Rabu, 08 Oktober 2008

japannese manga

Jaman sekarang ini illustrasi menjadi sebuah kebutuhan bagi setiap orang. Tidak sedikit buku yang menggunakan illustrasi di tiap lembarnya baik yang berwarna maupun yang tidak berwarna. Dan illustrasi juga tidak terpatok pada hasil buatan tangan saja. Melainkan saat ini untuk menghasilkan gambar sudah menggunakan bantuan computer dengan ditemukannya fasilitas 3D dan computer graphic yang memungkinkan seseorang mengasilakn sebuah karya tanpa melalui bantuan sebuah kertas. Kini seorang illustrator dapat langsung menuangan ide-idenya kedalam sebuah kertas virtual dengan bantuan pen mouse sebagai penanya.

Untuk saat ini banyak sekali aliran yang diapakai oleh para illustrator muda diantaranya adalah illustrasi dengan gaya eropa, Disney dan gaya-gaya illustrasi marvel dengan tokoh super heronya itu lho. Namun ternyata para illustrator muda kita gaya gambar mereka banyak terinspirasi pada gaya illustrasi yang berkiblat pada gaya jepang yang dikenal dengan istilah manga (untuk komik) dan anime (untuk animasi). Mungkin karena tehnik yang mudah dan simple sehingga mudah dikuasai oleh siapapun. Bisa juga karena gambar-gambar dengan aliran manga ini terlihat unik dan mudah di terima oleh segala kalangan/ istilah kerennya merakyat gitu lah, dari mulai orok yang baru brojol sampai kakek nenek pun menyukai segala hal yang berbau manga. Atau mungkin karena sayang cucu jadi mereka pun ikut-ikutan jadi suka sama barang yang namanya manga itu.

Manga sebetulnya merupakan barang baru ada di Negara tercinta kita ini. Manga mulai dikenal pada era 90 an dengan diterbitkannya komik candy-candy oleh elex media komputindo. Di susul dengan dragon ball dan banyak lagi tema-tema yang berbau jepang mulai bermunculan di Indonesia. Padahal sebelumnya gaya illustrasi para illustrator kita berkiblat pada gaya eropa atau pun Disney, namun setelah masuknya buku-buku dengan gaya jepang perhatian masyarakat beralih ke gambar-gambar dengan gaya jepang.

Entah sampai kapan style ini akan bertahan, karena begitu banyaknya para peminat yang menyukai gaya gambar ini. Bahkan banyak sekali bertaburan sekolah-sekolah dan pelatihan yang mengajarkan tehnik menggambar gaya jepang itu. Di mulai dari pengenalan alat dan bahan bahkan sampai pengenalan tehnik pewarnaan secara manual yang tidak dikenal di Indonesia sebelumnya. Ternyata animo masyarakat untuk mengikuti program pelatihan itu sangat antusias dengan membludaknya orang-orang yang mendaftar untuk segera belajar dan menguasai style manga tersebut, entah untuk kebutuhan komersil ataupun untuk kebutuhan pribadi. Semuanya dikembalikan kepada pribadi masing-masing individu, namun tidak sedikit tiap sekolah yang menyalurkan bakat murid-muridnya kepada berbagai penerbit untuk menjadi rekan kerja mereka dengan mengadakan kegiatan magang selama 3 bulan dan tidak sedikit pula para penerbit yang mencari bakat-bakat itu untuk di pekerjakan di perusahaan mereka.

Jadi menjadi illustrator professional masih sangat besar terbuka peluangnya, kenapa? Karena ternyata banyak sekali perusahaan penerbitan ataupun majalah yang membutuhkan skill dengan gaya gambar ini. Dan mereka berlomba-lomba menerbitkan buku dengan gaya japannese style ini sebanyakp-banyaknya. So… jadi jika kamu punya kemampuan dan kemauan inilah saatnya kalian beraksi dengan memanfaatkan peluang ini dengan sebaik-baiknya. Intinya adalah jangan pantang menyerah dan mudah berputus asa, pasti selalu ada jalan asal kita mau belajar dan mau terus berusaha. Selamat berjuang deh…….. Buat kawan-kawan illustrator

Minggu, 05 Oktober 2008

Cruel Woman

Elizabeth Bathory, merupakan seorang pembunuh berantai terbesar dalam sejarah, tercatat kurang lebih 650 nyawa manusia melayang sia-sia ditangannya.
Ini adalah pencapaian rekor kasus pembunuhan berantai yang dilakukan oleh seorang individu dengan memakan korban tertinggi sepanjang sejarah umat manusia.


