“Kyoto Nocturnes is a stylishly off-kilter entertainment that mixes yakuza and other Asian action genres to humorous and horrific effect. A strong start to the planned series.”

Mark Schilling, author of The Yakuza Movie Book

“The film is rich in atmosphere, building tension through the juxtaposition of dingy, claustrophobic interiors with the lush, shadowy lanes of the moonlit ancient capital at night. Keishu Tsumagata gives a standout performance as Boss Watanabe, alternately scowling with comic rage as he bullies his underlings and trembling in rubberfaced terror as the ghosts of those he betrayed drive him to the edge of sanity. Artfully composed shots, jolts of razor sharp editing and a spare, evocative soundtrack help lend an air of menace. I’m looking forward to Part II.”

Isaac Adamson, author of Tokyo Suckerpunch

“With style and ambition to burn, Kyoto Nocturnes, Part I: Elegant Slaughter has made Foster a director to watch, and the truly mouth-watering news is that Elegant Slaughter marks but the first of a proposed five-part series. Like Kinji Fukasaku’s Graveyard of Honor crossbred with Night of the Living Dead, Foster’s loaded Beretta of a short film leaves you breathless for future installments.” Click here to download this review

Rob Daniel, Japanzine

To read an online version of Rob Daniel’s review and his interview with writer-director John Foster, visit: http://www.dragonsdenuk.com/kyoto/kyoto_nocturnes.htm

“John Foster, a writer-director from New York now living in Osaka, has done what no other Westerner has been able to accomplish so far: He’s made a great film in the yakuza genre with the majority of dialog in Japanese. Foster set out to capture the essence of a yakuza film, which he did brilliantly, but like directors Miike Takashi and Kitano Takeshi, he’s managed to infuse the genre with his own unique style.” Click here to download this review

Matt Kaufman, Kansai Time Out

“Elegant Slaughter is blessed with a strong ensemble cast featuring veteran Japanese film and stage actor Manabu Inoue. The lead role of deranged Boss Watanabe is deliriously played by actor Keishu Tsumagata… The film is beautifully lit by cinematographer Akihiro Matsuura… his carefully composed shots accentuate the colorful locations used for this film. Equally impressive is Kazuo Kajikawa’s razor sharp pacing and editing that helps build tension throughout the film. Director John Foster has a strong visual eye… I wait in anticipation to see what he will come up with next.”

Michael Den Boer, 10,000 Bullets.com