Confessions (2010)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  7 / 10

  Confessions conveys a meticulous murder mystery through excessive slow-motion and an over elaborate plot. Asian cinema tends to reside on the extremities of the film spectrum. They are either ridiculously subdued or extremely visceral. This post-modernistic thriller manages to land on the latter side and then some! However, its absurdity consequently increases its implausibility. A teacher confides in her class with regards to her daughter recently dying in an accident, convinced that some of her pupils actually murdered her. The narrative soon explores various confessions of characters involved in the mystery that rapidly creates a complex web of deceit and jealousy. An increasingly interesting plot structure that consistently shifts between these characters and possible motives. We view different perspectives from numerous relatable persons including teachers, students and mothers. All still relating to the thrilling plot. Nakashima bravely identifies the culprits early on after an outstanding twenty minute monologue that contains more tension than most Hollywood thrillers put together. He then proceeds to unravel the motivation behind the crime where psychological strands and moral compasses are heavily tested. Frequently shocking, forever engaging and incredibly stylistic. Yet, the second and third act are so overwrought and elaborate, in an attempt to neatly tie up the mystery, that the tension depreciated far too quickly. Its cold calculated exterior prevented any warmth to seep through, ultimately making it difficult to become invested in some of the characters. A few individuals though, the avenging Moriguchi and prodigy Shuya especially, are fleshed out and thematically portray the preciousness of life. The excessive utilisation of slow motion may seem derivative at first but surprisingly propels a stylistic purpose to the drama. Taking its time to fully render the inner darkness amongst these delinquents. I must confess, despite the several implausibilities, my admiration for the creative narrative and dark nature further cements my love for Japanese cinema.

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