Himizu

This one - like The Land of Hope, for example - is a difficult one. Why? Because if it was from the hands of some famous Chinese, Japanese and mainly Korean directors, it would be praised as a masterpiece, but as it comes from Sono, it's different from what people expect and divide opinions.

It's a fantastic film, a great exercise of growing up with all the adversities against you, showing us how dysfunctional families can affect our future, even if we have dreams and want to fight for your dreams - this affects both of the main characters, but we also see how each of them react differently to different circumstances, just like in real life.

I expected that, by now, most people should have already know that there isn't a single Sion Sono. I am lucky to love all of them. To love the crazy Sono (who reminds sometimes Miike, but funnier and more consistent) and love the introspective Sono (sharing a lot with the Korean new wave, or even with some Chinese and Japanese dramas from the 80s/90s). But if you just love the crazy Sono, you should know that this other Sono is not for you. You can't be expecting the same on this type of movies.

I will mention again The Land of Hope to explore how Sono, one more time, can show us not only the family drama, but also, at the same time, criticise some aspects of the Japanese society, as, per example, how the society treats the people who lost everything (there is a great subplot about this with a fantastic interpretation by the veteran Tetsu Watanabe) or how schools can be cruel to a lot of young people.

Overall, I am one of the few who, in fact, prefers The Land of Hope - the balance between the elderly couple, the land, and the young couples was perfect, for me - but I think that Himizu should be much more praised than it is.

So many times, as a westerner, viewing Japanese films, the cry of 'Only in Japan' comes to mind. This is in part because that country remains amazingly insular and proud of its culture and unchanging ways despite the presence of the Americans and all the world's external influence upon it. Here in this passionate offering from Sion Sono are all the usual tropes, mistreated and misunderstood youth, dispassionate parents, loan sharks and the yakuza, life, death and honour plus an almost whimsical belief in 'tomorrow' are all on display. Shortly after the film was conceived came the Fukushima disaster with its earthquake and tsunami crippling the nuclear plant and the director amended his script to include this further element of doom and disaster. It is well done, if a little overlong, with the actors partly improvising but it is disconcertingly 'in your face' and if the suicidal intentions seem a little drastic, the dreams of a sunny tomorrow also seem rather optimistic. The final plea to youngsters to be more positive and ride out all the pessimism seems a little naive seen from afar but may well resonate within that beautiful but mixed up country. It certainly surprised me that Sono would end the film in such an evangelical way but then I may have missed some of the film's finer points and cannot fully appreciate what it must be like to live under the perpetual threat of annihilation, never mind the constant reminders like that of Fukushima.

Some of you already know I'm a huge fan of Love Exposure, but I hadn't seen anything else from Sono until this, so I was greatly anticipating it. It's set in post-tsunami Japan, and this setting is not only a context but a very important part of the plot, perhaps too much so especially at the ending when the film turns a little into a moralizing or even propaganda piece, with the main character crying "Don't give up!" repeatedly while we see images of the ravages of the flood. I gotta say those last minutes moved me to the verge of tears though, but that has more to do with how it builds up and connects previous elements shown in the film in a rather messy way. But I think that's the Sono way, with quick shots and thoughts put together, unexpected transitions, poetry mixed up with violence, sometimes inscrutable characters... This film also has some powerful cinematography going for it, with thinned down and warm colors, probably with some filter involved or maybe just postproduction grading to create this beautiful effect. Also worthy of notice is the soundtrack, with pieces from Mozart and Barber that enhance the poignancy of the film.

So in the end it's a tragic and also hopeful love story, with different situations involved that make true sense only towards the end. It has some disturbing scenes, with parents who want their children dead or people who want to kill other people in the street for no rational reason... Situations that are quite effective in portraying not only the material but also the moral and mental damages that can be caused by such an event as last year's tsunami. Still, it's no match to Love Exposure, and I don't think anything else from Sono is/will be.

****

Okay so this is another Japanese movie based on a Japanese manga. But this movie adds it's own flare to it, instead of trying to be exactly like the manga. Now this might disappoint some hardcore fans of the manga. But personally I liked the direction this movie took, it just went with the more emotional style instead of constant awkward Japanese humor that is in the manga. Not saying this movie is better than the manga or visa versa. It just has a different tone and style going for it. Sure the characters in this are very awkward and does things that doesn't make much sense. But those elements actually work for this movie, sometimes in Japanese movies the awkwardness can go all over the place without being consistent. This movie is actually consistent for the most part. Plus just about all the actors in this did a great job while also bringing out good amount of emotion. And just about all the character are likable for the most part even if what they do doesn't make much sense sometimes. Even some of the effects doesn't make much sense like the music for instance that constantly play classical music, especially from Mozart. But these effects that doesn't make much sense comes together in a consistent package overall. This movie shows that sometimes you can't judge people just by your perception alone but need to be in their shoes to understand since we all come from different background. It also has other messages but that one stood out the most. This is a fine manga adaptation that shows that not everything has to be word for word or frame by frame.

7.5/10

Sion Sono is a master at capturing darkness, and this one is intense. If you have been through dark phases or your soul is overwhelmed with darkness, this movie will hit you hard.

Personally, I was stunned by how real this seemed to me although it's so extreme compared to my reality. The character development of Sumida and how he's gradually consumed by darkness, his reactions, his rage, it makes sense and it's heartbreaking.

However it inspired me in a good way, it doesn't necessarily give you hope, but it made me feel less alone.

I enjoyed every second of it and I didn't want it end.

Thank you Sion Sono for all your great art.