Big in Japan

Great documentary showing the struggle of foreigners trying to make it big in Japan! Really great production and editing by this indie crew!

An easy-going exploration of modern fame set in a pre Tik-Tok era that makes you glad to be 'normal'. I wish the film-maker would have persevered for longer though as the film takes a bit of an abrupt turn towards the end to manufacture an ending. Charmingly indie nonetheless with lots of LOL/WTF moments.

I did not expect this. This was a very entertaining and honest docu about a guy, Dave, trying everything on his way to get famous. On his way he befriends with Bob the beast, Ladybeard and Kylie, an Idol. This depiction of the pursuit of fame from different characters is very interesting. All are struggling in life and it takes a lot of sacrifice to achieve their dreams.

We meet some interesting examples of people who have achieved the kind of fame these guys are searching for, and many more who give great advice for how to achieve it. Sadly, none of these strategies are implemented or contacts utilised to achieve their goal. What results is a plodding cycle of failures accompanied by growing despondent navel gazing about the nature of fame and its price. Factors like charisma (an obvious component in the successful examples) aren't identified or analysed. Frankly, what began as an interesting proposition ended up being two filmmakers repeatedly humiliating their "friend" while he has a mini breakdown.

Fantastic insider's and outsider's experience of the Big In Japan phenomenon as a Foreign Idol. What makes this documentary is that you get to travel with one of the documentary making team members, Dave, throughout the 2-3 years he puts himself into this social experiment. It's real, it's raw and its really funny! There are also really touching moments in the piece as well that only a great documentary maker can capture.