Tag - benedict-cumberbatch

 
 

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH

Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Feb 10, 2017
Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton bring their unique talents to the characters of 'Doctor Strange'
Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Chris Hemsworth — all of them look like naturals when it comes to playing superheroes. Benedict Cumberbatch? Not as much. Though audiences love him as the new Sherlock Holmes, that iconic role has never been described as a superhero.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jan 18, 2017
'Doctor Strange': When seeing is not always believing
In case you're wondering if the entire superhero film genre is being monopolized by Marvel, it is my regrettable duty to tell you that it does look that way. There are no superhero free agents out there anymore, and if a lone wolf should be found lurking on a street corner, a Marvel representative will surely appear with a briefcase to offer a deal, a cape and a back story of a traumatic childhood or other circumstances to explain the triggering of mysterious powers.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Feb 17, 2016
'Sherlock: The Abominable Bride' leaps off the BBC and into cinemas across Japan
Red alert to Sherlockians. You have likely been suffering from withdrawals after the cliffhanger finale to the BBC series "Sherlock," which left us on a veritable desert island without murder mysteries or the comforting presence of Martin Freeman as John Watson and — worst of all — no Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock himself. But a quick fix is on the way. "The Abominable Bride," a New Year's Day TV special that aired on the BBC last month, will hit cinemas across Japan tomorrow. Let us simply be thankful for the fact that we're getting to see this so soon (because you know, desert island) and on a big screen that enables everyone to collectively bask in the glorious snobbishness of the "Sherlock" series.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Jan 27, 2016
Johnny Depp as a sociopathic crime lord in 'Black Mass'
'Black Mass" may sound like a classic horror film featuring Vincent Price or Barbara Steele, but it's actually a modern crime film about a gangster nicknamed "Whitey," played by Johnny Depp. Confusing? Yes, even more so when you examine its promo photos of a dome-headed Depp in aviator shades, which seem to promise "Fear and Loathing: The Sequel."
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Mar 19, 2015
Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Graham Moore reflect on the complexities of Alan Turing
The story of Alan Turing and his role in breaking the Nazis' Enigma code in World War II has been told many times. But never has Britain's lauded mathematician been reincarnated as such a socially offensive, harsh and humorless character.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Mar 11, 2015
The Imitation Game: 'a bog-standard biopic, riddled with historical inaccuracies'
Great minds think alike. Focus Features' Oscar-bait drama for 2014 — about a prickly genius Cambridge grad who struggled through a traumatic personal life ("The Theory of Everything") — was rather similar to The Weinstein Company's contender, "The Imitation Game."
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Dec 10, 2014
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: 'initial exhilaration gives way to fatigue'
On the one hand, we have the fanboys, for whom "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" will be the "Best. Film. Ever.," as director Peter Jackson delivers a ginormously action-packed finale to his second Middle Earth trilogy. Kicking things off with a fire-breathing dragon razing the town of Lakewood, Jackson moves quickly into a supersized battle between elves, dwarves, men, goblins, bats, wizards and orcs, but alas, no winged monkeys. One film to rule them all . . . at least until "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens" comes along.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Feb 27, 2014
Smaug the dragon to get fans fired up for 'Hobbit' sequel
The middle film in a trilogy can be a risky venture. The first film? Audiences are introduced to new characters and exciting possibilities. The final film? Hollywood pulls out all the stops to send those characters off with a bang. The middle? Well, directors often save their best tricks for the finale.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Film
Aug 22, 2013
British actress Eve makes her mark on 'Star Trek'
There must be a Union Jack stowed somewhere aboard the Starship Enterprise: The British influence on "Star Trek Into Darkness" is pretty thick. There is of course hot new man about town Benedict Cumberbatch (or "Batchi-san" to his Japanese fans) as genetically engineered evildoer John Harrison. Simon Pegg is back as chief engineer Scotty, stealing some crucial scenes right from under the noses of heroes Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto). And bringing the count of female speaking parts to a whopping two is newcomer Carol, based on the character of the same name in 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" but reimagined as an expert in advanced weaponry, played by British actress Alice Eve.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on