A Haunting Dance of Love and Betrayal

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Sting of Death (Shi no toge)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1990, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director(s): Kôhei Oguri
Writer(s): Kôhei Oguri, Toshio Shimao
Cast: Ittoku Kishibe, Keiko Matsuzaka, Midori Kiuchi, Takenori Matsumura, Yuri Chikamori, Akira Yamanouchi, Miyoko Nakamura, Seiko Kitamura
Where To Watch: available February 6, 2024; pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE STING OF DEATH, directed by Kôhei Oguri, defies simple categorization; while it is a drama at its core, the film feels like an amalgamation of various genres, all colliding to form a story set to make you question your experiences. Set in post-war Japan, it examines Toshio (Ittoku Kishibe) and Miho's (Keiko Matsuzaka) marriage following a revelation of infidelity. Oguri crafts a complex narrative labyrinth, exploring deep-rooted human emotions and mental illness. The film stands out with its unique blend of avant-garde techniques and a hauntingly atmospheric storytelling style, drawing the viewer into a fragmented reality mirroring the characters’ turbulent lives.

Oguri's film is a journey into the emotional abyss of a Japanese family. The story, rooted in Toshio Shimao's autobiographical novel "Shi no toge," is brought to life through a sensitive yet daring directorial approach. It’s a tale of a family's battle with the aftermath of infidelity and mental illness, told through a lens that's as artistic as it is realistic. While the film was made in 1990 and set well before that, it feels as relevant as ever.

Central to the narrative are Toshio and Miho, whose seemingly stable lives are upended by a revelation that will change them both. This bombshell launches a domino effect, plunging Miho into psychological turmoil and eventual hospitalization. Oguri's directorial choices, including static shots and surreal visuals, create a dreamlike ambiance, juxtaposing the couple's nightmarish reality.

THE STING OF DEATH transcends typical cinematic storytelling, paralleling a genre known for its naturalistic approach to blending fiction with reality, and is artfully adapted by Oguri. The film becomes a canvas where real-life events are painted with a brush of fiction, drawing heavily on Shimao's experiences.

The portrayal of Toshio and Miho's children as their roles as silent observers of their parents' deteriorating marriage offers a heart-wrenching look at how adult conflicts impact the family unit. This exploration is subtly covered and mixed into the narrative, enhancing the film's emotional depth.

Visually, THE STING OF DEATH stands out by its delicate use of muted colors, occasionally disrupted by occasional splashes of vibrancy to prove a point to the audience. This visual strategy sets the film's mood and pays tribute to the rich heritage of Japanese cinema.

The film’s narrative structure challenges traditional storytelling norms with its non-linear approach. This complexity might initially confuse viewers but ultimately enriches the film, inviting more profound engagement and allowing for diverse interpretations. The climax, set against the stark and bleak backdrop, neatly wraps up the story while leaving the audience pondering the characters' future.

THE STING OF DEATH is a film that beautifully explores themes of human relationships, betrayal, and the scars of war. Oguri’s direction is a blend of innovation and tradition, resulting in a film that captivates both visually and emotionally. Its fusion of personal narrative with historical context and the blending of real and surreal elements mark it as a standout production in Japanese cinema, a testament to Oguri's artistic prowess and vision.

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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