Cure


Synopsis
A series of gruesome serial killings are linked together by an mysterious young man who appears to wield a power strong enough to make normal people commit horrible crimes. (NR, 2001)


Observations
I love Japanese horror films. I love the pacing, the music, the subtle acting, and the sometimes-inscrutable plots. This film is no different. Detective Takabe (Koji Yakush), a man with his own demons, is investigating a string of murders that have one nasty link – an “X” carved into the necks of all the victims. When a mysterious stranger appears the detective and his psychiatrist friend Makoto Sakuma (Tsuyoshi Ujiki) try to figure out his connection to these crimes. The story unfolds like an X-File, a cool, minimal Japanese X-File. The mysterious young man’s powers are recognized early on; the rest of the film is dedicated to the mental struggle between the young man and the detective.

This movie has many philosophical overtones – who am I? am I always in control of myself? what influence do others have on me? But you don’t have to read Jung to get a thrill from this flick. Turn the lights down and enjoy the creepy ride!!

Rating:
Amazon's entry for Cure