V1iB1i
I discovered this movie after watching "Himizu" and checking out the cast. In this movie two actors from the later one are present. They do not have main, but still have important and memorable roles. Plus when I found out that Erika Sawajima is the lead here it was decided: I am watching this movie no matter what kind of reactions/reviews it has.
And right away I must say that the entire cast and their acting was awesome. This is one daring and controversial movie and you have to have guts to agree to star in it plus to carry out such roles.
Firstly, here is what the story is about:
It tells a story of a young model/star/idol called Lilly who underwent a full-body plastic surgery to become that what she is now. As her manager says "All that's hers are her eyeballs, her ears, her fingernails and her pussy". But even while being considered one of the most beautiful women in Japan she just never feels happy. She is feeling empty inside and is trying to fill it up in various ways. Having sex whenever she gets excited or frustrated or when it is needed to get her career moving is one of them.
Eventually she starts falling apart. And is dragging everyone around her down with her.
But what's so controversial/shocking about it?
*This movie has quite a lot of rather open sex scenes. They are not to the level of porn, but still might be shocking if you do not expect them. (Though it's nothing more open from that what you'd get when turning TV on after 10PM. I think it would be rated R14 in my country)
*Also you are seeing a downfall of a young star and downfalls are never beautiful, plus this one is a rather extreme one. Though in the end it becomes beautiful. (If I say anything else about it I'll spoil way too much for you guys)
*And there are a few grotesque episodes. A very strong one at the end. It might give you creeps, chills and some other unpleasant feelings but at the same time it will be very beautiful and fascinating. (that is exactly how I understand the word "grotesque" so I guess it fits this situation the best)
As for the cinematography, I'd give it the highest rating possible. The surroundings, the angles, the lighting, the transitions from one shot to another were brilliantly done. It just blew my mind.
And as for the music: it was perfect. Simply perfect. In some places it was very minimal but in others the drum sounds beat in sync with every movement Lilly makes and it gives a wonderful sensation of tension that maybe could even be called horror at some parts.
And the rock genre song at the very end was like a ripe strawberry on top of a perfectly made cupcake.
I think I will be watching this again and I will definitely be showing it to my friends. Also I think that every person that wants to enter the entertainment industry should watch it, just to see what sometimes might happen.
Overall I'm giving this a 10/10
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie is breathtaking. And I literally mean it. It's not breath taking in a beautiful, light-hearted, but in a shocking way.
Quite a few times while watching it I could feel my heart being clenched in an ice cold fist and streaming tears or a plain expression of shock or disbelief following it.
It reminded me of another Japanese movie called "Visitor Q" in a sense that I thought to myself "This is so f***ed up... this movie is seriously f***ed up..." multiple times through out it, but unlike "Visitor Q" there is no or close to no comical approach to all this mess.
So why do I say that this movie is so "wrong"? Without spoiling too much of it I'll just say this: I saw this as a story of a kind boy who is trying to move through life but is horribly maltreated, who despises himself and who has been repeatedly told that he would be better off dead. A boy that has seen mostly only the dark side of the life and who has not been shown what love and compassion is. And if that wouldn't be enough it seems like life just keeps throwing rocks and laughing at him. Everything that happens seems so horribly wrong. And he is not the only one that is made fun of by the destiny.
I can not say anything else without spoiling the show, but let's just say that the unfairness of life makes this movie so brilliant yet shocking.
The acting was astonishing. I don't understand how such young people can cope with such complicated roles and act out everything so perfectly. Mad props for them. It made the story convincing and realistic.
As for the music: I loved it. Classical music was played though out the whole (i think. Or at least I noticed only the classical pieces) movie and it gave some extra grimness to it. Also it helped to build up the tension where it was needed and filled the episodes with no dialog perfectly.
Though I'm not sure if I will ever watch this movie again. It was great. Impressive. Emotionally heavy. But too crushing for me. It left a deep impression on me, but it would feel too heavy and exhausting to watch it again... At least at the moment. Just like a Korean movie "The Crucible". It is brilliant, I loved it, but even after a few months I still cannot re-watch it.
Overall I'm giving it a 10. A grim masterpiece.
Was this review helpful to you?
