This movie caught my attention when I heard this was Japan’s choice for ‘Best Foreign Language Movie’ at the Oscars. It eventually didn’t make the cut but don’t let that fool you. This is the kind of movie that would get too many raised eyebrows at a mainstream viewing. I can safely say that this is one of the most depressing en darkest movies I’ve ever seen. I don’t really want to spoil too much so you can stop reading now and sit back and enjoy this masterpiece right now.
In case you want know get some more info. Read on…
Confessions starts with an impressive 30 minute intro, meticulously revealing the bottom line of the film. A young female teacher is quitting her job after finding out that her daughter’s death was no mere accident, but premeditated murder by two of her very own students. As the boys haven’t reached the age of 14 yet they are protected by the Japanese law and they cannot be punished, so she has to find more creative ways to get back at them. And believe me, she does.
Takako Matsu plays the chilling teacher Yuko Moriguchi
This is really all I can say about the plot without spoiling it. I have to give director Tetsuya Nakashima major props because he delivers a quality movie with exceptional social commentary. On the surface this movie looks kinda like a mainstream revenge flick. The main difference is that the revenge is geared towards children. You don’t get that sense of victory or positive feeling when Miss Moriguchi gets her revenge. Certainly not like when Oh-Dae Su kicks major ass in the revenge movie Oldboy. This movie is way, way to dark and depressing for that.
The soundtrack deserves major credit too. Very atmospheric music that is closely tailored to the editing within each scene. The intro is a superb example of audiovisual film making, with sounds dropping left and right, only to return after sharp cuts and change of perspectives. I wouldn’t have minded if the whole film had played in that single classroom, it was that dense and gripping.
You want revenge? Oh, you gonna get it with this movie
The acting is stellar, with Takako Matsu leading the pack. She portrays the teacher with an icy sense of anger that’s quite simply frightening. Also nothing but praise for the rest of the young cast. They play an important part in making the rather far-fetched story believable. Quite a feat for such a young group of actors.
I can wholeheartedly say that this is one of the best movies of 2010, maybe even THE best I’ve seen. And I’m sure this movie will be in my top 10 movies all time. Yeah, It’s that good!
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