Kokuhaku

Plot synopsis:
Junior high school teacher Yuko Moriguchi (Takako Matsu) announced to her class that she would resign before spring break. Moriguchi revealed that because the HIV-positive biological father of her daughter Manami was ill, she used to bring Manami (Mana Ashida) to school with her. One day, after school, she returned to the room where Manami was but found her gone. Her daughter was later found drowned in a school swimming pool. She then went on to explain that two pupils in her class, whom she dubbed "Student A" and "Student B", had murdered her four-year-old daughter.She found a small bunny purse amongst Manami's belongings which should not have belonged there, which led her to question Shuya, one of her students, who immediately admitted killing Manami, and mocked her compassionate reaction to his feinted expression of remorse of "just kidding".Having revealed their identities, she explained that, because they, as minors, are protected by the Juvenile Law of 1947, turning them in wouldn't make a difference. So to inact revenge on them, she admits injecting her late daughter's biological father's HIV-contaminated blood in the milk cartons of the two students who she claimed to have murdered her daughter. The rest of the film switches between the aftermath of Moriguchi's confession and the events before the confession through a series of first-person narratives from Moriguchi and her three students. Naoki Shimomura (Kaoru Fujiwara), Student B, became a shut-in because he believes he had acquired AIDS from drinking HIV-contaminated milk. His mother (Yoshino Kimura), after spotting the hidden malicious messages in well-wishes cards from Naoki's classmates, realized her son was somehow involved with an earlier incident. She decided to commit murder-suicide to free her son and herself from torment, but in the ensuing struggle, Naoki kills her. The police arrested him for the murder. Shuya Watanabe (Yukito Nishii), Student A, explained that his mother abused him before leaving to pursue her scientific ambitions. He confessed that her abandonment had driven him to thrive in Science, from making small inventions to recording his killing and dissecting animals. His first public invention, an electric anti-mugger wallet, earned him a science fair award, but it failed to make the headlines, as the media was busy covering "Lunacy Incident".Shuya and Naoki's recollections revealed that Shuya said he had upgraded the anti-mugger wallet, and decided to try it out on someone, and roped Naoki in to help with his plan. They decided on Moriguchi's daughter Manami. However, when they tested it on Manami, Shuya's device only managed to render Manami unconscious, which Shuya mistook as an instant death, who then told Naoki to tell the world that Shuya did it. Enraged Naoki then threw the conscious Manami into the pool where she drowned, therefore proving he was the more effective killer.The classmates forced classmate Mizuki Kitahara (Ai Hashimoto) to kiss Shuya as part of their bullying against Shuya. Mizuki later told Shuya she believed Moriguchi had lied about the blood-contaminated milk as it was an implausible method of transmission. After spending time together, Mizuki eventually confesses to Shuya that she identified the "Lunacy Murder" girl, who poisoned her parents, as her other self. They soon became romantically involved, but Shuya kills her after a confrontation over his Oedipus Complex, and claiming that she was nothing but "a means to relieve boredom".After finally finding out messages left with his mother's name and work place, Shuya visited the university where his mother worked, expecting to reunite with her, but discovered she had remarried. Believing she had forgotten him, he planted a bomb in his school's sport hall where the graduation ceremony would be held and he was to give a speech. However, to his surprise, the bomb did not go off during the ceremony. As he tried to work out what had happened, he received a call from Moriguchi, who said that she had relocated the bomb to his mother's office she explained that it was her ultimate revenge, to let his mother die of his own hands, but his redemption would now begin. As the screen darkens, Moriguchi chuckles and says, "Just kidding."

Tags: revenge

Review:
The subject matter is heavy, the characters are morally-reprehensible and the feel of the movie is wholly somber – from the greys and dull blues which saturate each and every scene to the melancholy (albeit perfectly-suited) soundtrack which works its way infectiously into your mind and makes the horrific scenes before your eyes resonate deeply.I will not spiel on for much longer, but in closing; the acting is top-notch; the storytelling is captivating; the cinematography is gorgeous; and the touches of violence and blood are done in taste and to immense effect – never feeling gratuitous.I have seen many Japanese films but this one takes the cake as one of the best I have ever seen.
You always have to sit analyzing everything that's happening from beginning to end, and there's really not a lot of breakes.I had read a few of the reviews here before watching this movie, but I had no idea the movie was going to be like it was, watch it to find out, most definitely worth 2~ hours of your life..
