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Eiko Koiki, Maho Nonami, Eiko Koike

2LDK is part of the "Duel Project," in which super-efficient directors Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus), who had both worked on the anthology Jam Films, were each challenged to take one ... read more read more...week and make a feature with two actors dueling in a single setting. Kitamura wrote and directed the samurai film Aragami, while Tsutsumi created the urban warfare story 2LDK. The title is an abbreviation, as one might see in a Japanese classified ad, for a two-bedroom apartment with a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. In 2LDK, Nozomi (Eiko Koiki) is a quiet, compulsively neat country girl who has recently moved to Tokyo in hopes of beginning a film career. Her roommate, Lana (Maho Nonami), is also an actress, but she's been at it for a while. She's brash about using her sexuality to get what she wants, while Nozomi is repressed. The personal space issues that afflict every roommate situation are exacerbated by their wildly different temperaments. While Lana is racked with guilt over a past indiscretion that ended in tragedy, Nozomi is used to being a big fish in a small pond, and has trouble dealing with the pressures of big-city life. When they learn that they're up for the same part in a big film production, the tension mounts. Lana pushes Nozomi's buttons by implying that she's been intimate with a mutual acquaintance she knows is courting Nozomi. Nozomi, who diligently marks nearly every item in the apartment with the first initial of its proper owner, lashes out when she discovers that Lana has used her shampoo, and things gradually escalate from there into an all-out, kill-or-be-killed war. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Flixster Users

77% liked it

2,885 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

6 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Yukihiko Tsutsumi

Release Date: April 11, 2002

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DVD Release Date: July 13, 2004

Stats: 277 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (277)

  • WrenchLT
    July 14, 2011
    WrenchLT
    Two female Japanese flatmates, who happen to be competing for the same acting role and boyfriend, see their rivalry boil over into one hell of a cat-fight! Highly entertaining with dark humour and a bit of comical brutallity. The first 35 minutes introduces the characters and bui... read morelds up the tension between them, then the rough stuff starts which begins with a bit of bitch-slapping then moves into no-holds-barred territory where chainsaws and samurai swords are preferred. Not as bloody as I was expecting it to be though, but still pretty violent. Really enjoyable, destined to be a cult favourite!
  • skactopus
    July 23, 2007
    skactopus
    This is one of the movies done for the "Duel Project". The other movie is Aragami. Basically it was a challenge sent out to a couple of directors from a producer. I tell you, these Japanese know how to conduct movie business. Anyway here is the terms of the project:
    -... read moreone set.
    - two to three characters.
    - the characters have to fight each other.
    - at least one of the characters must die.
    - filmed in seven days.

    "2LDK" stands for 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen. Why is that important to know? Well this is your entire set that you will be seeing for this short 70 minute film. Also, if you've read the rules above, there are only 2 characters in this film. One being played by Eiko Koike (Nozomi) and the other by Maho Nonami (Lana). There are actually a few other characters but they have no lines or their voices are only heard over the phone.

    The story is really simple and not deep or complex at all. In a way, this is alright since the movie is only 70 minutes, but it would have been nice to have a little more of a deeper story. There is some nice cinematography at certain points, but overall it isn't anything really spectacular. This movie actually seemed like it would have had a lot of potential to have some nice camera work since it is only one setting, but it seemed to fall just a bit short with it.

    The dialogue is pretty good and more on the funny side, which is needed to help push this movie along with its simple story. The film actually does something interesting throughout the movie and that is it lets you hear the thoughts that the characters are actually thinking. You get a lot of this in the first half of the movie and this is where most of the comedy comes in, since most of the thoughts are sarcastic remarks. Although you do get a lot of girl-talk in the beginning, this movie will be highly entertaining for the male population. I don't have to explain what every male will be thinking about while watching this. Especially the oil rub scene.

    The action kicks in at about the 40 minute mark. Basically the first half is all talk while the second half is an all out "cat fight." It is somewhat violent and a tad gory, but for some reason it is funny. I mean you've got two young women literally destroying each other with whatever they can find in their apartment and I find myself chuckling when one of them is electrocuting the other. I will find it hard for anybody not to laugh.

    The acting is pretty good. Eiko Koike does a good job as the shy timid good girl, while Maho Nonami plays the exact opposite of whatever Eiko is. You can already see why they are at odds with each other.

    In the end this movie could have been a little better if it had a more rich story and maybe some more interesting camera work, but it will entertain you. With the rules that were imposed on the project this is definitely a nice piece of work.

    My choice for the winner: Aragami, and it wasn't based on the fact that I'm a Kitamura fan.

    Watch both films and make your own decision.
  • threefolddado
    March 22, 2008
    threefolddado
    With some actresses I know, this could be considered a documentary.
  • FanGirl
    August 19, 2007
    FanGirl
    The synopsis on the back of the box is far more entertaining than the film itself.
  • KLFilmmaker
    April 15, 2007
    KLFilmmaker
    This is a lessen in film making. 2 characters, 1 location & an 8 day shoot. Nicely shot and cut.
  • loogenhausen
    June 10, 2011
    loogenhausen
    A wild and crazy little Japanese movie that's almost like a serious version of Looney Tunes in live action with a nihilistic mean streak.
  • Xicanaeroboi
    September 7, 2009
    Xicanaeroboi
    A great movie about the effects of jealousy and irony. The tension is built up nice and when these two girls actually go at it, it's a sight to behold.
  • heavyd2000
    September 13, 2008
    heavyd2000
    I was pissed when I first came across this in suncost. I was about half way through a scrip that is pretty much the exact same thing, but this is just so good I just had to let it go.
  • crystalmalki
    May 21, 2008
    crystalmalki
    7/10 This is one of those films I could see if roomies wernt woried bout what happened the next day and finnally had it out..lol. Short film(bout an hour) but makes its point. Spends 1st part builting up to the fight.going from catty,to vindictive, to "ITS ON GIRL".Me personall... read morey I kinda think there both insaine,just differnt extreams.When every thing goes sideways..it REALLY goes sideways.More grafic then silly..but still a good watch.
  • simsgoddess
    May 16, 2008
    simsgoddess
    Fast moving, bizarre little movie about two roomates who are trying to kill each other. Place your bets!

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Critic Reviews

Anton Bitel
October 10, 2007
Anton Bitel, Eye for Film

The two rival wannabes who are his principal characters may learn just how hard it can be to survive in the movie business, but Tsutsumi himself makes filmmaking look easy. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
March 19, 2005
John A. Nesbit, ToxicUniverse.com

entertaining quirky little film that is worth a look Full Review

Christopher Null
August 22, 2004
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

one quick visit to hell you aren't likely to forget soon Full Review

Brian Mckay
February 23, 2004
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com

If two girls beating the hell out of each other is your idea of entertainment, then 2LKD belongs on your must-see list. Full Review

December 6, 2005
Film Threat

Click to read the article Full Review

March 16, 2004
Film Threat

Click to read the article Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
September 4, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

Click to read the article Full Review

View more 2LDK reviews

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