We Are X
Synopsis
The music never had to be explained. For childhood friends Yoshiki and Toshl, forming their band X in 1982 was a way of living through music. Soon they were selling out international stadiums by perfecting their own style of amps-to-11 glam rock dubbed “psychedelic violence crime of visual shock” (imagine Iron Maiden with a David Bowie spirit animal) and connecting with millions of fans.
Their journey to play Madison Square Garden amidst a Beatlemania-shaped maelstrom is expertly captured by director Stephen Kijak and editors Mako Kamitsuna and John Maringouin, who dismantle the kitsch and dig into the cult of personality to reveal a story of misfortune and tragedy that has shadowed the band time and again. Just as it is for their fans, music becomes a lifeblood for X Japan, as they are forced to reinvent and regroup in order to survive. Cameos by artistic giants including Marilyn Manson and David Lynch mark some memorable moments in this roller-coaster musical experience. (Sundance Film Festival brochure)
Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2016 - Sonic Strand
Details
- Year
- 2016
- Type of film
- Features
- Running Time
- 95 mins
- Director
- Stephen Kijak
- Producer
- John Battsek, Diane Becker
- Co-Producer
- Jonathan McHugh, Jonathan Platt
- Editor
- Mako Kamitsuna, John Maringouin
- Director of Photography
- Sean Kirby, John Maringouin
- Music
- Yoshiki
- Principal Cast
- Yoshiki, Toshl, Pata, Hiroshi Morie, Sugizo
Genre
Production status
Complete
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Last updated 26th September 2016
