'Cold Fish' is one of those films best enjoyed with minimal prior information. The level of 'intrigue' takes you for a ride with each passing sequence. The words/actions of the characters largely define their psychotic inner selves. This is a film where not a single central character arc is left unattended to; each possessing a differential level of eccentricity. Sion Sono succeeds in delivering the kind of twisted shocks one gets only by watching Asian cinema.
Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Denden are indeed the spines of the film and they're quite capable in carrying almost the entire film on their shoulders. The gore is gratuitous, but never unaccounted for. The purpose of showcasing bloodshed and dismemberment in the screenplay is clear as ice; the director never shying away from throwing abhorrent shots in the face of the viewer, nevertheless with a definitive purpose. The chaos unravels quite slowly, although there's no looking back once it has commenced.
The ambiance created for the gruesome slaughters is as bizarre as it can get (and oddly interesting to observe). A house located on top of a hill, candles lit up not in the manner you'd expect, colorful lights and the queer shades of Christian symbolism strewn across the place, all add to the sinister vibe of the film. The movie handles 'psychosis' and 'flawed human persona' in a very distinctive manner. The thrills escalate exponentially, albeit with a tinge of black humor (for those who can sense it!).
Denden's Murata is one character that the audience will truly remember for his peculiar behavioral traits and outspoken temperament. The womenfolk have a substantial role to play in the film: the wifely interventions further raise the weirdness to another level with their questionable (sexual) gestures. Rape/sex is oft followed by murder, followed by deranged outbursts of psychotic bliss, in a vicious cycle of events. It takes quite a bit of discernment to assimilate the various subjects touched upon in the film (astronomy, aquatic life, psychosis & human behavior). The screenplay warrants exaggerated performances and by all means, they are. If 'Coldfish' goads you to evaluate your deepest darkest (inner) demons, then the film has evidently fulfilled its job. The Editing department though, could have done some chop-chop and made the film slightly crisper.
Verdict: Shocks and contemplation - a weird combo!
Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Denden are indeed the spines of the film and they're quite capable in carrying almost the entire film on their shoulders. The gore is gratuitous, but never unaccounted for. The purpose of showcasing bloodshed and dismemberment in the screenplay is clear as ice; the director never shying away from throwing abhorrent shots in the face of the viewer, nevertheless with a definitive purpose. The chaos unravels quite slowly, although there's no looking back once it has commenced.
The ambiance created for the gruesome slaughters is as bizarre as it can get (and oddly interesting to observe). A house located on top of a hill, candles lit up not in the manner you'd expect, colorful lights and the queer shades of Christian symbolism strewn across the place, all add to the sinister vibe of the film. The movie handles 'psychosis' and 'flawed human persona' in a very distinctive manner. The thrills escalate exponentially, albeit with a tinge of black humor (for those who can sense it!).
Denden's Murata is one character that the audience will truly remember for his peculiar behavioral traits and outspoken temperament. The womenfolk have a substantial role to play in the film: the wifely interventions further raise the weirdness to another level with their questionable (sexual) gestures. Rape/sex is oft followed by murder, followed by deranged outbursts of psychotic bliss, in a vicious cycle of events. It takes quite a bit of discernment to assimilate the various subjects touched upon in the film (astronomy, aquatic life, psychosis & human behavior). The screenplay warrants exaggerated performances and by all means, they are. If 'Coldfish' goads you to evaluate your deepest darkest (inner) demons, then the film has evidently fulfilled its job. The Editing department though, could have done some chop-chop and made the film slightly crisper.
Verdict: Shocks and contemplation - a weird combo!