Storyline
X Japan ignited a musical revolution in Japan during the late 80's with their melodic metal & flamboyant fashion. 20 years after their tragedy-fueled split, enigmatic leader Yoshiki battles physical & spiritual demons alongside Western prejudices in a final attempt to bring their music to the world.
Cast: Yoshiki -
Himself
Toshi -
Himself
Pata -
Himself
Hiroshi Morie -
Himself
Sugizo -
Himself
Gene Simmons -
Himself
Wes Borland -
Himself
Richard Fortus -
Himself
It's a great film about X Japan - one of the most unusual and
flamboyant rock bands of the 20th century. It chronicles their rise to
superstardom. X-Japan blew up traditional rock music and became the
founders of J-rock, a musical genre that is becoming increasingly
popular all over the world. Their role in the musical world can be
compared to such rock giants as The Rolling Stones.
Director Stephen Kijak was able to get into the spirit of this
incredible story and created an amazing, brutally honest film. He used
plenty of unique photos and videos from the group's personal archives,
for example, a video by David Lynch.
The film mesmerizes by its brightness and dynamism. The narrative
changes fast, moving from everyday life to Yoshiki Hayashi's (the
leader of the band) thoughts about life and death, and it shows that
the life of musicians includes a lot of hard work and taking things to
the limit.
Backstage footage from rehearsals and concerts, as well as interviews
with band members where they talk about their youth, personal
tragedies, losses and moments of triumph. Footage from the archive
chronicles other important moments such as the split of the band and
their last concert, the death of one of the guitarists, vocalist who
got under the influence of the sect and reunion of the band many years
later, all these events are proved by archive footage.
There are also videos of the concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary
of Emperor Akihito's ascension, from Tokyo Dome and Madison Square
Garden concerts. Interviews with Gene Simmons, Marylin Manson and Stan
Lee, who respect the art of the band and personally know Yoshiki
Hayashi. And during the whole film, you can hear the fantastic music of
X Japan.
It is a life story of the musicians who had they ups and downs, times
of happiness and pain, story about overcoming and moving forward. The
film is worth watching to find out about musicians from Japan who
conquered the hearts of people all over the world.
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