This review may contain spoilers
It's impressive
I am not going to lie, this was a harrowing experience which I do not recommend for people that are easily triggered by body violence. But if you can stomach it, let me tell you why this is worth a try.Let me prephase by saying that if you are one of those people that watch BL just for sexual content this review is not for you, also don't talk to me. THIS IS NOT fun, this is not BL, this is a story of guilt, grief, violence and many other emotions that come with the loss of a loved one.
The plot shows us a protagonist that when about to commit suicide is saved and kidnapped by a man that keeps him chained up and strips him of his freedom, his body autonomy and his (already damaged) mental stability. But the whole point of this literal torture is to awaken the most animalistic part of him, the survival instinct. It's only on situations that threaten our lives and our dignity that we hold on to life.
We are shown the story of our protagonist and the reason behind his suicide attempt which is the death of his parents and the guilt he felt as he thought it to be his fault, and we witness him struggle with himself as he is violated but and presented with chances to die but ends up refusing.
Then, we follow the story of the kidnapper, and we understand his grief and his reasoning for all the atrocities he comitted. We watch him lose the love of his life to suicide, explaining his obsession with convincing his victim to live through any means possible.
The parallels of both stories makes you experience stockholm syndrome along with the main character, who feels sorry for the crazy broken man before him.
It's painful to watch, but that's the point. It's a violent story of insanity and being broken, but wanting something or someone to complete you.
Both men end up saving each other.
They learn to let go.
The story goes from darkness to the light.
From fear and being used to consent and closeness.
From screaming to quiet whispers of reassurance.
Maybe I'm reading way too much into it, but maybe I'm not.
Honestly the image that will haunt me forever is one of the calmest in the movie. An open window with cherry blossom petals falling into cold skin. And comparing memories with a drug that one always carries around waiting for the perfect moment to give into them and die really took a toll on me.
Again, if you're watching this for the sex or the strong images... you'll miss the narrative. So maybe skip this one. But if you can look past that and can stomach it... I can definitely recommend it.
Also the acting is very good as well as the visual and sound resources that add another layer to the story. Thank you.
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this is the definition of wtf
i remember watching this and i was like wtf, i mean from what i remember i was so shook lmaofirst if you want to watch this make sure to check the tags, so if you can handle scenes about depression,suicide attempt,sexual assault scenes, Stockholm syndrome,bdsm etc then go on, and the movie is so explicit by the way so make sure you are using your headphones ,im surprised those actors are able to film those scenes so respect because thats wow, im speechless
i want to say the reason why i completed watching this movie is because idk something was intriguing? and i wanted to see how they will end this movie.
and i'am fan of the relationship of the leads? of course not as its toxic asf but i found the movie so interesting anyway, i guess i liked the psychology about it? both leads were struggling and its interesting to know more about them and their backstory.
so the point is this is so hardcore ,if you know you can watch then check it out but if you get triggered about those things then maybe this movie is not for you
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Beneath the shock-value, there lies a narrative about life
Japan has always showcased some unique and interesting BL stories. It has given have very romantic and sugar-coated stories like Kieta Hatsukoi and Cherry Magic as well as some hard hitting and mature stories like Life: Senjou no Bokura and His (the movie). But sometimes, we are introduced to something wild and different. This is one of those storylines. Beyond the shocking and explicit scenes lies a profound message about the value of life, obscured by a barrage of perplexing moments that will leave you questioning your own understanding.The movie hits the ground running where we find Katsuragi is bound and naked at an unknown place by a mysterious person, who sexually assaults him while taunting him about the feeling of being alive. Through Katsuragi’s recurring dreams, we find out how he landed up in this mess. As his daily sexual torture ensues, we find him struggling to stay alive.
The movie although graphic deals with trauma, loss and self-guilt. As the story progresses, we find that both our characters, Katsuragi and Ryoji are dealing with psychological issues. The tremendous personal loss that they have suffered makes them suffer from guilt and depression and ultimately to suicide. This is where the story takes a darker turn and uses the tool of bondage and sex albeit non-consensual to drive home the point that life is important and you need to live it daily. You are responsible for your own actions but certain things are beyond your control and you can’t be blamed for the outcomes.
This dark and twisted movie works due to the truly excellent performance by the main cast. The conviction through which they have played their roles speaks volumes about their talent and professionalism. There were multiple scenes that were awkward with lots of nudity and graphic presentation of sex and the actors have put up a convincing performance.
In conclusion, if we are able to overlook the extensive amount of nudity, bondage, sexual assault and the twisted means to looking at life, the movie holds some important lessons on dealing with trauma and guilt. For any one suffering from such psychological afflictions needs to visit a doctor but this is certainly not the kind of help you would be looking for.
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Too many trigger warnings to mention!
Sep 2023I had read various reviews, but a friend with similar viewing tastes to me, said it was actually a really good story... warped and shocking, but excellently done. So, in I stepped.
