2LDK on Blu-ray
TLA Releasing

When producer Shinya Kawai decided to challenge two filmmakers, I don’t think there was any intention of creating films that would continue to resonate with audiences to this day. He challenged Ryûhei Kitamura (Versus) and Yukihiko Tsutsumi (Drowning Fish) to create their movies how they wanted, but they would have to stay within certain guidelines that Kawai set.

They would have to be feature-length films, feature a dual as the center conflict, only have two actors, take place in a single setting, and they were allowed only one week to film. Both directors rose to the occasion, delivering two distinctly different films, yet never straying from the rules they had to follow. People have argued ever since about which is the better movie. Wherever your allegiance lies, there’s no denying they’re both successful in their own ways.

Kitamura delivered Aragami, the tale of two wounded samurai who take refuge in a temple where they learn each others’ secrets. Tsutsumi created 2LDK, the tale of two aspiring actresses, Lana (Maho Nonami) and Nozomi (Eiko Koike), who share an apartment in Tokyo. Both women have wildly different personalities but realize one very important thing in common: they’ve both auditioned to star in the film Yakuza Wives.

The producers plan to call in the morning to let them know who has won the role. Their friendly conversations soon turn confrontational, and the resentment they begin to feel toward one another leads to a violent climax. The film’s title, 2LDK, is a Japanese real estate acronym for a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, dining room, and kitchen, which, as simple as it may sound, really sets the tone for the picture. The apartment is just as much a character in the film as the two actresses.

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The picture shows plenty of humor when the women speak to one another. They say one thing, and then, through a voiceover, we hear what they really think, which eventually leads to the violent dual that destroys the women and their apartment.

The final twist couldn’t have been more perfect. The movie runs a brisk 70 minutes, leaving you wanting more, even though you’re fully satisfied. There’s plenty of laughs, action, suspense, and maybe even a little horror to appease a wide range of cinephiles.

Unearthed Films made sure the fans got their money’s worth with this release, packing it to the gills with special features. Their special edition includes a subtitled commentary track from Koike and Nonami, a Making Of, interviews from the Tokyo International Fantastic Film Festival, additional interviews from the premiere screening, a production briefing, a video message, a photo gallery, and more.

This is a wonderful disc for this wonderfully insane little film. I highly recommend this edition. 2LDK is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

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