Haze

This Japanese low budget horror movie is a true piece of postmodern eclectic movie-making. Instead of using Japanese movies as a source of inspiration (Like: the Ring, Grudge, Kill Bill), this movie consists of American horror movies. The movie starts with a scene of a wounded man who found himself in a very small place (ref. Cube). Soon this man finds out he's trapped in a maze and 'may be' used as a victim in a game of rich freaks (ref. Saw, My little eye). After this short introduction, the pain begins. If you have ever seen American History X (and you probably have), then the scene with the black man biting in the pavement, while Edward Norton kicks him to death, will still be in your memories. You can expect something like this, only ten times worse. Eventually he meets a woman and with her, he tries to find his way out. It won't take much of your time, since the duration of this movie is only 50 minutes, so you should watch it. If it is only for the homage (did the director ever seen that movie?) to American History X. A nice short horror masterpiece.

Unfortunately this is a difficult movie to talk about without spoiling any of the details. But just know while watching the movie, it really makes you feel uncomfortable with its great display of isolation and claustrophobia.

'Haze' is also one of those movies that makes you think before, during, and after you see the movie. This is the type of movie where a lot of interpretation is left up to the viewer, and in this case, that's a good thing. I couldn't have been anymore engrossed by what was happening on screen during the movie.

90% of the movie the main character is in some super uncomfortable position and you can totally feel it, he's completely helpless, barely able to move. But where is he going? Who put him there? Will he get out? All of these questions lead the a brilliant finale. Haze is a just as much a psychological thriller as it is physical horror. It is an interesting take on an age old question (I'll keep that question hidden as to not spoil anything), and one of the more intriguing interpretations in my eyes.

Full Review at: http://www.simplefilmreviews.com/2014/05/haze-2005.html

One of the very few films that captures that feeling of a bizarre nightmare perfectly. Screw all the clichés and jump scares from most horror movies, this is real horror.

One of the biggest things that makes this so horrifying is the sets, because 95% of this film takes place in a concrete maze (which are actually painted wooden sets) with barely enough room to move. It's so claustrophobic that I actually felt extremely uncomfortable watching it. One scene in particular has our lead character's teeth against a metal pipe, with no room for him to pull his mouth off, leaving him to shimmy left and right as his teeth grind on the metal. It's horrific and unlike anything I have seen in a horror film. It's essentially Cube or Saw with less of a focus on body count and gore (Not to say that this doesn't have some blood and gore.)

I also have major respect for Tsukamoto for keeping his films at a length that he feels is necessary for telling the story. This one is about 50 minutes long, and it feels just right. His films seem to be quite often below the 1 hour 30 minutes mark.

This thing is short, horrifying, and thought provoking all in one. We seriously need more horror movies like this, because this truly encapsulates what true terror really is.

It's so basic a premise that it hardly seems like a feature that could hold our attention, let alone meet the needs of the genre it would be described as. Yet Shinya Tsukamoto here proves an ingenuity of film-making and storytelling that defies outward simplicity. One recognizes hallmarks of his other films in 'Haze' that keep us on our toes, accentuate characters' states of mind, and or lend atmosphere - industrial music; pointedly shaky and often tightly focused camerawork; inserted or overlaid visuals and visual effects; sharp editing that cuts rapidly through sequences of additional imagery. Here these all further serve to emphasize the deeply claustrophobic setting.

Confined and bare though the space is, we're treated to careful, grim set decoration to cement the scenario. Strong attention to outstanding sound design agitates our anxieties as it highlights specific trials of the protagonist, or portends a greater danger of the place he finds himself in. All due commendations to composer Chu Ishikawa for a fantastic score that does much to build the mood at all points. And hats off to Tsukamoto - fulfilling all but a few functions of the film's construction all by himself, while also starring alongside Kaori Fujii. Both actors embrace tired, determined physicality in performances of range and nuance that once again exceed the bounds of such a distinctly small movie. Moreover, themes are broached of the unknown risk of moving forward, but also the great peril of stagnation, and the importance of connection in even the most dire of circumstances. The protagonist and supporting character both convey thoughts as to a broader narrative, a Why and How for the What, but 'Haze' declines to truly explore or explain - the picture considers itself complete as it is. I appreciate that punchiness.

In under 50 minutes, Tsukamoto crafts a more compelling, thrilling, sometimes visceral cinematic experience than some features can achieve over far greater a length. It's honest, unembellished, and surprisingly absorbing. Recognizing a content warning for blood and gore - if you're a fan of the filmmaker's work, this is especially worth checking out, but even for horror fans at large, 'Haze' is an odd and truncated but satisfying movie that's worth watching if you have the chance.

I went in with high expectations, and ended up feeling dizzy A fair warning to everyone, the camera shaking (intended I suppose) is so bad about 70% of the time that it was unwatchable for me.

I never had to stop watching anything or stop playing a game because of that, but here it's insane.

I had to look away half of the time and still felt very dizzy at the end.

So, maybe there's an average movie under the shaking (I didn't see anything special) but not worth watching at all, unless you like that kind of stuff.