Kimyô na Sâkasu (2005)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 108 minuten
Alternative titles: Strange Circus / 奇妙なサーカス
Country:
Japan
Directed by: Sion Sono
Stars: Masumi Miyazaki, Tomorowo Taguchi and Fujiko
IMDb score:
6,9 (6.803)
Releasedate: 24 December 2005
Kimyô na Sâkasu plot
"Reality is the mystery…"
The wheelchair-bound Teako is a successful writer of erotic books and lives in a luxurious apartment surrounded by some young assistants and editors. She is writing a shocking book about an incestuous love triangle between a father, mother, and daughter. A new young editor, Yuji, begins an investigation into Teako and discovers that she is not actually paralyzed.
Actors and actresses
Young Mitsuko
Mitsuko / Sayuri / Taeko
Teenage Mitsuko
Yuji
Gozo's Mistress
Black Shadow
Taeko's Editor-in-Chief
Gozo
Reviews & comments
Leland Palmer
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- 23787 messages
- 4902 votes
Yeah, actually quite a great movie. Not 'Cold Fish', but a film where many scenes will stay with you for a long time. Strong camerawork and an unforgettable atmosphere. These are one of those horror stories that will give you a weird grin on your face at some point. So fucked up is what you're seeing. Bizarre, but directed just right. The circus, the bloody dream sequences and reality - a story where Sono also gives the twists, towards the end, just the right charge. Very handsome. I'll continue to seek out more films from this man. To say the least, a very interesting director so far.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Shadowed
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- 11421 messages
- 6719 votes
Mwa.
Of course I understand that people see a masterpiece here, I don't see it myself. I really had to get over it sometimes. Not because of the multiple taboo subjects that appear in it, but because of the story surrounding it. I don't know exactly why, but it didn't interest me that much.
To start with, I was once again not a fan of the acting in Strange Circus, as is usually the case with Asian films. I can't say if this is common with Sono, because this is only the third film I've seen of his. There will be more to come, but I have to say that I found every character, good or bad, annoying as hell.
The direction is of course strong. Beautiful sets, some great shots and clever decorations. Sono has ensured that every decor is suitable. However, I was not a fan of the camera work, despite the fact that some scenes are clearly depicted. The main problem I had was that I didn't think any of the shots were really well shot. Everything seems too handheld, as if someone is just trying to keep the camera as straight as possible and failing.
The story also takes a while to get going. Towards the end the viewer is guaranteed some surprises, but that does not alter the fact that Sono focuses a lot on shock, to the point of being irritating. Especially in the first half hour, whether it's part of it or not. Some images are also not exactly necessary, such as the kicking of the father without limbs, and this brings up the necessary irritations.
Nevertheless, a special film with a different story. You will certainly not be able to tie all the knots together in the beginning. The story unravels itself and has several surprises. It's a shame that in my opinion there is too much focus on certain elements and the acting is not for me. Strong in terms of directing, the supporting elements really drag this down too much to get a passing grade from my side.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
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- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
Bizarrely strange film. I don't have an immediate idea what it was about and had to rely on the synopsis here. You don't get bored with the film, something happens, but I couldn't always make it into a coherent story.
Cinematographically, as always with Sono, very well cared for with diverse use of color, great sets and decors, and that at a high pace. At times also harsh, especially the sexual scenes and rapes. It wasn't clear to me with those flashbacks or imaginations or whatever what exactly was happening. I just let it wash over me.
Surreal and the (English) film title is given full credit. One that has to sink in and that I have to see again.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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