Lukisan Elizabeth Bathory Disaat Dirinya Berusia 25Tahun Elizabeth Bathory lahir di Hungaria thn 1560, kurang lebih 100tahun setelah Vlad 'The Impaler' Dracul meninggal.

Kakek buyut Elizabeth Bathory adalah Prince Stephen Bathory yang merupakan salah satu Ksatria yang memimpin pasukan Vlad Darcul ketika dia merebut kembali kekuasaan di Walachia seabad sebelumnya.
Orangtua Elizabeth, Georges dan Anna adalah bangsawan kaya raya dan merupakan salah satu keluarga ningrat paling kaya di Hungaria saat itu.

Keluarga besarnya juga terdiri dari orang2 terpandang. Salah satu sepupunya adalah perdana menteri di Hungaria, seorang lagi adalah Kardinal.
Bahkan pamannya, Stepehen kemudian menjadi Raja Polandia.
Namun keluarga Bathory memiliki 'sisi' lainnya yg lebih 'gelap' selain segala kekayaan dan popularitasnya.
Disebutkan bahwa salah satu pamannya yang lain adalah seorang Satanis dan penganut Paganisme sementara seorang sepupunya yg lain memiliki kelainan jiwa dan gemar melakukan kejahatan sexual.

Thn 1575, di usia 15 tahun Elizabeth menikah dengan Count Ferencz Nadasdy yang 10 thn lebih tua darinya.
Karena suaminya berasal dari ningrat yang lebih rendah, maka Count Ferencz Nadasdy menggunakan nama Bathory dibelakangnya.
Dengan demikian Elizabeth bisa tetap menggunakan nama keluarganya yaitu Bathory dan tidak menjadi Nadasdy. Kedua pasangan tsb kemudian tinggal di Kastil Csejthe, yg merupakan sebuah kastil di atas pegunungan dengan desa Csejhte dilembah dibawahnya.
Suaminya jarang mendampingi Elizabeth karena Count Ferencz lebih sering berada di medan pertempuran melawan Turki Usmani (Ottoman).
Ferencz kemudian menjadi terkenal karena keberaniannya di medan pertempuran, bahkan dianggap sebagai pahlawan di Hungaria dengan julukan 'Black Hero of Hungary'.

Elizabeth yg masih muda tentu senantiasa merasa kesepian karena selalu ditinggal sang suami. Disebutkan dia memiliki kebiasaan mengagumi kecantikan nya dan kemudian memiliki banyak kekasih gelap yg melayaninya selama sang suami tidak berada di tempat.
Elizabeth bahkan pernah melarikan diri bersama kekasih gelapnya namun kemudian kembali lagi dan suaminya memaafkannya.
Tapi hal tsb tidak mengurangi ketagihan Elizabeth akan kepuasan seksual. Disebutkan juga Elizabeth menjadi seorang biseksual dengan melakukan hubungan lesbian dengan bibinya, Countess Klara Bathory

Elizabeth kemudian mulai terpengaruh dengan satanisme yg diajarkan olehsalah seorang pelayan terdekatnya yg bernama Dorothea Szentes yg biasadisebut Dorka.
Karena pengaruh Dorka, Bathory mulai menyenangi kepuasan seksual lewat penyiksaan yg dilakukannya terhadap pelayan2 lainnya yang masih muda. Selain Dorka, Elizabeth dibantu beberapa pelayan terdekatnya yaitu : suster Iloona Joo, pelayan pria Johaness Ujvari dan seorang pelayan wanita bernama Anna Darvula, yang merangkap sebagai kekasih Elizabeth.
Bersama para kru S&M-nya, Elizabeth merubah kastil Csejthe menjadi pusat teror dan penyiksaan seksual.
Para gadis2 muda yg jadi pelayannya disiksa dengan berbagai bentuk penyiksaan seperti diikat, ditelanjangi lalu dicambuk dan juga menggunakan berbagai alat untuk menyakiti bagian2 tubuh tertentu.

