Update (January 12, 2025)

[@1dbanner]

I'm astonished at the devastation in LA now. Please stay safe

[@Sude1089]

Thank you for this update and heartfelt message, Daisuke. Thank goodness you and your family are okay during this awful ongoing tragedy in L.A. I gotta say, it sure was something to see Steve Guttenberg on the news moving abandoned cars in the street on top of many other stories or images that have been shown of that area. Truly a terrible time for disasters the world over. I'm with you though on trying to get the 2025 ball rolling and in the right direction despite some of the more depressing things going on. Your encouraging words are always so inspiring to me. It was epic to see you show your new copy of the new Kitano film in that beautiful hard cardboard DVD slipcase from Japan and to hear you say you enjoyed it!! No Enlgish subtitles though?!?!? Grrrr!!! This past weekend I was able to re-watch It Follows, Hot Tub Time Machine, David Lynch The Art Life as well as Drive My Car. That was a really fun weekend and I love all of those films! I also ordered the blu-ray of a film I have never seen but it came back up in discussion. It's called Papillon with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. A close friend of mine who passed away would sometimes mention this film and I finally made the connection recently. I can't wait to see a legendary (true story?) prison escape film that my old friend loved. I also started to hear more of a film that came out last year that escaped my radar called Anora. That looks really exciting and like it could be a modern cult classic film that also looks like it features awesome Las Vegas action! Speaking of which, The Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson looks great too!! I am happy to keep these on my to-watch list. We also can't forget the Peaky Blinders film coming soon! Though I am devastated at the recent news that Cillian Murphy WON'T be in 28 Years Later... I kind of refuse to believe that.. Also looking forward to your Yojimbo/Sanjuro 4K discussions! I am buying that one day and giving my blu-ray set to my nephew who has taken to Japanese/samurai related stuff recently. He tried to loan me Volume 1. of a legendary manga known as Vagabond but he hasn't read it yet himself. I'm really looking forward to borrowing it though. He previously loaned me Volume 1 of the Manga known as Slam Dunk which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope he buys the other volumes for me to borrow! So much more to talk about, my friend! My sister gifted me at Christmas the DVD of one of our favorite films we used to rent from Blockbuster together often called The Glass House that I cannot wait to re-watch and be reminded of our wonderful times together as siblings watching films. I'm also working myself up emotionally to re-play the videogame known as The Last of Us Part II though this time "remastered" for PlayStation 5. Replaying Part 1 was amazing but knowing what comes next and re-playing it again will be tough. Playing it the first time 2 years ago challenged me big-time so far as absorbing stories goes for me.. There's so much more to share and be excited about this year Daisuke but collecting all of my thoughts while commenting is not always easy and hopefully I was able to share at least a little bit of good or exciting news here now with you that you or others find interesting. May this week of January 2025 be good to you and all of our friends/loved ones! Cheers!

[@Excel64100]

Glad you and your family are well! My heart breaks for all who have been affected.

[@CalebRichardsChannel]

I'm glad things are going well for you in such a terrible situation in LA. Thank you for all the heartfelt words. I was happy to hear you managed to see Kitano's latest film, it's really wonderful. I've watched all your videos on the films of Kitano and I highly appreciated those insights that helped me engage deeper with one of my favourite directors

[@kedarkalambe8768]

Last year I stumbled upon criterion release of 'A Touch of Zen.' Before that I had never heard of King Hu, but after watching that movie i fell in love with his filmography. I couldn't find your discussion video on ' A Touch of Zen' on your channel. Please do share your thoughts on that movie and would also love to hear more about King Hu. Stay safe daisuke.

[@treytison1444]

Dragon Inn was one of my very early Criterion movies and I liked it so much I made my dad watch it too.

[@mike_ely]

So glad to hear that you and your family are safe my friend. Nothing is more important. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Sanjuro & Yojimbo 4K release. I absolutely adore those films and I look forward to your upcoming review. Stay strong. Stay safe.

[@NathanBeatty]

I'm so happy to hear you and your family are safe! I just wanted to thank you for being such an amazingly positive person. I hope you continue to stay safe and I look forward to future cinematic discussions!

[@RiderRated18]

Glad to hear that you and your family are safe Daisuke. Been seeing all of the footage and stories on BBC News and it’s just utterly devastating. Stay safe my good man 🙏

[@Pepperoni-Tony]

I've been watching Mads Mikkelsen's movies. Maybe The Hunt isn't a movie to watch when you need cheering up, but Another Round is oddly uplifting and fun--if you haven't seen either I'd actually recommend watching Another Round first and then The Hunt.

[@baptisteandre6695]

take care of you and your family Daisuke, sending thoughts your way

[@Caleb_Scott_07]

Stay safe Daisuke and be well!

[@Jared_Wignall]

Hope everything continues to be well for you and your family Daisuke. I pray things will get better in LA and California as a whole. Take care Daisuke and be safe.

[@Barot8]

Stay safe Daisuke. Don't take any chances with the fires.

[@juancmorenor]

James Woods lost his home in LA recently because of the fire!!

[@C.G.Jr.]

Please stay safe!