Plot Summary:
A frustrated Tokyo homicide detective investigates a series of bizarre, identical murders committed by unrelated individuals who carve an 'X' into their victims with no memory of the crime.
Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Producers: Junyuki Shimoda, Atsuyuki Shimoda, Hiroyuki Koto
Screenplay: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Starring:
Kōji Yakusho as Kenichi Takabe
Masato Hagiwara as Kunio Mamiya
Tsuyoshi Ujiki as Shin Sakuma
Anna Nakagawa as Junko Takabe
Yoriko Dōguchi as Yoko Hanaoka
Music: Gary Ashiya
Cinematography: Tokushō Kikumura
Editing: Kan Suzuki
Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Producers: Junyuki Shimoda, Atsuyuki Shimoda, Hiroyuki Koto
Screenplay: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Starring:
Kōji Yakusho as Kenichi Takabe
Masato Hagiwara as Kunio Mamiya
Tsuyoshi Ujiki as Shin Sakuma
Anna Nakagawa as Junko Takabe
Yoriko Dōguchi as Yoko Hanaoka
Music: Gary Ashiya
Cinematography: Tokushō Kikumura
Editing: Kan Suzuki
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⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
J-Horror Atmosphere and the Shadow of Mamiya
FREDDY:
Today we don't have Beat Takeshi, and what a change of pace we got because of that! We don't get to see a Yakuza crime scene with director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, but we do get a strange serial killer that doesn't remember who he is. Or does he? This movie's visuals are amazing. Sometimes you get this wide angle like you are seeing a 2D video game, and it creates a really cool effect. These shots create some tension because you feel like some character is about to jump-attack another. Also, we can't go without mentioning the darkness and atmosphere created around Mamiya; it is just so creepy and mysterious. This movie totally has the same feel as movies like Ju-on or Ring.
Today we don't have Beat Takeshi, and what a change of pace we got because of that! We don't get to see a Yakuza crime scene with director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, but we do get a strange serial killer that doesn't remember who he is. Or does he? This movie's visuals are amazing. Sometimes you get this wide angle like you are seeing a 2D video game, and it creates a really cool effect. These shots create some tension because you feel like some character is about to jump-attack another. Also, we can't go without mentioning the darkness and atmosphere created around Mamiya; it is just so creepy and mysterious. This movie totally has the same feel as movies like Ju-on or Ring.
KRASNAYA:
Hello Freddie, inspired by the spirit and style of Takeshi Kitano, we chose the film Cure, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, which became part of the new wave of Japanese cinema - j-horror. Phew, this one kept me in constant tension. The film is very dark and strong. As you mentioned, this film is not rich in colors; it reminded me of a shadow theater, in Japanese ascetic and vagrant scenery, where a vague, but inevitable threat seems to be in every dark spot. The camerawork is awesome - this way of shooting from around the corner really terrified me. An excellent technique that creates a sense of presence.
Hello Freddie, inspired by the spirit and style of Takeshi Kitano, we chose the film Cure, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, which became part of the new wave of Japanese cinema - j-horror. Phew, this one kept me in constant tension. The film is very dark and strong. As you mentioned, this film is not rich in colors; it reminded me of a shadow theater, in Japanese ascetic and vagrant scenery, where a vague, but inevitable threat seems to be in every dark spot. The camerawork is awesome - this way of shooting from around the corner really terrified me. An excellent technique that creates a sense of presence.
Hypnotism, Acting and the Supernatural Element
FREDDY:
For someone in his 30's, the hypnotism or mesmerism theme can sound a little naïve at the beginning of the movie. But, when you understand that a supernatural force might be involved, the movie gets a whole other meaning and becomes a bonafide horror movie.
Both the hero and villain are fantastic in this movie. Mamiya (Masato Hagiwara) goes without saying. His calmness is just spine chilling. Koji Yakusho, who plays Takabe, does an amazing job and he's especially good in the scene where he sees his dead wife. He was very convincing with his emotions.
For someone in his 30's, the hypnotism or mesmerism theme can sound a little naïve at the beginning of the movie. But, when you understand that a supernatural force might be involved, the movie gets a whole other meaning and becomes a bonafide horror movie.
Both the hero and villain are fantastic in this movie. Mamiya (Masato Hagiwara) goes without saying. His calmness is just spine chilling. Koji Yakusho, who plays Takabe, does an amazing job and he's especially good in the scene where he sees his dead wife. He was very convincing with his emotions.
KRASNAYA:
Yap, I totally agree that the acting was amazing. I really felt uncomfortable in the presence of Miyaki, it felt like he was trying to hypnotize me too.
Yap, I totally agree that the acting was amazing. I really felt uncomfortable in the presence of Miyaki, it felt like he was trying to hypnotize me too.
An Ambiguous Ending and Final Verdict
FREDDY:
So, Krasnaya, what the hell happened at the end of the movie? Who hypnotized the waitress? Was it detective Takabe, who was now hypnotized by the sounds he heard on the phonograph? This movie is worth a second watching for me. It seems like I've missed something.
So, Krasnaya, what the hell happened at the end of the movie? Who hypnotized the waitress? Was it detective Takabe, who was now hypnotized by the sounds he heard on the phonograph? This movie is worth a second watching for me. It seems like I've missed something.
KRASNAYA:
The end of the movie leaves you with a lot of questions. I just think Kurosawa didn't have the answer either, just because this evil inside each of us never ends. So I totally recommend this slow thriller, full of philosophical dialogues and high-quality psychology.
The end of the movie leaves you with a lot of questions. I just think Kurosawa didn't have the answer either, just because this evil inside each of us never ends. So I totally recommend this slow thriller, full of philosophical dialogues and high-quality psychology.
FREDDY:
I also recommend this movie to anyone who loves a good mystery, or is fascinated by serial killers. I'm looking at you Netflix viewers. Why are you so obsessed with psychopaths?
I also recommend this movie to anyone who loves a good mystery, or is fascinated by serial killers. I'm looking at you Netflix viewers. Why are you so obsessed with psychopaths?
Krasnaya's Score
75/100
Freddy's Score
79/100
FINAL SCORE
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