It's dark and it's disturbing, a psychological thriller to rival some of the best out there, tackling themes of poetic justice and revenge that's coolly served in perfect tones of subversion, grabbing you by the scruff of your neck with its extended hook from the start and lasting some thirty minutes, before things kick into full gear for a chilling, violent ride that's unflinching in its violence, laced with strong characters filled with perverted motivations all round.Written and directed by Tetsuya Nakashima and based upon the novel by Kanae Minato, the story's extremely hypnotic and sprawls points of views from multiple characters, each weaved intrinsically with one another and all being uncannily hypnotic in its stylish execution.
The hook wraps up everything you'd come to expect from a great thriller, and that riveting introductory classroom scene alone is worth the price of an admission ticket many times over, orchestrating its sound contrast design to perfection where it seems a teacher is unable to control her class, and is nonchalantly attempting to do so until a bombshell is dropped to elicit an automatic silence, and fear.Takako Matsue (of The Hidden Blade and Villon's Wife fame) plays a schoolteacher whose young daughter was murdered by students identified in her class.
Probably the best strategy anyone can adopt when dealing with unspeakable evil, and it is this execution of her plan that forms the remainder of the film told from different perspectives in confessional style (hence the title), where a deeper character study gets presented, while smartly fusing social observations about the restlessness of today's misguided teenagers in wanting recognition and being one up against their peers.Mothers seem to come into play, and the film provokes thought into this aspect of human nature that's so universal.
One knows about the power of Mother's Love and the extent they will go to protect their brood, and here the school teacher's severe loss becomes the catalyst for revenge best served cold, while also becoming pawns in a plan best unraveled when you watch the film.Nakashima's assured direction keeps you glued to every gorgeous frame thanks to its beautiful cinematography and shots that make it picture perfect, supported by an excellent soundtrack to bolster the dark mood created visually, and I just fell in love with the plenty of slow motion used which brings a sense of calming rhythm that betrays the dark undertones that were constantly brewing in the narrative.
There doesn't seem to be a wasted frame or scene in the film, each moving the narrative forward in an engaging manner, keeping you guessing what's the next curve ball to be thrown, and silently rooting for justice in whatever form to be meted out, and on the other hand cannot help but to check yourself since they're kids to begin with, albeit guilty ones whom the teacher chooses a punishment that will resonate deeply throughout their lives, which is obviously a very long road ahead.The predominant cast of teenagers also performed their roles admirably since one can imagine the kind of thought process they have to go through to play characters who are basically mentally unsound for doing what they did, and frankly these aren't things that are far fetched given notable crimes committed by juveniles here too.
The violence can be unsettling here for those with weak stomachs, not so much whether there's plenty of gore put on screen, but psychologically when you're made to crawl under the perpetrators' skins seeing things from their viewpoints.Confessions lives up to every critical acclaim garnered thus far, and I too love this film enough to put it firmly in my shortlist as the best film of the year, where all the technical elements that make up filmmaking gelled perfectly together with excellent performances all round.
The Far East market has been the home of great originality in the terror & horror film markets, and this is one great highlight in that vein.The film begins in a school classroom where the teacher tells her pupils that she is leaving, and then begins to tell a long tale revolving round her life and the tragic death that haunts her (her "Confession").
Twists and turns in the story then unfold for the viewer as we are retold further confessions to piece it all together.A very cerebral movie, the direction masks the revenge story at its heart with a very art-house look and indie soundtrack.
The teacher, Yuko Moriguchi (played by Takako Matsu) is intimidating – her only purpose in life after the death of her daughter is revenge; far from the typical adult mentor and role model that we are so used to seeing.But the reason why I gave a higher rating to the film than the novel was because the director, Testuya Nakashima, did a marvelous job at taking a mediocre book with stagnant flow and transforming it into an intelligently crafted suspenseful film that maintains realism and proper flow.
Confessions, directed by one of my favorite Japanese directors, Tetsuya Nakashima, is one of the most disturbing and depressing movies I have watched this year.
It is a psychological thriller of a grieving teacher turned cold-blooded avenger with a twisty master plan to pay back the students who were responsible for her daughter's death.In the story, the major characters make confessions one by one.