Tahun 1600, suaminya Ferencz meninggal dan era teror sesungguhnya dimulai. Memasuki usia 40 tahunan Elizabeth menyadari bahwa kecantikannya mulai memudar.
Kulitnya mulai menunjukan tanda2 penuaan dan keriput yg sebenarnya lumrah di usia tsb. Tapi Elizabeth adalah pemuja kesempurnaan dan kecantikan dan dia akan melakukan apa saja demi mempertahankan kecantikannya.
Suatu saat dengan tidak sengaja seorang pelayaan wanita yg sedang menyisir rambutnya secara tidak sengaja menarik rambut Elizabeth terlalu keras.
Elizabeth yg marah kemudian menampar gadis malang tsb. Darah memancar dari hidung gadis tsb dan mengenai telapak tangan Elizabeth.
Saat itu Elizabeth disebutkan 'menduga dan percaya' bahwa darah gadis muda tsb memancarkan cahaya kemudaan mereka.
Serta merta dia memerintahkan 2 pelayannya , Johannes Ujvari dan Dorka menelanjangi gadis tsb, menarik tangganya keatas bak mandi dan memotong urat nadinya.
Ketika si gadis meninggal kehabisan darah, Elizabeth segera masuk kedalam bak mandi dan berendam dalam kubangan darah.

Dia menemukan apa yg diyakininya sebagai 'Rahasia Awet Muda'. Ketika semua pelayan mudanya sudah mati, Elizabeth mulai merekrut gadis muda di desa sekitarnya untuk menjadi pelayan di Kastilnya.
Nasib mereka semuanya sama, diikat diatas bak mandi kemudian urat nadi mereka dipotong hingga darah mereka menetes habis kedalam bak mandi tsb. Elizabeth seringkali berendam didalam kolam darah sambil menyaksikan gadis yg jadi korbannya sekarat meneteskan darah hingga tewas.
Sesekali Elizabeth bahkan meminum darah para gadis tsb untuk mendapatkan 'INNERBEAUTY'.
Lama kelamaan Elizabeth merasa bahwa darah para gadis desa tsb masih kurang baginya. Demi mendapat darah yg lebih 'berkualitas', Elizabeth kemudian mengincar darah para gadis bangsawan rendahan.
Dia kemudian melakukan banyak penculikan thd gadis2 bangsawan utk dijadikan korbannya. Namun hal tsb justru menjadi bumerang baginya karena hilangnya gadis2 bangsawan dengan cepat mendapatkan perhatian dikalangan bangsawan, orang2 berpengaruh hingga Raja sendiri.



Contoh replika yang menggambarkan kejadian sesungguhnya dalamkamar mandi Elizabeth Bathory.

Tanggal 30 Desember 1610, sepasukan tentara dibawah pimpinan sepupu Elizabeth sendiri, menyerbu Kastil Csejthe di malam hari.
Mereka semua terkejut melihat pemandangan yg mereka temukan di dalam kastil tsb.
Mayat seorang gadis yg pucat kehabisan darah tergeletak diatas meja makan, seorang gadis lagi yg masih hidup namun sekarat ditemukan terikat di tiang dengan kedua urat nadinya disayat hingga meneteskan darah.
Dibagian penjara ditemukan belasan gadis yg sedang ditahan menunggu giliran dibunuh. Kemudian di ruang basement ditemukan lebih dari 50 mayat yg sebagian besar sudah mulai membusuk.
Selama pengadilan atas Elizabeth Bathory di tahun 1611 sekurangnya 650 daftar nama korban2nya didapat berdasarkan laporan dari berbagai pihak.
Mulai dari keluarga2 petani hingga keluarga2 bangsawan. Elizabeth sendiri tidak pernah didatangkan di pengadilan untuk diadili secara langsung.
Hanya ke 4 pelayannya yg diadili dan kemudian dihukum mati. Namun Elizabeth mendapatkan hukumannya juga. Raja Hungaria memerintahkan Elizabeth dikurung dalam kamarnya di Kastil Csejthe selama sisa hidupnya. Para pekerja kemudian dikerahkan untuk menutup semua pintu dan jendela ruang kamar Elizabeth dengan tembok dengan hanya menyisakan lubang kecil yg digunakan untuk memasukan makanan dan minuman sehari2.

