Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo (2009)

Lack of good storyline.

A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Absolutely horrendous, made up facts, no continuity, bad camera work. Utterly idealized and false outsiders view of Japanese culture. Somehow Oreck managed to fool people with this vapid nonsense, even to the point of getting SWSW and Independent lens to show it...(bad) form and no substance.

'Look at insects--carefully. It's actually a way of life.' These words, spoken by Dr. Takashi Yoro, a beloved philosopher who is filmed in a rare interview in this movie (and yes, I did have to look him up, because I was touched by what he said), could be a guiding metaphor for Beetle Queen. I watched insects on the screen as I have never watched them in real life. I began to watch them as the Japanese in the movie seem to watch them--with wonder. By the time of the firefly scene at the center of the movie, I was spellbound. The music-- Japanese pop from the 80's--was so perfect. It sort of sparkled, just like the scene. I actually ended up buying the soundtrack which I have enjoyed richly but it made me want to see the film again.So I rented it from Netflix to watch again recently--pretty rare for me--but I wanted the wonder.I got it in spades.

"Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" is a documentary about the Japanese people's age-old love affair with insects Knowing absolutely nothing about why the people of Japan view insects as creatures worthy of respect, even adoration (a trait I suspect is totally alien to people in the West where the natural reaction is to tread on them), I was eager to see this documentary which is part of the documentary season at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival. The filmmaker Jessica Oreck is a lifelong insect lover, and also animal keeper at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Unfortunately, having an abiding passion for insects does not necessarily mean that one can just pick up a camera and start making a documentary. The age-old maxim about the closer one is to the subject, the less likely one is able to be objective about that subject, certainly holds true in this documentary. My main complaint about this film is the way it jumps from one subject to another, without any rhyme or reason, and then back again. Is the scene looking down on people cross a busy intersection holding up umbrellas meant to be a metaphor for how insects behave? What about the scene where all we see of a person is their foot? This film is let down by annoyingly sloppy camera-work. There are scenes that are completely out of focus. And the hand-held shots are so tight, and wobbly, one doesn't get a sense of what is meant to be happening. At the end of the day, it's down to the director to make sure that the camera-work is sharp, correctly focused and helps drive the film's narrative. Which brings me back full circle – that is, for the director to let someone with a more objective eye, make the kind of film this subject matter so richly deserves. That said, "Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" is still a fascinating, and bizarre film that details how beetles are captured, to insect-dispensing machines and upmarket insect shops where a single purchase can set you back $90,000. Four out of ten

If you're one of those who possesses a chronic fear of insects,do yourself a favour & avoid this film at all costs. That aside,Jessica Oreck's stunning documentary,'Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo' is a meditation on the people of Japan,and how & why they worship & honour beetles,crickets,etc. We see how the business of harvesting beetles are a cottage industry. Beetles & other insects are viewed with respect there (it may have a lot to do with their grasp of both Buddism & Shinto,an even more ancient religion that views nature as sacred). Jessica Oreck ('An Anatomy Of Memory')directs this loving meditation on what we in the west view as creepy crawly,and are prone to stepping on insects,rather than understanding them (such a pity). Interviews with philosophers & merchants of beetles,crickets,etc.,as well as footage of Japanese citizens being truly one with their surroundings are aplenty. Spoken in English & Japanese with English subtitles. Not rated by the MPAA,this film serves up absolutely nothing to offend (but you may consider leaving the little ones home,as they will find the subtitles a crashing bore,as well as the subject matter)