This belief is also reflected in the scene when the female teacher stares at the strawberry given by a kid and another scene in which she says "your new life has begun".The mesmerizing classical music, spiced with a hypnotizing female voice, not only creates a shocking contrast to the disturbing scenes shot in slow motion, but also adds eeriness to the story.
Such a good story with a never-ending supply of fascinating additions to the plot as the movie goes on and the explanation behind it all thickens.As other reviewers have already stated, the acting is beyond decent and those taking part in this film clearly took it seriously- the result being a credible tale and genuine emotion.All-in-all a very captivating film and I highly recommend to anyone.
That may sound overly intellectual or even trite, but it isn't - it's just a very different way to tell a story.Towards the end the teenager's transgressions may appear a little far-fetched, but the main character's purpose - the teacher looking for revenge for her daughter's death and constantly finding that the suffering she inflicts doesn't amount to her own suffering - keeps the atmosphere afloat until the final, literally and figuratively bombastic culmination.
Matsu Takako's performance is one of those rare examples of Japanese acting at its best, combining mannerisms quite impossible in any other culture with a topic that everyone can relate to.If you're familiar with Nakashima Tetsuya's earlier films, especially 'Kamikaze Girls', you may find yourselves shocked as to how dark 'Confessions' is.
WHAT A STORY!!!...you will not come across many movies like this, it is one of those that will leave you wondering what you just witnessed...for days to come.A school teacher's daughter drowns, rather is murdered in a pool and what follows is a tale of the perfect revenge.
Although not as good as "Oldboy" (in my humble opinion) "Confessions" is an extremely powerful and dramatically heavy tale of a teacher's revenge on two members of her class for murdering her daughter.
It has an extremely strong opening which could be a powerful little short film in itself, as the first half hour is literally the teacher giving a speech to her class about her murdered daughter, yet it's totally gripping to watch, and so beautifully done with the flashbacks."Confessions" doesn't stall from there, as it unfolds we get to hear different confessions by different people, we get Student B's mother's story, Student B's story and ultimately Student A's story with little bits in between.
"Confessions" has a very murky and dark image, and is very depressing all the way through, and it makes you feel like you've been on a journey by the time it has finished.The final scenes are also absolutely cracking.
It's very different, with excellent story-telling and character development, along with beautiful directing that makes the whole film enthralling to watch.
The 'Plot' seems simple, a teacher accuses two students of murdering her child, and after this long intro, the 'Confessions' come into play.The development of this film is enticing, the plot, the acting, the camera shot, and even a good helping of some nifty special effects are thrown in too, all make this a must see film for anyone interested in films that are a little bit different to what Hollywood repeatedly turns out.I recommend watching this film as soon as you can, before the American plot ruining, over budgeted remake comes along, my guess Nicole Kidman as the teacher if they get the budget..
Having done my secondary education in an inner city school, having had friends that robbed people, burgled, took (and sold) drugs, etc..., I would say from personal experience that Battle Royale is a far more realistic representation of young people than Confessions.Overall then, the film is quite a superficial story, but given a sense of gravitas thanks to the amazing production values and cinematic techniques.
If you liked Gone Girl, this movie tops Gone Girl twist with its pinky toe.Takako Matsu (the teacher) holds you on a trip in the very first scene, she holds the first chapter on her own, you get interested in every word she says, she is the high point of this revenge tale, trust me you'll never forget her, you can compare the way she leads the introduction with Sgt Hartman in full metal jacket, its outstanding.
Japanese filmmaker Tetsuya Nakashima 's "Confessions" (2010), which tells a rather twisted tale of one such act of revenge, begins on a rather random note with a somewhat disoriented scene in a noisy classroom full of boisterous and mischievous thirteen year olds on the final day of class before school closes for the Spring break.
Nakashima also succeeds in putting the viewer in a hypnotic trance with his stylistic approach of beautiful cinematography that is gorgeous and bleak at the same time, a haunting soundtrack that plays with the senses along with a very prominent drone that fills the atmosphere, and slow-motion camera-work that more or less occupies most of the running time of the film, rendering a spacey, dream-like mood.
A movie about the aftermath and consequences of an unjust murder as the teacher (mother) decides to take the law into her own hands - fore it is her job "to make sure these students learn their lesson.""Confessionals" show insight into the teller's mind , their view on the story (murdered child) ..
Right from the word go, the intention of the director was very clear through the frames he presented which may seem odd - a dark intense setup which makes you think something big is coming!I never came across such a story or movie which has such a sensitive disturbing yet brilliant revenge plot.
