Search - The Most Terrible Time in My Life on DVD

Quirky and cool

Ishtar | 08/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Very fresh and intriguing. Noir film with a wicked sense of humour. I loved the lead character-- a hard-boiled detective with a heart of gold. The only regret about the story I had is the absence of the protagonist for about 20 minutes of the film when it focused on Yang. Please see this movie if you get a chance-- It's very different from the usual gangster flicks out there. At this price, it's a bargain. I wish the DVD had included some more extras, but apart from that it's great."

A Fun And Entertaining Film: Modern Noir!

Ernest Jagger | Culver City, California | 02/10/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

""The Most Terrible Time In My Life," is one of those quirky films that you really don't hear about too often. I happened to stumble across the Video several years ago, and picked up the DVD a few years back. This is a Japanese film, which is shot in black and white to give it that old film noir look. However, you can tell by the scenes that the film is modern. The film was released in 1993, in Japan. The film mixes tame violence [sort of] with comedy. I thought that it was an interesting watch, and it just might appeal to those viewers who like modern noir. Especially Japanese modern noir. Moreover, the films use of parody is not too over the top, and it is funny!

The film centers on a character named Maiku Hama (Masatoshi Nagase) who is a private eye. He is a very unorthodox private eye however, as his office is above a movie theatre. And if you want to enter his office you have to pay the price of admission. I have to admit that there were parts of this film where I really laughed out loud. Especially the scene where Maiku's sensei beats the hell out of him with a stick. That was hilarious! Plus the cinematography in this black and white film is very, very good. Also, if you like parodies of the old films from the 40s and 50s, then this film is definitely one for you.

Maiku Hama drives around in a ludicrous Nash Rambler [not your typical Japanese Private eye]. Moreover, he likes to gamble. While Maiku is gambling he gets into a mess with a Taiwanese waiter; and it is here the films narrative begins. Maiku looks for the waiters missing brother, and in the process finds himself in trouble with both Hong Kong and Taiwanese mobsters who are attempting to form a new type of Yakuza. The film is entertaining and different, but may not appeal to all viewers. The ending is really not an ending; however, as there appears to be a sequel or two to this particular episode. I have not seen them, but if I come across them I'll probably purchase them. Don't take the film too seriously, it's a fun film and meant to be a parody. [Stars: 3.5]"