Chaos (1999)

Although not perfect, this film is brilliant

If you have a strong, perhaps hyperactive, imagination it would be hard to recommend this film too highly, for those of you who like your eggs done over easy, this one prolly won't work for you. Reviews below will tell you more or less what to expect of the movie and I would like to add the following because this is the one element that has perhaps not been commented upon. To wit, what makes this film so beautiful is that the director has staged the film in such a way that at any one of the many significant plot twists, the viewer realizes that this film could launch into an entirely different direction. In other words the hero can become villain, the dupe the mastermind, the victim the victimizer. In fact, one finds one hoping and guessing that this is precisely what will occur at each of the major turning points in this little beauty (and there are many). Place a healthy (or unhealthy, depending upon one's perspective) gauze of menacing eroticism over the whole and one has an utterly gripping labyrinthine cinematic experience. December 17, 2007

A Very Good & Complex Murder Mystery: Puzzle Within A Puzzle!

"Chaos," is a very apt title for this Japanese murder mystery by director Hideo Nakata. I will be the first to admit that the film is very difficult to understand on the first viewing; therefore repeated viewings are recommended. And needed too! But I really like this film. It is a very good murder mystery from Japan, and the acting is very good. This is one of those type of reviews where telling too much will ruin the film for you, therefore, I will leave out much of the film: as to divulge too much will destroy this film for you.

When I first viewed this film, it was as a rental from my local Asian video rental store. After viewing it however; I decided to purchase the film, as I knew it was going to take a few go arounds to get this murder mystery right. Also, there are still some ambiguous parts of the film I have not fully comprehended. But I am getting there. Further, this is not a very transparent film. Therefore, do not be frustrated if you do not get the film on first viewings. You will on subsequent ones, and they are well worth the repeat viewings. I do take this DVD out every once in awhile since I first purchased it several years ago to try and figure out some of the ambiguities. Yeah, it's that type of film.

The films narrative begins with a husband and wife having lunch at a very fine restaurant. As the husband pays for the lunch, the wife leaves ahead of him. As he leaves, his wife is not in sight. Believing she went on ahead [no spoilers], the husband, who is a bank executive named Komiyama (Ken Mitsuishi), goes back to work. However, his wife, whose name is Saori (Miki Nakatani), has actually been kidnapped. Or has she? Meanwhile Komiyama receives a phone call from the kidnapper demanding 30 million yen. This is a film that would have made Alfred Hitchcock very happy. And I believe that the film is a sort of homage to Hitchcock by Nakata, and that Nakata was heavily influenced by him. At least as far as this thriller is concerned.

As the film proceeds further along, you will find that the timeline seems to be confusing. I believe this was deliberate by Nakata to keep the audience guessing as to what is really going on. Remember, you can always review the film again. What's important to remember, however, is that nothing is as it seems. When you think you know what's going on, you really don't. Nakata does not let the viewer in on this. The film is going on in the present as well as the past. Therefore, you may see characters out of their timeline. This is intentional. I believe this is the number one factor why the film is confusing at times. And frustrating as well. However, I do believe it is well worth the purchase. At least rent the film to see if it appeals to you. I happen to think the film is very, very good. But rent it first. Recommended. February 21, 2007

Brilliant--once you understand it

Great movie about love and deception, but confusing the first time around. The story is not told in chronological order, and to add to the confusion there are the similar-sounding names of two characters, (Saori and Satomi) names that are unfamiliar to Western ears and some characters who were only on screen for a short while. I won't give away the plot, but when you finally realize what's going on, it's brilliant! I had to watch Chaos more than once to get the full picture, buy it was well worth it! January 26, 2007

great oriental thriller...

a sexy, mind bending thriller-a film that starts out pretty straight forward and then throws you 360 degrees.

Fairly tame as to the sex and violence compared to American thrillers, but that, IMO, makes the film more enjoyable-you need to use your brain instead of being clubbed in the head with gratatious imagery. You'll need to pay attention to this one if you hope to keep up.

A surprising ending but one appropriate for a Japanese film-known for their moralizing undertones. A enjoyable, thought provoking movie. 4 stars. February 25, 2005

Hitchcock Style but a Strange Ending

This film starts out with tight scenes that move in and out of time involving the viewer to stay focused or miss out on the plot. It has a real hitchcock style to it which makes it intelligent and intriguing. I wish there was a little more laid out in the beginning so i could understand the ending better. I don't want to spoil this review with what happens, it just doesn't add up. Maybe thats what the director wants, it doesn't follow the logical order and would be considered chaotic. The movie is about a staged kidnapping with an underlying plot as to why it needs to be staged. The acting is very good by the girl, she is somewhat mesmerizing in her actions. I could see there was going to be sparks flying between her and her partner in crime, who was really being used unknowingly at first. She is the one who stages the fake kidnapping in order to extract money from her husband, or is it her husband? The movie is for those who like a mystery and have a questioning mind, but keep in mind the ending doesn't fit with the tightness of the overall script, it feels like it needed to blend with more of a arthouse style script, not a hitchcock style. Worth Viewing.
Lisa Nary June 27, 2004

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