This movie is basically a revenge tragedy.The story is told through the point of view of various characters and it becomes clear that all except one have only a part of the full picture and it keeps the tension going up till the end.
A stunning work of psychological thriller, a shocking portrayal of revenge & a smartly-crafted work of mystery, Confessions makes a solid mark in its first 10 minutes which later goes on to haunt the viewers as well as the characters in the movie throughout its runtime.
It tells the story of a school-teacher who unleashes her twisted master plan to punish the students responsible for her daughter's death & is told through the confessions of different people as the story moves forward.Told in non-chronological order & shifting point of views that requires the viewers' attention from the very beginning in spite of the chaos & repelling ambiance present in its opening moments, the film is carefully assembled from start to finish & is effectively told.
Smartly directed, deftly written & featuring magnificent performances from the child actors, the film makes its viewers sympathize with one character after another but where it delivers the strongest punch is in its final moments.On an overall scale, Confessions is one of the finest examples of psychological thriller mystery & this time, a classic revenge-themed cinema this good doesn't come from Cinema of South Korea who seem to be the undisputed master of it but another Asian cinema powerhouse i.e. Cinema of Japan.
However I like it as it is for the story itself is very interesting.This film represents the terrible aspect of junior high school students, bullying and the importance of life.
This is a lengthy film that seems to be in no real hurry to get on with its job, which is telling the plot; as a result, it all feels very long-winded and drawn-out, with lots of padding and extraneous scenes and characters that contribute little to the central storyline.In addition, the decision to have the entire film's structure based around various characters narrating their stories doesn't really work.
The characters didn't feel realistic and the first 20 odd minutes where the teacher explains how her daughter dies to her pupils is just odd and the children don't behave in a way you would expect and the rest of the film doesn't get any better..
While Oldboy's curiosity is experiencing and wanting to know who the bad guy is just like the character is feeling, the movie Confessions straight out exposes who the bad guys are right from the start of the film; the movie's hook is finding out why the students did what they did and how the teacher is going to get her payback.
The movie covers topics like bullying, vulnerability, puppet teacher, manipulations, parental trauma, the value of life...To be honest, the first time, it didn't really engage me from the start of the film, as I had a hard time getting into it because it felt more like a dream world/sequence with lots of student distractions going on while what felt like the teacher was just rambling on forever.
(it's a bit slightly hard to assume she actually twisted/taped it back together and made it working again) Two things that bother me and maybe perhaps a plot hole, but the kid isn't too bright; first of all, he should make sure his bag/bomb is there before even making the speech (of course I know at the same time that would have less movie dramatic impact); second, he should call her bomb bluff again since the HIV milk was fake knowing he was HIV negative, especially since she said she disarmed it.
The amount of bullying in the movie is staggering (but I'm sure that's the point).Confessions is a very dark movie about revenge that works quite well because of how the director structures the story.
"Confessions" is about Ms. Moriguchi (Takako Matsu), a young school teacher who plots and executes an elaborate plot to exact revenge on two of her juvenile delinquent students who were responsible for the sad death of her four year old daughter.
The story is about a junior high-school teacher, Yuko Moriguchi played by Takako Matsu, whose daughter was murdered by students identified in a class.
The bottom line of the story is underlined one of the controversial issues across the right of minority on crime, however, the scenes used many slow motions, hypothetical storyline, and confession by the students and his mother make the movie more stylish and pop..
All in all its a pretty good story about revenge, rotten kids etc but still cant hold a candle to Oldboy (the original, not the crap that came out a few years ago) The casting is good, the actors/actresses do a really good job The pacing tends to lag in places and gets a little repetitive I like the settings, showing a sterile type of environment, sort of an "anti- Clockwork Orange" The back/forth jumpcuts tend to get aggravating after the first 50 or so Still I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a movie thats a tad "different" from the Hollywood norm.
Confession (2010) is about a revenge of middle school teacher whose daughter got killed by student(s) from that class.
When I watched this film, I was unexpected because the story of this movie is kind of different from what I understand from the trailer.
However, at the first part of the film, there is a scene that teacher explains what happened with her daughter that I, personally, think that it is a little bit too slow since.
The movie is divided into several chapters, each of which tells from perspective of different character, like the teacher, student's mother, murderer A, murderer B and so on.