Hong Kong films have in recent years become popular with American cineastes for their over-the-top qualities; however, true Asian cinema buffs know that the wildest fare comes not from Hong Kong, but from Japan. Case in point, Pinnochio 964 (1992), a prime example of cyberpunk cinema. Others include Tetsuo (1990) and Death Powder (1986), but Pinnochio 964 is by far the wildest film this sub-genre has to offer. Director Shozin Fukui employs several over-the-top touches, creating what may be the ultimate "punk" movie.
* Pinnochio 964 may be one the most outrageous films ever to come out of Japan. It's perfect for anyone interested in the extremes of underground filmmaking.	The Package A brief scene (over the end credits) featuring the cast wigging-out with a punk band shows Pinnochio 964's true loyalties. Its demented subject matter, loud industrial soundtrack, confrontational sex and gore scenes, and shocking performances teetering on the edge of hysteria make Pinnochio 964 ideal viewing for the spike-haired, pierced-lips set.* But even though it became a cult hit in its native country, the film has failed to secure an American release.
* The story is (as with most Japanese films) unrelentingly mysogynic.	The Story Pinnochio, a cyborg built to sexually satisfy lonely women, is thrown out onto the street by its dissatisfied owners, a depraved lesbian couple. After taking up with a young homeless woman, the rapidly malfunctioning android attempts to confront its creators. Clearly, plot isn't the main thing on writer-director Shozin Fukui's mind. Itäs the grotesque and disturbing imagery that takes center stageexcessive gore, drool, slime and what may be the most prolonged vomiting scene ever.* Definitely not for all tastes, Pinnochio 964 is a love-it-or-hate-it experience which could explain why it hasn't been released in the USA.
* Fukui is either a cinematic genius or a complete lunatic. Either way, the film is a total mindblower.	The Direction The many stylistic eccentricities on display here include use of extremely wide lenses, angles shot from a vertical perspective, shots held for an unconscionably long time, fast motion, etc. It's often difficult to know if we're meant to take the proceedings seriously, particularly during Pinnochio's climactic rampage through the streets of Tokyo and his subsequent showdown with his insane creators. (This confrontation includes epilepsy, heart and face ripping, transplanted heads, and a declaration of true love did I not say this was weird?) Fukui's current status in the Japanese film industry is unknown to me but then, do I really want to find out...*
	Vital Statistics Pinnochio 964, 110 minutes Released through Video Search of Miami Director: Shozin Fukui Screenplay: Shozin Fukui Cast: Hage Suzuki, Onn-Chan, Kyouko Hara, Ranyaku Mikutei
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