CURE (Japanese with subtitles)
A review by Mark R. Leeper in bullet-list form
from the Toronto Internation Film Festival
CAPSULE: A series of killings, each by a different killer seems to have elements in common. One killer may be using mind control to avoid being caught. A Japanese film with an effective concept for a serial killer who would rival Hannibal Lector. Rating: 6 (0 to 10), high +1 (-4 to +4) Spoiler warning: nearly any description of the premise will be something of a spoiler.
- Director is Kiyoshi Kurosawa has done many films in Japan, mostly crime films, but this is first international film. It is a different idea and one that is likely to be copied, or would be if it were used in a film that got seen in this country. - There are a series of almost identical crimes, which would point to one killer, but in each case the killer is caught and it is a different person each time. - Atmospheric horror-mystery. Reminiscent of FALLEN. - Subdued color which creates a mood as effectively as black and white. - Pace is a little slow at times due to some long and lingering camera shots. - Detective trying to piece thing together in spite of personal problems with a disturbed wife. - Complex film with many things going on at once. - Slow but effective horror film with deeper meanings about mind control. Themes similar to THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE.
Mark R. Leeper
mleeper@lucent.com
Copyright 1998 Mark R. Leeper
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