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Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

Play trailer Poster for Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo 2009 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Cultural and historical references untangle Japan's fascination with insects.
Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

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Critics Consensus

Offbeat and wondrously shot, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo makes persuasive macro observations about Japanese culture through a microcosmic study of insects.

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Critics Reviews

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Nicolas Rapold Film Comment Magazine After initially pondering the basic fact that creepy-crawlies are not always viewed with affection elsewhere, the film delves into Japanese thought and culture. Jul 1, 2013 Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard It flies like a moth around its subject suggesting, sometimes playfully and occasionally ponderously, that we humans are as much like bugs as the creepy-crawlies themselves. Rated: 2/5 Jul 1, 2011 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian What an original and distinctive film this is. Rated: 4/5 Jun 30, 2011 Full Review Dustin Chang Floating World More of an anthropological essay than straight-up documentary, Beetle Queen shows the latest craze in Japanese culture. Mar 21, 2021 Full Review Mark Seneviratne Film Inquiry Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo is like the best of ambient music: comforting, emotive, overwhelming at times, and always worth the time spent giving it your full attention. Dec 10, 2020 Full Review Amie Simon Three Imaginary Girls Director Jessica Orek draws us into a culture where every living creature - even the tiniest one - is equally important. Mar 8, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (15) audience reviews
Audience Member Similar to the way that people collect coins or playing cards, the Japanese love to collect beetles of all different shapes and sizes. Some are quite ornate and lovely to look at it but I find it hard not to think that every beetle in the country has to have been captured to meet the high demand. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review walter m As anecdotal, reductive, and repetitive a documentary that "Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo" sometimes is(although you have to love that title), at the same time, there is a fine sentiment buried here about respecting nature, using Japan's blend of Shinto and Buddhist philosophy as a model. According to the documentary, this is why insects(even the creepiest and ickiest of them) are so widely accepted there. So much so, that the songs of crickets are enormously popular and an entrepreneur buys a Ferrari solely from the profits from capturing beetles for stores. Except it does not tell the whole story and is a prime example why bringing up the idea of national identity is to say the least, wrong. If you don't believe me, check out "The Cove" about how some Japanese fishermen have a total lack of respect for nature. So which picture is right? Both? Neither? Just remember that this is a complex world we live in. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A doc that focuses on japans onsession with insects, here we get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people fasination with insects as pets to the industry itself and the people whom make money catching these creatures, its all loosely told more visual than hard facts. it comes off great at times. seeiong the industry created through this is fun to see. and the doc overall shows a japan of today while delving into its past to compare. a interesting doc that certainly wont be for everyone,m and a cover and tile is no monster movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member I'm really impressed by what Jessica Oreck has produced, it is a bit slow for a lot of folks, but I think it one of the most impressive documentary films, especial nature documentary, made this millennium! I can't wait to see what else she creates and believe that she will push the very medium of documentary to knew expanses! As an aspiring nature documentary filmmaker she is my main inspiration when creating my short films. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Who would have thought it, The Japanese love insects. They love them long time. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member much deeper and complex than i expected...beautifully shot...more about the complex and religious relationship between japanese culture, buddhism and the insect than actual beetle fighting (which for some reason i thought it was about)...the moments showing the pride and joy of japanese children interacting with their pets and prized possessions and the visual celebration of the 'ideology" of the insect in buddhist teachings was the most fascinating for me... Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Cultural and historical references untangle Japan's fascination with insects.
Director
Jessica Oreck
Producer
Maiko Endo, Akito Kawahara, Jessica Oreck
Screenwriter
Jessica Oreck
Production Co
Myriapod Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 20, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$10.1K
Runtime
1h 30m