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American journalist Christopher returns to 19th century Japan solely to reunite with a lost love, Kimono and instead finds himself on a shadowy island full of whores and whoremasters. While partaking in some of the delights of the city Christopher finds a disfigured prostitute who knew and was friends with Kimono. Over time this journalist learns a little too much about his one true love and the truth turns him slowly crazy.
Rating: Restricted for gore, sexuality, and nudity.
Release Date: February 25, 2006.
Starring: Youki Kudoh, Michi Ito, Toshie Negishi, Billy Drago, Shiho Harumi, and Hiroshi Kuze.
Director: Takashi Miike.
Writers: Mick Garris, and Daisuke Tengan.
Takashi Miike the famous director of "Ichi the Killer," and "Gozu," tells a torturous tale of brothels and romance from Japan. Never actually shown on the Showcase series due to the violent nature of "Imprint," this film truly pushes the viewers boundaries with an onslaught of horrifying scenes that will make the strongest horror fan squirm. Mostly taking place in flashbacks, the female on female disfigurement shots might make some viewers turn this one off halfway through, but Miike's heartfelt approach to storytelling does hold one's attention.
Taking place in Japan with Japanese set pieces, costumes and actors "Imprint's," Japanese approach to filmmaking focuses on the struggle of rural life. A few small stories of simple farm life do not innoculate the viewer to the bloody scenes coming in the middle section of the film. Shot in Tochigi, Japan the infrequent scenes of outdoor environments deliver a gentle pause in what is mostly a torture film involving Geisha girls. All of the costumes have a very 19th century feel to them and create a historically accurate piece, but when the characters are mostly in rags the attention of the viewer stays mostly with the story.
A film that is really about the misfortunes of the poor "Imprint," holds nothing back from the viewer in an attempt to shock, horrify, and disgust those watching. Dealing with topics of incest, child abandonment, rape, murder, and torture viewers might want to take a look at other lighter Miike films i.e. "Gozu," before tackling this one. Apparently, with a devilish mind Miike writes films that while bizarre in nature offer some comedic elements with a horrifying message. What Miike's message is for "Imprint," will vary from viewer to viewer, but really the film is out to shock.
A wild tale of deformity and incest "Imprint," can be seen by those looking for something on the very far end of the bizarre horror scale. Not really meant to be taken lightly this short film will leave most viewers with nightmares for awhile. See this one if you have a strong stomach or empty one.
6 Tortuous Skulls out of 10.
Sources:
Imprint at IMDB
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2 Comments:
You should analyze 'the orphanage' . I watched it over the holidays, and while I have a generally skeptical view of most horror movies (that is the few I have seen) I found it good. Unless, of course, your view of a true horror movie isn't the classical suspense but instead copious amounts of gore.
Have you ever considered taking on volunteer bloggers to write some articles?? A few debates might be interesting...
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