Exte: Hair Extensions

Just because it's commercial does not mean it is conventional :)I bought this film after seeing the first two installments of the Suicide Club Trilogy and Strange Circus, not really on impulse, rather, the idea that Sion Sono is my new idol, at least before going into this one... and then after, he cemented his standing! This is a new style compared to the others, and while it has a different look, a different feel, it still hits home with some of the original mind games as well as the killer story telling.Initially, I was a bit turned away from this movie by both the premise and the reviews/previews, but loving both horror films and Sion Sono's work, I decided to give it a try, and I'll be the first to admit, there is some misleading stuff out there.As you can probably guess, this isn't strictly one genre or another, but where most films that travel between genres fall astray and feel awkward, Ekusute floats gracefully though being a Thriller, Horror, Comedy, and Drama, all at the same time, which is probably a large part of its loss for appeal based upon descriptions... it's hard to capture it completely.The story itself is quirky... expect an assortment of characters that are very unique, some personable, some bizarre, some distasteful, but all well rounded and enjoyable. The story itself is offbeat, but draws you in and keeps you there. There are several stories running at the same time, all separate and connected in their own way, but blended masterfully. There are several disturbing scenes, many comical moments, dramatic segments, touching times, a flow of suspense, and in the end... you'll have to see :) It does not disappoint, though I'd be reluctant to label it a horror film, because, you'll laugh through a great portion, maybe when you shouldn't be, but it's inevitable!The actors all did a great job too, pulling off their roles to an off-beat tee. Chiaki Kuriyama, the lead, does a good job, this being the first role I've seen her as pleasant and charming all the way through; it was a nice change, and good to see her smiling! Miku Sato plays the abused daughter-in-law/sister-of-sorts and does great! . Kiyomi Mizushima, who you'll recognize as Kumiko from "Noriko's Dinner Table", is truly despicable; playing the sister that looks charming but has a sinister personality. Ren Osugi plays Yamazaki, and is so wildly out of his mind, he sets a new precedent for hair-fetish movie psychos, and many other psychos, too!!! You'll probably spot several other familiar faces, so keep your eyes peeled!The DVDs themselves are great in this package. You get Disk One with the Movie, film trailer, and a couple other trailers for other films, the basics of any Disk One, but then in Disk Two there is a "Music Video" (which, by the way, would make the set worth it by itself), TV Spots (basically a bunch [no joke, a lot] of short commercials), Deleted Scenes, a Behind The Scenes, and a Q&A with Sion Sono himself. The film itself comes with 4 Audio Tracks: 2 English and 2 Japanese, and while the English Dub is par with any English Dubbing, the Japanese track is really what you should be listening to...All and all, it's a great, crazy film with a nice release, and you can't ask for more, despite the fact that you'll be left wanting a lot more! We'll have to see where Sion Sono goes in the future, hopefully, very, very far!

Exte: Hair Extensions (2007) is a wildly imaginative, creepy-to-the-follicle film that screams for cult status. For those who think hair in food is disgusting, this movie is utterly repulsive, which paradoxically is what makes it so appealing--for horror fans at least.Furthermore, modern Japanese culture and traditional Japanese lore are explored, with the former being influenced by western Europeans and the latter remediating for what was subdued. Specifically, non-native practices and attitudes that infect Japanese culture--namely, perceived beautification via trendy hair fashions and selfishness driven by consumerism and addictions, respectively--were prominent themes. Recompensing these maladies, a yūrie's vengeance is invoked. And no doubt, it wasn't by mistake that the psychotic, creepy trichophile, Yamazaki (brilliantly performed by Ren Osugi), sported a t-shirt and other regalia representative of the USA. The story also imagines violent justice against child abusers--much appreciated considering such deplorable behavior.Apart from psychoanalyzing the story, Hair Extensions is effectively, darkly comedic at times via Yamazaki, a mad, reclusive, socially awkward man with deeply disturbing motives, who works in a morgue by night and masquerades as a hair-extensions salesman by day. While this film diverts from traditional horror scares and gore, it's nonetheless creepy as hell. The warranted and well-done CGI greatly contributes to the creepiness, in addition to Yamazaki's display of aberrant proclivities and antics. Kudos to co-writer/director Sion Sono!Tokyo Shock's 2008 double-disc special edition release of Exte: Hair Extensions on DVD includes widescreen presentation (1.85:1), 2.0 and 5.1 audio formatting in Japanese and English, and subtitles. One disc features the movie and the other is dedicated to extras. Also, a third disc contains several trailers for Fever Dreams films, as well as some DVD-ROM features that I haven't checked out. This movie is BAD ASS!

Very well done intentionally "b-rated" horror flick. Perfect amount of violence, humor, and just plain bizarre elements. The music is great, the cast is great, and the story is so out of the ordinary and enjoyable. This film will make you laugh, while making you cringe at the same time. A must for fans of the japanese horror genre.

The product was great. The movie was horrible except for Chiaki's acting. She was superb! She should be given better than this! it was like listening to a famous opera singer jamming with a 13 year old garage band. WHOA! Shades of Bill and Ted!

Fun Japanese horror movie to watch. Chiaki Kuriyama who played Gogo in Kill Bill is gorgeous and the heroine in the movie. Excellent product and very good customer service.

I love this movie but it gets corny towards the end. Great special effects even though some scenes look cheesy, its still worth looking into.

Basically a Japanese B-Movie, a horror movie with hair as a key element. Low budget, done serious but not too much so. Chiaki Kuriyama is cute, fans of the genre will like it but don't spend too much money to get it.

Excellent service and product. Would highly recommend.