Heaven and earth magic refers to the belief and practice of harnessing supernatural or spiritual powers from both the celestial realm and the earthly realm. This concept can be found in various traditional belief systems and spiritual practices around the world. In many cultures, heaven is seen as the divine realm, the abode of gods, angels, and other spiritual beings. It is often associated with purity, serenity, and ultimate perfection. On the other hand, the earth is seen as the physical realm, where human beings and other living creatures reside. It is associated with duality, imperfections, and the cycle of life and death.
"This book is the film-security x-ray device we really need: it sees through everything. Witty, caustic, passionate and wise, Hoberman treats movies as the bizarre cross-cultural phenomenon they have become in a book of critical essays that somehow manages to be a suspenseful page-turner. Film criticism at this level is deliciously close to philosophy." David Cronenberg
That sociopolitical approach is telling, because Hoberman casts his critical gaze beyond the world of film; besides weekly movie reviews, he publishes on politics and culture in the Village Voice , where most of these essays first appeared. So many of our museums, fitness studios and chefs are developing incredible virtual content and we want to shine a light on their great work while also celebrating something so special in L.
It is associated with duality, imperfections, and the cycle of life and death. Heaven and earth magic seeks to bridge the gap between these two realms and tap into the energy and power that exists in both. Practitioners of this form of magic believe that by connecting with both the spiritual and physical aspects of existence, they can access supernatural forces and achieve desired outcomes.
The Magic Hour — Film Review
As a homage to the American gangster flick and its Japanese spinoffs, "The Magic Hour" is theatrical and quite predictable: A bit-part actor is lured into underworld shenanigans, all the while thinking he's starring as a deadly sniper in a film.
March 23, 2009 3:06pm- Share this article on Facebook
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HONG KONG — As a homage to the American gangster flick and its Japanese spinoffs, “The Magic Hour” is theatrical and quite predictable: A bit-part actor is lured into underworld shenanigans, all the while thinking he’s starring as a deadly sniper in a film.
Yet as nostalgic emulation of the heydays of the lavish studio movies, it achieves the acme of technical refinement in conjuring up a stylish, Roaring Twenties look and the charm evoked by that period.
Director Koki Mitani’s previous film, “Suite Dreams,” was holder of Japan’s top-grossing boxoffice record for a comedy. “The Magic Hour” was boxoffice champ in the first fortnight of domestic release. It was also well received in major Asian markets and thus has some ancillary potential further afield.
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To enjoy the film, one must suspend disbelief that it is set in present-day Japan and be spirited away to a geographic-and-time-warp constructed in a 40,000 square foot studio set not unlike the neighborhood in “Amelie of Montmartre.”
When club manager Bingo (Satoshi Tsumabuki) is caught bedding the local kingpin’s moll, Mari (Eri Fukatsu), he earns a reprieve by promising to track down Della Togashi, an elusive sniper who boss Teshio (Toshiyuki Nishida) is dying to meet. Bingo poses as a director and hires down-and-out actor Taiko Murata (Koichi Sato) to star as Della, the deadly assassin in his made-up gangster film.
Murata swaggers onto Teshio’s turf and gets into dangerous scrapes, which he believes are just part of the ad hoc script. As Murata and Teshio continue to act and talk at cross purposes, Bingo and his ersatz crew must ad lib to save themselves.
Koki Mitani’s background in theater is evident in his script, which despite numerous character and dramatic reversals still bears the outline of a five-act play enacted in six main locations. He is prone to pushing a point whether comic or sentimental, like the repeated flashbacks of Murata’s favorite movie, but his use of double meaning in dialogue is consistently funny.
Like Mitani’s other works, “Magic Hour” is a star-studded vehicle. However, unlike “Suite Dreams,” which was an Altman-like parade of showbiz names in cameos, this film focuses more on the core characters’ development and how they bring out the best in each other.
Admittedly, it takes consummate skill to play a bad actor, but so strenuous is Koichi Sato’s attempt to ham up Murata’s performance that he risks becoming what he’s only supposed to feign. Eri Fukatsu is fine as a sultry chorus girl, but there is little substance in her character.
Hats off to veteran comedian Toshiyuki Nishida as the mafia boss. No matter how preposterous the scenario, his performance doesn’t descend into caricature. He stays low-key in the midst of high-strung reactions from his co-stars, growing in stature toward the end when confronted with a humiliating turf takeover.
Production companies: Fuji Television/Toho/ Cine Bazar
Cast: Koichi Sato, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Eri Fukatsu, Toshiyuki Nishida, Haruka Ayase
Director/screenwriter: Koki Mitani
Producers: Chihiro Kameyama, Yoshihige Shimatani, Kuga Maeda, Kazutoshi Wadakura
Executive producer: Takashi Ishihara
Director of photography: Hideo Yamamoto
Production designer: Yohei Taneda
Music: Kiyoko Ogino
Costume designer: Ikuko Utsunomiya
Editor: Soichi Ueno
Sales: Pony Canyon
No rating, 136 minutes
This form of magic often involves rituals, spells, divination, and other practices that aim to communicate with the divine and harness the natural energies of the earth. It may involve invoking deities or spirits from the celestial realm, while also utilizing herbs, stones, and other earthly elements for their magical properties. Heaven and earth magic can be associated with various aspects of life, such as love, healing, protection, and manifestation of desires. It is believed to offer a balance between the spiritual and physical aspects of reality, allowing individuals to tap into higher powers while still remaining grounded in the earthly realm. It is important to note that the practice of heaven and earth magic can differ greatly among different cultures and belief systems. Each tradition may have its own unique rituals, beliefs, and symbols associated with this form of magic. Some may incorporate elements from astrology, while others may focus on the use of specific tools or ceremonies. Overall, heaven and earth magic is rooted in the belief that by acknowledging and connecting with both the spiritual and physical realms, individuals can tap into the vast powers that exist beyond the human world. It is a way of understanding and interacting with the supernatural and natural forces that shape our existence..
Reviews for "The Elemental Magic of Heaven and Earth: A Crossroads of Power"
1. Alice - 1/5
I was extremely disappointed with "Heaven and Earth Magic". The animation style was incredibly basic and unappealing, making it difficult to stay engaged with the film. The plot, if there even was one, was completely nonsensical and confusing. I found myself not caring about any of the characters or their stories. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for a well-crafted and entertaining experience.
2. John - 2/5
"Heaven and Earth Magic" was not what I expected at all. The slow pacing and lack of dialogue made it hard for me to follow along with what was happening. The abstract and surreal nature of the film made it feel disconnected and disjointed. While I appreciate experimental and avant-garde cinema, this film just didn't resonate with me. I found it to be pretentious and self-indulgent, lacking a clear message or purpose.
3. Sarah - 1/5
I couldn't even finish watching "Heaven and Earth Magic". The abstract animation and strange imagery did nothing to capture my attention. It felt like a mishmash of random scenes and images with no coherent direction. I found myself confused and bored within the first few minutes. I understand that the film is highly regarded in some circles, but it was simply not for me. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging cinematic experience.