Traces of Sin (2017)

The film was a roller coaster ride, truly. It was interesting and while it is not something I would define as 'exciting' at first, it was done in a pace where the viewers won't be able to pull away from their seats. The pacing was done similar as to when you're reading a book - chapter by chapter, flipping through each page and absorbing all the details that were being provided to you by the characters themselves. Its plot depicted some, if not most, of the problems the Japanese society is facing up to this day - inequality and hierarchy, just to pick the most significant.

For me, something remarkable in this film is its deliverance wherein lies which molded the beings of two characters that were said to be or known to be the 'perfect' couple on the surface were slowly peeled off of their facade ( when re-investigation came about for the homicide case ). And slowly, we as the viewers get the chance to see the perspective people had of them, their 'real' characteristics or who they are while trying to uncover who killed the family. BUT at the same time, hearing more perspective gets you confused. It is the same with reality, we hear various sides and ideas to a story and it just keeps piling up until the truth is even more covered. It is a film that will make you think until the very end.

I wouldn't say this as something I completely dislike because I decided to pick the film knowing the circumstances, but the theme was dark or heavy for me and can be triggering. So, that's a heads up for those who wishes to try.

Overall though, the acting of Mitsushima Hikari and Tsumabuki Satoshi is always on point and will pull you along the tides of emotion. No doubt about that. The lighting, music, and cinematography were also a great choice for adding to the 'suspense' atmosphere of the film. Also, this is a the type of film you would need to re-watch a couple of times to understand and perhaps get to the answer you're looking for.

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Beyond appareances lies sin

This film was not on my radar and probably without Fatema's post about it on the feed, I wouldn't have even been tempted to watch it.

First of all, it's important to know that the red flags mentioned in the tag are mostly implied, however, even so it's still super heavy because of the atmosphere conveyed by the film's narrative.

This film turned my head upside down as I saw, on the surface, a seemingly mundane story of the murder of a happy couple and their daughter, an emotionally unstable young woman and an investigative journalist in search of the truth. But the truth is hidden elsewhere, the truth isn't so bright, it's even dirty, and in retrospect we find that monsters aren't always as we imagine them.

Unlike many viewers, I like the hyper-slow aspect of the story. We have time to settle down and follow Mitsuko's thoughts, the intensity of her feelings which differs from the coldness of her actions. As for Tanaka, the character makes us uncomfortable, wanting to know everything, there is really this "too much" side to his behaviour which does not bode well.

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A refreshing, honest insight into Japan.

Being an outsider my view of Japan is always through the colourful fluffy lens of manga and anime. I always associate Japan with warm lights, wisteria, colourful food, cheerful people. I know, like every other country, Japan isn't perfect. The heirarchal structure of society is very much similar to the class division of Britain or the caste system of India.

I am not one to judge. I'm not from the country, neither do I have any lived experience there, so I just watch and learn everyday. I just finished watching the movie 10 minutes ago and I'm still shivering.

I'm immensely appreciative of the director, the screen writer and the author for giving me a glimpse of Japan that is so rarely seen. The actors were frighteningly brilliant, embodying the characters to the bone.

The story is good, much better than I expected if I'm being honest. Tragedy doesn't check your country of origin, family background or bank balance before striking. An immense sadness lingers, on the characters, on the streets, in the interior of every home. People are people after all, a product of both nature and nurture.

Who are we but the product of our familial and societal conditioning? Are we born a monster or made one? A sad, sad question.

If you're reading this review, feel free to DM me. I'd like to hear your thoughts on cultural differences. No judgement from my side. G'night!

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