Review of Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo (2009) by Amie S — 03 Jan 2011

Contrary to its B-Movie title, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo is actually an engaging documentary about Japanâ(TM)s fascination with all things insect.

Juxtaposing images of beetle hunters, cricket keepers, entomologists, insect markets and adorable squealing children who keep pets of the squirmy variety, Director Jessica Orek draws us into a culture where every living creature â" even the tiniest one â" is equally important.

I admit: some of the larvae close-ups gave me the wigs (donâ(TM)t even get me started on the Ferrari-driving dude who supplements his sake with WASPS! And then drinks! IT!), but thereâ(TM)s also plenty of beauty to look at: dragonfly wings, fluttering butterflies, and crickets chirping happily.

I enjoyed it, even if it didnâ(TM)t exactly convince me that I need to keep anything other than furry, four-legged creatures in my house.