Grotesque (Kôji Shiraishi, 2009)
Could Kôji Shiraishi be a new Takashi Miike? He's already made 4 film this year, and appears to attract controversy for the type of extreme 'splatter' movies he makes. Most notorious at the moment is this little
slice of horror entitled 'Grotesque'. The BBFC have already banned it, but that doesn't really mean anything anymore does it? Does it? Or does it??
What Kôji Shiraishi appears to be doing here is attempting to outdo Eli Roth's dreadful 'Hostel' movies.
A sort of 'who can make the grisliest horror movie' trip. Well, he certainly trumps 'Hostel' in terms of outright horror, and does include scenes that American film-makers won't go near... specifically a scene which includes sexual assault.
Note that, the version I viewed is the unrated Japanese release, so the DVD has no subtitles. Therefore, It's possible I've missed some intricate subtleties of the plot. Oh no, wait! There isn't one HAH HAHAHAHA!
Ahem. So, what's the rumpus? A serial killer kidnaps a young couple and ties them up and tortures them. That's the story, well, more of a basis for torture to be honest. The film includes scenes of Nihon nipple-sucking (and nipple cutting), chainsaw choppiness (or rather choppenis), testicle-nailing, viscious stabbings and gut-spilling goading. The effects are okay, sometimes laughable, and the ending is hilarious.
Tongue firmly in cheek, Mr Shiraishi?
Anyway, it's bad, but not that bad.The horror isn't very cringe-worthy, (where as some of the effects are), and
it certainly doesn't justify being banned. For what it's worth (duration is 1hour 13mins), I hope some obscure DVD label will give it an English-friendly release in the near future. It's already available in Germany & Austria, and I'm positive the Dutch will release it very soon.
If you're a fan of horror, you should see it. It you work for the BBFC, you should sleep with it.
Well worth a watch.
