Gozu (DVD, 2004, Uncut, Unrated Director's Version)

The vast majority of the film doesn't make a lick of sense, but it's so funny and jolting that sense would almost be a distraction. Gozu is a fascinating trip which is bizarre, perverse, entertaining, downright hilarious in parts, with some stunning cinematography and in all honesty a very interesting exploration of the intense bonding of brotherhood between the Yakuza that goes beyond loyalty and into self-sacrificial love. Gozu is a completely different film in comparison to Miike's earlier work, while some may call upon the definitive identity the film has as a Miike production in all honesty he has never really made a film like this before. The violence on display is very much toned down with no real shock factor. In Gozu Miike parodies his earlier work (thus the scenes of lactation) and the violence that is present is more restrained and bizarre as opposed to offensive.

It's Miike doing Lynch and Cronenberg and I have to say its an ill-fated entertaining ride. Gozu is simply not supposed to be taken seriously, any film that opens with the paranoid ramblings of a Yakuza claiming Chihuahuas are trained to kill simply has to be taken with a pinch of salt. And yet, despite the often ridiculous locations, characters and plot turns there is still a fascinating subtext to be found that lifts Gozu from the realms of entertainment into a genuinely interesting film.

However tenuous this may seem, Gozu is actually quite an interesting take on homo-eroticism in the yakuza. Without giving too much away, (the film really is best experienced blind) Miike examines themes of masculinity, and the difference of physical and emotional attraction with the bonding of men whose only cause for separation lies within their physical embodiment. This in turn, leads to one of the biggest "what the hell" endings I have seen for a long time. When dissected however, it only further enhances the sexual politics of the story bringing more weight to the question of sexual orientation. This subtext however, takes backseat to just pure unadulterated dirty humor and entertainment as Miike pulls out all the shots to dazzle, perplex and excite the audience into a frenzy of surrealist humor, inventive plot twists and plenty of in-jokes to satisfy his ever growing fan base.

Looking at this jacket of this disc led me to believe that Gozu would deliver a garish horror film, however, there is very little horror on display despite the occasional moments of suspense as Miike relies heavily upon the strains of the cello score rather than a true deep rooted sense of fear. but what we truly get is a film that dives into a surrealist landscape which is much more bizarre than terrifying. However, with tongue firmly in cheek Miike does succeed in living up to its kitsch B-movie feel.

Director: Takashi Miike
Writer: Sakichi Satô (screenplay)
Release Date: 14 July 2004 (France)
Genre: Crime / Drama / Horror / Mystery / Thriller more
Plot: Minami, a member of the Azamawari crew, highly respects his Aniki (brother) Ozaki who has saved his life in the past...
Plot Keywords: Bed / Breast Suckling / Cow Head / Criminal / Convertible

Of course this movie doesn't make any sense at all it's still very creative. I recommend it for those who have an open mind and appreciate Takashi Miike's work.

Very odd, interesting, and hypnotic Japanese film. The style is much like that of David Lynch. The characters are very unique as are the situations. I would recommend this gem for fans of the bizarre.