'Cold Fish'
(Asuka Kurosawa, Denden, Hikari Kajiwara, Megumi Kagurazaka, Mitsuru Fukikoshi. et al / DVD / R / (2010) 2011 / The Collective)
Overview: When Shamoto's teenage daughter was caught stealing, a generous middle-aged man helps to resolve the situation. The man and his wife offer to have Shamoto's daughter work at their fish store. But Shamoto soon discovers the horrific truth of the seemingly perfect couple.
DVD Verdict: Did you know that this movie was "inspired by true events" known as the "Saitama serial murders of dog lovers"; the convicted killers in the real-life case are Gen Sekine and his ex-wife Hiroko Kazama! No, well nor did I, but it certainly made watching the movie thereafter a whirlwind of shame and pain for what the people/characters went through.
Containing some nudity (not much though) and some suggestive sexual scenes (quite a few, in truth), the worst part for those squeamish would be the realistic dismemberment acts. But even those are accomplished in a quite comedic, nay cartoonish manner - believe it or not!
Anyway, the basic plot is that when his daughter is caught stealing, Shamoto is appalled. However, help comes in the guise of Matura, a mysterious and apparent benefactor, who persuades the manager to let her go. Then he offers Mitsuko a job in his own fish store. Then he wishes Shamoto to be his business partner. Yes, it moves that fast!
Then things start getting out of control. Matura, it turns out has a very unusual secret. And he has an eye on sharing his secret with Shamoto, whether he likes it or not! A psychological thriller, 'Cold Fish' is the portrayal of the breakdown of family and social values in contemporary Japan. This is a Widescreen presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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