good as well as being an enjoyable character driven movie. 

    With this release Synapse have included quite a few decent special features too. As well as the obligatory trailers and TV spots there is a making of featurette and an interview with the director amongst others. Personally for me though I appreciated the inclusion of the alternate ending (plus extra scene prior to it) that put a slightly different perspective on events. 

    Party 7 is a quirky movie, and it may not appeal to all audiences, but for those that like to see something a little off the wall without being a complete headfuck I heartily recommend Party 7.