Synopsis:

Directed by Peter I. Chang and produced by Mitch Cullin, I WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA documents the singular career of Hisao Shinagawa, a Japanese musician who has refused to give up on his elusive dream of success and stardom, regardless of the personal cost or the solitary reality of his life. For over 40 years he has worked tirelessly as a songwriter and performer, going so far as to move from Tokyo to America in 1974 without the ability to speak English. Following in the footsteps of his hero Woody Guthrie, he befriended Johnny Cash and Townes Van Zandt after hitchhiking to Nashville. Now at 60, he plays his music on the streets of Los Angeles while living in near poverty, still hoping to find an audience in a way that is admirable, bittersweet, and, ultimately, heartbreaking.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7t4UVWxv04

 

Praise for I WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA:

"(An) Interesting portrait of an outsider artist who has lead an amazing life. Hisao Shinagawa is strange, passionate, and one of those people who lives life on his own offbeat terms." - DVD Talk (John Wallis)

"Though Shinagawa would befriend the likes of Johnny Cash and Townes Van Zandt after hitchhiking to Nashville, his journey ultimately led him to the unforgiving streets of Los Angeles. There, Shinagawa would work tirelessly to find an audience who would truly appreciate his powerful but polarizing style of music." - All Movie Guide (Jason Buchanan)

"I Want To Destroy America isn't as incendiary as the title, but it's a fascinating trip anyhow.... This glimpse into [Shinagawa's] psyche and the life that brought him to where he is now is remarkable." - DigiGods

"With the skillful use of archival footage, collage, and Hisao's own music to address concerns of mortality, memory, and loss, this touching examination of an aging man taking stock of his past is handled deftly as Hisao's life moves from the atomic cityscape of post-World War II Hiroshima to the modern streets of Los Angeles." - Barnes & Noble, Editorial Staff Review

"This documentary, which was filmed during Shinagawa's 60th year on the planet, tells his moving tale, which has seen him doggedly clinging to his dreams of success despite failing to make inroads in the music industry." - moviereviewr.com

"The story of this self-proclaimed 'Japanese Bob Dylan' is an engaging exploration of one man’s desire to make peace with his past while struggling to cope with his uncertain future." - The New Mexican

"[O]ne of the most intimate and interesting documentaries I have seen in a long time." - Well-Executed Buffet (Robert L. Hughes)

Book Excerpt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7t4UVWxv04

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Topics/Categories:

Americana Roots Music, Music

Type of Work:

DVD

Publishers:

Workshop Lo-Vi

Purchase From:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CD Universe

Original Publish Date:

June 3, 2008

Formats and associated ISBNs:

825307-918595

Formats:

DVD

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