Ai Naki Mori de Sakebe (2020)

Fate is harsh.

Sion Sono is a madman. Not sure how or why Netflix funded this guy but it resulted in this. Absolutely insane, ramping up with each episode, almost to the point of parody. Despite this, the plot is very compelling with complex characters and its themes are presented in interesting ways. So much is packed into this thing it's insane.

Kippei Shiina as Joe Murata is probably one of my favourite portrayals of a villain in anything I have seen so far. Genuinely chilling and unnerving one second and really goofy the next. A terrifying man especially towards the end. Scary to think he is based on a real guy.

This is something that will stay in my head for a long long time. Very well directed, some really memorable scenes, very well shot throughout and fantastic use of music. Mushi no Onna is never leaving my head.

I think watching all the episodes in one go like a long movie is the way to go, to be honest it never felt boring and was paced very well. I know others have said this but I cannot see how a shorter cut would even work. I would recommend but it is really fucked and graphic, with a LOT of gore and nudity. If you are sensitive to gore I think it would be a good idea to stay away from this.

I'm writing this at 4am so this might be a little dodgy but ignoring the true events that inspired the series and Murata I guess you could look at Murata as a kind of metaphorical character bringing out the madness in people. Manipulating everyone around him he strips them down to very primal instincts like lust, bloodlust, and pleasure, leading them to embrace hedonism finding sadomasochistic pleasure in the most twisted and vile things. Initially appearing charming and enticing, over time he begins to abuse you and start destroying who you are.

But maybe even stripped bare they might remember a fishing trip they had with their friends. Maybe you'll remember Romeo and try to run. Maybe you'll remember Romeo and end it yourself.

Some people were more susceptible to him than others, particularly broken people weighed down by trauma or jealousy, those already embracing pleasure, and those who have had their desires suppressed. In the end though no matter who you are he can still come to you.

If you let Murata into your life and get swept up by him you'll eventually end up no longer being the director of your own life anymore. But not all of the characters chose this path. Maybe it was chosen for them.

Go to hell, Joe Murata.
Fate is harsh.

That was a lot of me trying to sound smart but pretty much as long as you know what you're getting into I fully recommend this, it was great.

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