Bad Film (2012)

Bad Film (2012). 2h 41m

“Sion Sonou0026#39;s u0026quot;Bad Filmu0026quot; is an exploration of human nature in cultural conflicts. The central themes are racism, homosexuality and violence. The characters are marginal misfits who make mayhem in various neighbourhood of Tokyo. The central dilemma of the high-density Chinese immigrants who are perceived as a threat especially as the 1997 Handover of Hong Kong to China is looming, coupled with the more comically-toned fear of u0026quot;Blacksu0026quot; for their hypothetically huge penises and ensuing vagina-stretching paranoia for the poor Japanese girls from their u0026quot;protectingu0026quot; male counterparts.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe long movie follows a rather typical gang attacks gang pattern with periods of peace and respite, but despite its shortcomings and simple story, it shines with bouts of beautiful artistic cinematography (especially for the budget and guerilla-style street film-making) and engaging, endearing and strange characters. It also showcases Sonou0026#39;s humour, innovation, eclectic vision and symbolic synthesis.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe soul-searching in societyu0026#39;s fringe is evident and the sedated pace allows for much reflection. At part life-affirming and at parts looking- glass alarming, this examines the essence of being alive in our melodramatic times.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe racist dialogue is consistent with typical bigotry, ignorance and fear anywhere in the world, but there is a well-researched and executed scene where the two warring interpreters discuss the merits and underachievements of China versus Japan in a more didactic and less derogatory way which is extremely effective. The other memorable scenes are the visceral eye-stopping u0026quot;Slap Sceneu0026quot; and the various non-sexual lesbian scenes between the two u0026quot;Juliette u0026amp; Julietteu0026quot; of the rival clans. The music and editing work well in most part and the ending brings closure to this epic episode, while not necessarily inducing change like epigenetics.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSo this movie is no clear masterpiece as Canadian u0026quot;Crash (2004)u0026quot; did much better (and more subtly) evaluating our remaining racist societal compass, but it certainly pushes the boundaries in a beautiful and thoughtful way. All and all, it is a worthwhile, if at times long, watch. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt enviably sits in the same decadent universe as Sion Sonou0026#39;s u0026quot;Hazard (2005)u0026quot; which takes place in New York, versus the elaborate erotic worlds of u0026quot;Strange Circus (2005)u0026quot; u0026amp; u0026quot;Guilty of Romance (2011)u0026quot; but does not completely achieve greatness like u0026quot;Norikou0026#39;s Dinner Table (2005)u0026quot; and u0026quot;Cold Fish (2010)u0026quot; which are more refined on almost every level.”