I haven't read the graphic novel on which this film is based so I am judging on its own.
The film contains the usual Japanese-style over-the-top bordering psychotically cruel bullying. Until one day the little cretins tormenting main character Nozaki cross the line and payback time comes around.
While the movie is graphic and gory enough to prevent a slip into boredom, viewers not used to Japanese cinema will have to really grit their teeth to stick with it, as the characters' reactions to violence and pain is characteristically Japanese: whether poked, prodded, or stabbed, they react with mute astonishment and passive inaction. Who stands and screams when they know they're next up on the chopping block? Answer: only people in Japanese movies. The only thing that saves it is the unrestrained gore.
But even the bloodbaths in the movie don't prevent it from testing your patience. At this running length, it really overstays its welcome. I had to repeatedly jump through snooze-inducing parts where a character is walking in the snow or reminiscing over good old times or just having a pointless conversation.
The film contains the usual Japanese-style over-the-top bordering psychotically cruel bullying. Until one day the little cretins tormenting main character Nozaki cross the line and payback time comes around.
While the movie is graphic and gory enough to prevent a slip into boredom, viewers not used to Japanese cinema will have to really grit their teeth to stick with it, as the characters' reactions to violence and pain is characteristically Japanese: whether poked, prodded, or stabbed, they react with mute astonishment and passive inaction. Who stands and screams when they know they're next up on the chopping block? Answer: only people in Japanese movies. The only thing that saves it is the unrestrained gore.
But even the bloodbaths in the movie don't prevent it from testing your patience. At this running length, it really overstays its welcome. I had to repeatedly jump through snooze-inducing parts where a character is walking in the snow or reminiscing over good old times or just having a pointless conversation.