Review: I love films about rock and roll.

I love the journey of finding out what the spirit of rock and roll is all about, where it comes from and where it is going. I even enjoy all the clichés of selling out, following your heart, and being true to your music. They are all overused themes, overdone a million times now, but are they not always resonating? IDEN & TITY is one such rock and roll film, totally predictable, though highly entertaining.

Speedway is a rock band on the verge of becoming great. They have already released a hit single and have been touring the circuit, enjoying the perks of being rock stars and sleeping with the never ending sea of women that come their way. But the brain behind the operation is beginning to question the path they are on. Nakajima (Kazunobu Mineta, former member of Going Steady) is more interested in making the band about the music instead of sexing up the groupies and signing autographs. He believes rock and roll is a “monster” and not the clothes you wear or the hair style you have. Obviously, this creates a conflict with their charismatic lead singer, Johnny (Shido Nakamura). With creative differences abound, Speedway begins to slowly implode.

The most interesting part about IDEN & TITY is its homage to Bob Dylan. Dylan’s music and message is an integral part in telling the story as he appears when the main character of Nakajima is at crossroads. He will appear in the crowd at a concert, outside a window, or in Nakajima’s room. Dylan communicates to him by playing the harmonica, speaking to him with famous lyrics from his own songs. These are my favorite parts of IDEN & TITY as they are tender and quite moving and become an interesting device in assisting Nakajima in his character arc.

Everyone will probably notice right away with Shido Nakamura a part of the cast, seen previously and famously as Dragon in PING PONG. He played such an aggressive and intimidating role that I wanted to see him rock out a bit. Coincidentally, he is still furious and also a hilarious force to be reckon with as the opposite of Nakajima. The beautiful and shining Kumiko Aso also plays a subtle and serene role as Nakajima’s girlfriend and musical conscience.

Based on a comic by Jun Miura, Tomorowo Taguchi’s first film is a fun ride in rock and roll. While aspects of IDEN & TITY have been touched on before in previous films about bands, it is still fascinating enough for its history lesson on the early era of Japanese rock. Both Jun Miura and Tomorowo Tagushi are also known for being the creative forces behind the cult Japanese band, The Bronsons. If anything, that alone should give IDEN&TITY a deserving and curious peek.