Lumberjack the Monster

I recently watched the new Japanese film Lumberjack the Monster (2023) on Netflix. The storyline follows an arrogant lawyer with a checkered past who is attacked by a serial killer and barely survives. The lawyer's arrogance won't let him be just another victim, so he decides to go from the hunted to the hunter. The film is directed by the iconic Takashi Miike (Audition) and stars Kazuya Kamenashi (Joker Game), Nanao (Miss Devil), Keisuke Horibe (Tokyo Gore Police), and Shidô Nakamura (Fearless). This movie wasn't what I was expecting at all. The main character feels like the actual villain as the story unfolds. The backstories are very well told, and the horror elements are elite. The costumes and kill scenes are top-notch, with great stab scenes and throat slashes. The ending is actually quite rewarding and serves as a perfect conclusion. However, the killer reveal is disappointing and this picture was not what I was hoping for from Miike. In conclusion, Lumberjack the Monster didn't live up to my expectations of Miike, but it had enough worthwhile elements to watch once. I would score this a 5.5-6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

"LUMBERJACK THE MONSTER" is a new Netflix movie from iconic Japanese director Takashi Miike. The original title is Kaibutsu no kikori which is the title of the book it's based on. It's a horror-thriller and the movie is from Japan, but the character-driven plot gives it a South Korean vibe... This one even has a serial killer mystery plot makes sense & has plenty to cover during its runtime... There is a serial killer and obviously, a serial killer is not a "guy good". However, there is actually a solid reason for his murder spree... The movie's boldest idea is that psychopathy could be a desirable trait... Miike, known for his intense and often shocking storytelling, crafts a narrative that is both horrifying and deeply engaging. The film kicks off with a ferocious intensity, immediately throwing viewers into Ninomiya's world of cold-blooded ambition and relentless pursuit. Kamenashi delivers a compelling performance, capturing the lawyer's transformation from a cold-hearted professional to a man consumed by vengeance. His portrayal is chilling, particularly in scenes where his character's obsession reaches a fever pitch... The cinematography by Nobuyasu Kita paints a stark picture of Tokyo's underbelly, filled with shadows and lurking dangers. The editing by Naoichiro Sagara ensures that the tension remains high throughout, with quick cuts that leave the audience barely a moment to breathe. This relentless pace is both a strength and a potential drawback, as it sometimes sacrifices character development for sheer adrenaline... Despite its many strengths, " Lumberjack the Monster" does have its flaws. The relentless focus on violence and gore can feel overwhelming at times, potentially alienating viewers who are not fans of extreme horror. Additionally, while the film's pace keeps the adrenaline high, it sometimes glosses over deeper character development. Ninomiya's transformation is well-acted but could benefit from more nuanced exploration, particularly in his interactions with other characters... Overall " Lumberjack the Monster" is a gripping addition to Takashi Miike's filmography, offering a brutal and unflinching look at the darker sides of human nature. It's a film that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of extreme horror and psychological thrillers. However, its intense focus on violence and a somewhat shallow character arc may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Despite these shortcomings, the film's high-octane energy and compelling lead performance make it a memorable cinematic experience...