Confessions

johnny_ultimate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnws8ZymxME

Anyone get a chance to see this in the IFI during the week? A strange but engaging one IMO. The basic setup itself is a controversial one, and probably one best not to ruin here. But suffice to say it's a far cry from the caring, inspirational teacher-student relationships of Dead Poet's Society and its ilk. Perhaps closer to Battle Royale in its more cynical look at today's school-going generation.

Hyperstylised in terms of visual (and content too), it's a thematically complex look at the glorification of violence in Japanese society, and a compelling look at the interactions of 'cram school' students. The opening act of the film consists of a half hour long classroom scene, in which a teacher begins to talk to an unruly, distracted class. Needless to say, by the end of the half hour the students are paying full attention, and it would be hard for the audience to ignore the surprises and shocks too! It's an ambitious and effective opening gambit, and sets up one of the most unusual revenge thrillers of recent times (who the hell needs Liam Neeson when you have a plan as chilling and psychological as this?).

It's removed from reality at parts with a streak of purposefully overblown melodrama, but it's hard not to be drawn into the story. The visuals are deeply unusual and filmed in crystal clear digital high definition, lending the film a surreal edge (particularly in a number of temporally askew sequences). Exaggerated? Yup. But a curious film which most certainly leaves you with something to think about. Have only seen the first half of one of director Tetsuya Nakashima's earlier films (Kamikazee Girls) but definitely am interested in exploring the rest of his filmography after this!

bnt

I wanted to see it, but couldn't get there till the last screening on Thursday, and that was sold out. Bummer!

Mickeroo

Looking forward to this. Watched film 2011 last week where they gave it a great review, unfortunatley they also gave away about

infecting two of the students with HIV

but hopefully thats not too much of a spoiler?

johnny_ultimate

Mickeroo wrote: »

Looking forward to this. Watched film 2011 last week where they gave it a great review, unfortunatley they also gave away about

infecting two of the students with HIV

but hopefully thats not too much of a spoiler?

It's a shame they gave that away, because it's a significant plot development. It occurs at the end of the lengthy half-hour opening sequence, so it isn't a massive ending spoiler. Would've thought reviewers would have had a bit more sense to mention that though!

guapos

This is available to rent now. What a brilliant film and amazing soundtrack (you cant beat a bit of Radiohead). Best film I've seen in a long time.