Kurîpî: Itsuwari no Rinjin (2016)

Fortunately, it did get creepy. The fact that it took a while to arrive isn't a big deal. In my opinion, there were far too many predictable elements or easy solutions to be found in the story: e.g., a random house is pointed out on screen and it happens to be the former house of the "neighbor", "prick and now you are addicted and submissive" . The ending reminded me of a Bassie and Adriaan scene. I sometimes overlook that clumsiness in Japanese/South African films, but in this case, I couldn't. I can often appreciate the cheesy elements in Japanese/South African films. I might have completely trashed an American film based on these elements. Anyway, I was just in the mood for this film (the genre), and the enthusiasm was there afterwards as well. Still, there is plenty of positive to report: the characters are well portrayed, and the tension is certainly palpable thanks to various tricks involving visuals, sound, and lighting. 3.25 *

Translated from Dutch · View original

Happy Kurosawa.

Thanks to Teruyuki Kagawa, because he portrays such a fun character. I didn't find him truly creepy, but certainly weird and unsettling. Hard to judge, and precisely for that reason fascinating. The more well-behaved Hidetoshi Nishijima is a perfect counterpart for Kagawa.

Kurosawa does little new, other than building the whole thing up properly. When Japan makes these kinds of thrillers, I usually find the result just a bit too static, and this film suffers from that a little too. Kurasawa goes through the motions and does everything properly, but because of that, the film still lacks a bit of character of its own.

Also somewhat disappointed with the ending. Hoped that Nishino would get away with it, but the final scene still brings "justice". No idea why actually; as far as I'm concerned, it absolutely wasn't necessary. The film did look just a bit more expensive than the average Kurosawa, which might have meant he had to make some concessions on the script.

But it is certainly not bad. Kagawa is a memorable figure and the film is neatly finished. It has been a long time since Kurosawa has truly been able to convince me, but this film at least shows that he is still very much alive and that hope should not be completely abandoned just yet.

3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

Intriguing film that takes a very different perspective on a type of serial killer, the serial killer is actually a kind of demon who possesses a family and, by drugging his victims, forces them to do unthinkable things. It appeals to your imagination, but as a premise, it is original. What makes the film good is the atmosphere and the settings, which are quite a bit creepy, and of course, Mr. Creepy himself. An extra half point for originality.

Translated from Dutch · View original