Tahun 1614, atau 4 tahun setelah Elizabeth di-isolasi dengan tembok dikamarnya sendiri, seorang penjaga melihat makanan yg disajikan untuk Elizabeth tidak disentuh selama seharian. Penjaga itu kemudian mengintip kedalam dan melihat sang Countess tertelungkup dengan wajah di lantai. Elizabeth Bathory 'The Blood Countess' meninggal di usia54 tahun. Bahkan Vlad Dracul tidak pernah berkubang dalam darah atau meminum darah. Oleh sebab itu julukan 'Vampir' sebenarnya lebih cocok ditujukan kepada Elizabeth Bathory.

poewered by
http://shockingmoment.blogspot.com/2008/08/cruel-woman.html

Minggu, 21 September 2008

Doragon Heddo (2003) aka Dragon Head





Rating: 6.0/10
Runtime: 122
Language: Japanese (English softsubs)
Country: Japan
Color: color
IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384055/

Director: Jôji Iida
Cast:
Satoshi Tsumabuki
Sayaka
Takayuki Yamada
Noahito Fujiki
Yoshimasa Kondo
Kyusaku Shimada

Description: Teru wakes up after his train crashed in a tunnel. He finds himself surrounded by his dead classmates, and the tunnel has completely collapsed. He soon realizes he is not completely alone. Two other students have also survived the crash. Nobuo has gone completely insane in the crash, sick of being bullied for so long by his classmates. Ako is unsure who to trust, but mostly just wants to escape Nobuo's violent revenge. Although Teru and Ako believe that they will be rescued if they just wait long enough, Nobuo belives he saw a strange red flash just before the train crashed. He is convinced that the world is destroyed, that they are the only three that have survived. After a fight, Teru and Ako escape from the collapsed tunnel through a tube that leads into the world above, although neither of them know what to expect once they reach the surface.

Download Links:
http://rapidshare.com/files/138244017/Dr-Head.part01.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138265069/Dr-Head.part02.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138295463/Dr-Head.part03.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138313377/Dr-Head.part04.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138323796/Dr-Head.part05.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138332112/Dr-Head.part06.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138340705/Dr-Head.part07.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138344777/Dr-Head.part08.rar
http://rapidhare.com/files/138348662/Dr-Head.part09.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138352195/Dr-Head.part10.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138355710/Dr-Head.part11.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138358941/Dr-Head.part12.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138362134/Dr-Head.part13.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138365173/Dr-Head.part14.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138365183/Dr-Head.su.rar

copyrighted
http://ncenmovie.blogspot.com/2008/09/doragon-heddo-2003-aka-dragon-

Messengers (1999) (JMovie)

powered by
http://ncenmovie.blogspot.com/2008/09/always-zoku-san-chome-no-yuhi.html




Genre: komedi (+ sedikit romance)

Cast:
Iijima Naoko
Kusanagi Tsuyoshi
Yabe Hiroyuki
Kyono Kotomi
Bessho Tetsuya
Kayama Yuzo

Ni film IMO salah satu film yg tingkat hiburannya setara dengan Waterboys dan Swing Girls. Setara karena ni film juga ga cuma mengandalkan komedi aja sebagai hiburan, tapi ceritanya juga menarik.

Ceritanya simpel2 aja. Sangat cocok utk yg lagi nyari film yg menghibur (dari sisi komedi). Tentang 2 perusahaan kurir dokumen yg bersaing utk dapetin 1 calon klien yg sangat besar. Utk menentukan siapa yg berhak utk dapet klien itu, diadakan lomba siapa yg nganterin dokumen tercepat dia yg akan dapat kontrak kliennya. Uniknya, satu perusahaan pake motor utk nganter dokumen, yg satu lagi, perusahaan milik tokoh utama, pake sepeda!


