Aru yasashiki satsujinsha no kiroku

So, I went in thinking this was going to be a "found footage" style movie were someone is recording the actions of another person, and largely, it is. The cameraman was tasked with recording everything that transpires. It's a basic setup, with a sparse location and a pretty small cast (for much of the film, only 2 people are actually seen, ending in about 4-5 depending on how far along you are in the movie). It's a very simple setup for film, and for the most part it works. You have an insane killer who has asked his childhood journalist friend to document his actions, becasue his actions are going to herald something great. "God" told him it would.

The movie is basically him jumping into the deep end, ranting and raving about how his actions will lead to an event that will change history. Like I said, the rantings of a Loon? Or are they....?

Then, something happens. I'm not going to spoil it, but the movie was definitely more than I expected. It actually gave me goosebumps towards the end, and it's very rare for a film to illicit that kind of reaction from me. I actually started to care about the characters at one point, although you aren't really sure if you should be rooting for any of them.

Overall. This movie was definitely in the unexpected category of films, as I had no clue it was going to end the way it did. In a way, I am happy it ended the way it did. It made what transpired throughout the movie that much more interesting.

Although I really enjoyed this film, I deducted several stars simply due to the Japanese actors. Who told him to ham it up that much? I understand that Japanese actors can be a bit...animated, there is no excuse for that dude being so damn extra. It was like watching a man figure out how to emote in an improv class. Totally unnecessary and actually detracted from the movie.

Overall, if you like a film that has lot more going on than it lets on, give this one a watch.

It's an interesting basic idea, but it was not enough to keep me captivated. I got bored rather quickly. Part of it was that pretty much the entire movie takes place in one room. This can work, but it has to make up for it with really great acting and some extra riveting dialogue and plot. Unfortunately, this one was just mediocre.

This movie is a decent movie but I think Tsukasa Aoi role is a big dirt on this movie

This movie is decent Her role is indecent

This movie should let Tsukasa Ali perform better and more and give more script for her to play

Said to be AV actress, she can also play decent roles

Who said AV should only play obscene adult roles?

There are many successful actresses who play adult movie can also play decent roles

I don't know why this movie must make Tsukasa Aoi like a woman for men to have sec on her

Her role can be far better than what she played in this rubbish movie

This movie is a great waste and waste tsukasa aoi ability.

The genre is a bit overused, but this is a good one with an interesting twist. Some crazy things (reminding Sono's movies) in there, a bit over-the-top sometimes, but very recommendable.

Maintaining the appearance of being a single, unbroken shot, A Record of Sweet murder is almost like a very bloody stage play. The real-time device brings to mind Hitchcock's Rope, with some cleverly hidden edits and sparing, but effective, special effects shots. The bulk of the movie really seems to happen all at once, drawing the viewer in to it's compelling and unusual story.

A Korean reporter brings a Japanese cameraman to meet a serial killer, who also happens to have once been a childhood friend. The killer traps them and, nervously wielding a knife, begins to explain that he needs them in order to enact some grander plan, an insane-sounding conspiracy theory. He explains that he needs them to wait for two other characters to show up, and when by some miracle they do, things start getting really crazy.

A Record of Sweet Murder has some fine performances, leaning into an odd, slightly surreal tone as it maintains its hyper real structure. This was something writer/director did very well in his horror classic Noroi: The Curse. While Sweet Murder is smaller in scope, it has a thematic energy, creates an interesting dialogue about fate and madness and the struggle between good and evil.

Found footage movies have a tendency to end abruptly or fall apart in the end and, thankfully, Sweet Murder brings it all back together and sticks the landing. A treat for foreign found footage fans and a thoughtful horror art film.