Screenshot:


Download:
Japanese w/ english subtitle

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F63QWUGK
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YCD8VRGP

sub:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QERM1CLG

Bleach Movie 2 (Compressed)

powered by
http://ncenmovie.blogspot.com/2008/09/bleach-movie-2-compressed.html

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (Studio Ghibli - 2008) TS w/ subtitles


powered by
http://ncenmovie.blogspot.com/2008/09/ponyo-on-cliff-by-sea-studio-ghibli.html



IMDB Rating = 8.4/10
Quality = Screener
Duration = 1h40m51s
Format = 712x400 DivX 683+MP3 .avi
Launguage = Japanese
English and Chinese subtitles

http://rapidshare.com/files/138607438/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138611580/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138617664/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138618823/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138623904/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138625595/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138627804/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part7.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/138628516/_Anime__Studio_Ghibli_-_Gake_no_Ue_no_Ponyo__Screener___1h40m51s_712x400_DivX683_MP3_.part8.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/143924611/Ponyo-subtitles.zip

Sabtu, 20 September 2008

DRAGON BALL THE MOVIE

powered by http://dbthemovie.com/

Emmy Rossum Talks Dragonball


September 19th, 2008
Emmy Rossum (Bulma) spoke with MTV News in great length about her character in Dragonball, her opinion on the show, and much more (including a spoiler or two).

With shooting completed for the live-action adaptation of popular anime/manga series “Dragonball,” actress Emmy Rossum told MTV News that she’s finally washed the blue coloring out of her hair and returned to a life sans catsuit and cartoon weaponry — but with a few new skills in her repertoire.

“In it, [I'm] riding a motorcyle in a leather catsuit, so that’s always fun — and I have five guns that spin all around,” said Rossum of her role as Bulma, the sometimes-partner to the film’s hero, Goku (played by Justin Chatwin). “I had never ridden a motorcycle before. I think I was more concerned about the safety of the people in the crew because sometimes I would lose control and veer randomly off into people.”

As for her character’s fondness for gunplay, Rossum said she’d never fired — or even held — a gun before “Dragonball,” but feels more than confident about pulling off her character’s trigger-happy habits thanks to some training with local Marines.

That calm-under-fire training will probably come in handy for the “Phantom of the Opera” actress, considering the level of scrutiny an adaptation of one of the anime and manga worlds’ most popular properties brings with it. According to Rossum, fans should be pleasantly surprised with the way the property has been translated to a live-action project.

“When I signed on to the project, I was a big fan of the anime and knew [Bulma] as the iconic blue, bobbed character and wanted to stay true to that — but we also wanted to make it realistic,” explained Rossum. “So in keeping with the director and what the studio really wanted, we adapted her look to be a little more realistic and human, and little bit more believable for contemporary day. She’s pretty bad-ass, but still quirky and fun, and kind of ridiculous in the way she is in the anime.”

That doesn’t mean the legions of “Dragonball” faithful aren’t far from her mind, though. Rossum said her first encounter with “Dragonball” was the Saturday morning cartoon, only to realize that “it’s really so much more than that — from the comic to [the cartoon] to the whole franchise and brand, so many people feel such a closeness to these characters.”

“So, it’s a little bit stressful to play a character that so many people hold close to their hearts,” she admitted, “but you just hope you do it justice and they like it.”

Rossum also hinted at a few aspects of the film that should have fans guessing, telling MTV News that she’s “seen some wax molds” for potential action figures, and cautiously acknowledged that a video game based on the film was “a possibility.”

Possibly the most interesting tease she offered up was her anticipation of not only seeing “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum James Marsters appear on screen in his role as Lord Piccolo, but also “an incredible monster that I can’t talk about that is very, very tall.”

“It’s actually a very tall man — an 8-foot man,” she added. “It’s based on something else from the… You know, I can’t really say anything else.”

Motorcycle incidents and catsuits aside, Rossum said she’d be up for a return to the role in a “Dragonball” sequel, and vehemently denied rumors that the project was in danger of being cancelled or otherwise shut down.

“Oh, no. I really doubt that’s possible,” said Rossum. “That’s not going to happen.”

Gabriela de la Garza Interview

September 17th, 2008

It was just recently revealed that Mexican actress Gabriela de la Garza would have a small part in the film. We were curious about the role, so we asked her a few questions about it. Thanks to Sean for arranging the interview, and a big thank you to Gabriela for taking the time to answer the questions!

DBtheMovie: What is your characters role / purpose in the movie? How long were you on set?
Gabriela de la Garza: I am an Avatar, and I give information to other characters. I was only one day on set and one day for wardrobe and make-up design which is awesome.

DBtheMovie: Were you familiar with Dragonball before being cast?
A: I knew Dragon Ball Z from the Tv series and of course also knew the impact it has worldwide. Thats why despite of having a small role, I really was excited to do it. Is one of those experiences, full of fantasy, you dont have every day.

DBtheMovie: How was it like working with the director James Wong?
A: Working with James Wong was great. He is a very specific kind of person and he can really transmit the idea he has for every scene. He really cares about the details so I am sure the movie will be beyond extraordinary!

DBtheMovie: Where did you shoot your scenes?
A: I shot my scenes with a green screen at Estudios Churubusco.

DBtheMovie: Did you get to work with any of the cast?
A: I worked alone, I mean with no other member of the cast. I met Justin [Chatwin] while doing our make up and he is a very cool guy, He was exited to be working in Mexico. We had a nice talk.

DBtheMovie: And finally, do you think the fans of the show will be satisfied with this adaptation?
A: Be sure not only the fans, but everybody who sees the movie will be very, very pleased and satisfied with the result. I think the director, the cast, the production, everything is part of a huge success, and I am very proud to be part of it.

Brian Tyler on Dragonball

September 16th, 2008
Filmmuziek interviewed Brian Tyler (Dragonball’s composer) about his recent and upcoming work. In the interview Brian describes what Dragonball’s score will be like. You can listen to the full audio interview here or just the Dragonball portion below:

[Found by Craig]

New Shot of Piccolo

September 8th, 2008
Edward French (make-up artist) posted a new set photo of Piccolo (James Marsters) on his official website. He states that he can’t show Piccolo’s face yet due to the request of Fox, but promises a behind-the-scenes photo gallery when the film is released. Click to enlarge.

Gabriela de la Garza in Dragonball

September 7th, 2008
In an interview with Informador, Mexican actress Gabriela de la Garza revealed she had a role in Dragonball.

“My character is virtual! It’s like a computer, to all who arrive to the city and want communicate with her, gives them instructions. The hairstyle, clothing, everything was fantastic. ”

The actress explains further that “always shot my scenes with green screen (green screen that allows overlay landscapes) and James Wong was directing me, is a great filmmaker.

The article goes on to say that the film’s setting will be futuristic.

Almost a year ago, the director James Wong was visiting several countries, including Mexico, looking for the perfect place to shoot the film version of live action, Dragon Ball. And he was convinced by Durango, where are deserts and snow and Santa Fe, in the Federal District, to recreate the atmosphere of the original comic by Akira Toriyama.

In the first place he recreated the fight of Goku and the devil Piccolo, as happens in the animated television series and in the second a city of the future.

Jamie Chung in Variety Japan

September 5th, 2008
Jamie Chung (Chi-Chi) was recently interviewed by Variety Japan, where she talks a little about Dragonball. Thanks to my source in Japan for the translation.

Jamie Chung, she appeared at the interview room in very high tension. As soon as she found out I was Japanese, she asked me the question, “Is it true that all Dragon Ball characters names derive from the name of vegetables?” The name of the Saiyan is so, I explained, she said “Well, what does Chi-chi mean in Japanese? Shooting place in Mexico, the crew spoke Spanish, all of them laughed when they called my name Chi-chi, I asked why they were laughing, they said that Chi-chi means boobs in Spanish!” I was surprised, in fact almost the same meaning in Japanese, when I told her it, “No!” She was shocked and put her hands on her head, but she rebound quickly, and showed an impish smile.

She is 25-years-old, a Korean American who was born and raised in San Francisco. The family lived in the Japan Town, She grew up surrounded by Japanese culture. The city where anime events are often held is her playground, Jamie says “Dragon Ball” and “Hello Kitty” is her Idol.

She knows the importance and high-visibility of Dragon Ball in Japan, so she take great care of Japanese fans.

“I know that a lot of Japanese actors wanted to play the movie’s roles, so I gave my best for Japanese fans to be satisfied with it, I’m happy if you enjoy. Director James Wong did diligent research, he read a lot of Japanese manga, I’m sure that this movie will be respecting the original as much as possible. I heard that his son who hadn’t read Dragon Ball yet, read it around this time and was fascinated with it. Japanese people may think the Japanese should be cast more in the movie, but when we thought of the story, Goku is an alien. Justin Chatwin looks astonishingly like Goku, I think he is exactly Goku. He looks like Japanese a little bit (laugh). ”

The most powerful woman to play, her weak scene was……

“Chi-chi is one of the strongest women. To play the action heroine is the dream of every actress. There are a lot of roles for romantic comedy and melodrama, but action heroine not so much. Producer Stephen Chow couldn’t come to the set, but he gave us a lot of the ideas for actions before the shooting, at the same time I watched the Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle to research action scenes. Staff of action sequences were very excellent, and I believe it will be amazing scenes mixed with various martial arts like tae kwon do and so on.

Jamie is slender and it looks like she has excellent reflexes. Her most
difficult scene was not action scene, she said.

“It was kiss scene, because it was the first time for me……. This didn’t have choreography (unlike the action scenes), I had to think for myself. I was so nervous. It was very difficult, more so than action scenes (laughs).”

When I asked about Eriko Tamura, she showed beaming face.

“Eriko is a very good friend! She is a great, beautiful, cute and polite. She played Mai, a very evil and dark character, though she is very good and cheerful. But she is a method actor (acting based on the experience) so she got into the role even in the break time of shooting and controlled herself if she wanted to have a chat. She tried very hard.

Jamie Chung Interview

September 4th, 2008
We sure have had a lot of Jamie Chung (Chi-Chi) interviews this past month, and today we have another. You can read the full interview here on IGN, and the Dragonball portion below.

IGN: Dragonball has such a huge following. Were you aware of it beforehand?

Chung: I’m so scared… I grew up watching Dragonball. Are you kidding me? I love it! So, to play Chi Chi, the girl that I admired, is kind of crazy. I kind of wanted to be Bulma, but Emmy Rossum is perfect for Bulma. She really fits the character essence and everything.

IGN: What was the shoot like?

Chung: It was awesome. A major motion picture and a TV schedule is so different and the budget’s are so different, and the magic that you can make happen is amazing.

IGN: Were you able to take any of the things you’d learned on Samurai Girl and use them in Dragonball?

Chung: Oh, yeah. And I learned even more on Dragonball and I brought it to Samurai Girl. It was great!

IGN: What was it like working with your costars in Dragonball?

Chung: They’re brilliant actors. Emmy, only being 21, is an absolute pro. She knows what she’s doing, she’s absolutely gorgeous – she’s stunning. And she’s dedicated. I was in awe of her beauty. James Marsters has a huge following, but he’s so down to Earth. He’s a method actor and he’s fantastic. He’s the perfect Piccolo. I know they won’t show it to you, but the makeup they did and the mask took three hours to do, and he looks insane. They were very picky and particular on how he was going to look. Justin Chatwin is a pro. Not only does he fit the character internally — he has Goku’s essence — but he looks like a cartoon character! With his big, blue eyes, he looks like Japanese anime!

IGN: What are your outfits like in Dragonball?

Chung: Lots of boobies. I mean, it fits my character name, you know?

IGN: [Laughs] What was your reaction seeing the costume?

Chung: I’m like, “You want me to look wholesome and you want me to wear pants and not show leg, and yet I have Chi Chis!”