Along with the captive, Makoto, the viewer is assaulted pretty quickly.
Chained to a gurney and bound, so begins a relentless regime of horrendous sexual abuse, using a variety of sex aids and the captor's own fingers.
Makoto is kept clean, spends a lot of time alone and is quickly allowed to move around enough (though chained by one ankle), to reach a toilet and table containing water and nutrient / vitamin tabs; no food is given.
Beyond the scenes of assault, we learn what lead Katsuragi Makoto to attempting a drunken suicide, from which he is saved by his captor, Yoda Ryoji.
We also learn why Ryoji appears to be numb to the suffering his intolerable levels of abuse cause, for what he sees as a therapy to awaken Makoto's senses and make him want to live.
It surfaces that both are suffering crushing levels of guilt for similar reasons.
Over time, Makoto begins to form a weird but inescapable bond with Ryoji; it's almost like he has become addicted to the intense pleasure he ultimately experiences, even though at the same time, he is visibly disgusted, shamed and hurt physically by it (for obvious reasons ~ he's a straight guy, so it's going to hurt).
As time goes on, however, and the pain diminishes, he seems to lose the shame and humiliation he felt, too. Ryoji tells him that his desire to live is there (basically, suicide should never have been an option ~ he didn't really want to die).
How this ended, I kind of saw coming and wasn't surprised.
Whilst Ryoji sexually assaulted Makoto multiple times, he actually raped him once and that was the culmination of his 'therapy'. He was then left alone and realises it appears he is able to leave.
The ending is poignant and I find that utterly bizarre; yet it is.
I mean, this should be an impossible piece of work to watch. I actually hate scenes of intense bullying and/or where a character is walked all over and too weak to do anything about it. I've dropped dramas like that, which are actually like a kid's programme compared to this.
So I cannot explain why I felt I just had to finish this and, more to the point, could!
Perhaps it's because there isn't any actual cruelty from Ryoji. He is calm throughout, and explains his actions, even though what he's doing is appalling. He never verbally humiliates Makoto and is totally clinical in his attitude. There is no violence with the sexual acts at all; he does not go out of his way to hurt Makoto (in fact there's an instance where he himself was totally vulnerable).
It really is the most visceral, disturbing and yet compelling thing I've ever watched.
It is not simply BDSM porn, that's for sure.
Totally and utterly warped, but it gets away with it. Just.
I could never watch it again though.
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This review may contain spoilers
So good.....
8/10. One of my favorite Gay Series....omg this was hardcore. What was i looking at anyway haha xD...????????...The acting was way too good...was that even acting...???? The lovescenes were too sexy...... O_OI didn't understand the ending so well. Had Yoda taken drugs in the beginning ? And in the End no more ? Stopped Makoto Yoda taking drugs towards the end ??? Am i right ?
Did Yoda also give Se*drugs to Makoto?
Negative:
1. In the end, I wanted the Lovescene to be a bit wilder.
2. Not enough Kisses. I wished for more. Because i love this Couple so much. Rip.
Positive:
1. Story was interesting.
2. Acting was Perfect
3. The Main Characters. I love them as a Couple. *-*
4. Music
5. The Lovescenes was Really Hardcore.
6. Iam very happy that the two are a couple. Searched and found.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great movie, more intense than expected!
I kinda think this is a porno?! There were crazy intense sex scenes that I did not expect to see in a movie. Surprisingly, I did enjoy every bit of the movie very much and do plan to rewatch (yep!). I decided not to give it a 10 because there were torture/rape/captivity and I'm not too sure if it was necessary for the story, given that he is a "doctor." I just can't comprehend why he would choose "that way" to heal a sick/fragile person. It was a bit much but then I enjoyed the steamy sex scenes that eventually led to love and connection. In other words, sex helped them become each other's saviors. The special part of the story (to me) was that both of them were suicidal and they both needed a distraction and SEX was the answer. According to the story, sexual desires/pleasures would help them forget and move on. I think the ending was beautifully done. They found each other and the reason to live again!Was this review helpful to you?
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When raw hits you like a truck and you were wearing pink-glasses
***SPOILER ALERT***.
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First of all, if you are a virgin, a vanilla person, someone that never suffered from mental health issues, this will be a very uncomfortable movie to watch. Even if you a kinkster, you may have questions.
However, I personally found this movie beautiful, although with doubtful morals.
I love how they approached the mental health issues, bdsm, care and aftercare.
How they punched you with the face about alternative "treatment" for suicidal patients. Belive it or not, some of the stuff done (not the sex part), the psychological part of it, is actually practiced in real life, all around the world.
I remember due to a trauma I had, I unwillingly tried to kill myself and the doctor helped me by telling me all the ways of how I could die..and all the ways and likahood of failure each method had, with what consequences it had for myself and people around me. They showed varies pictures and let me visit post-suicide, survival patients.
How bad it gets now, one thing is for sure, THAT treatment set a bar very high for me ever to cross that ever again.
And that is kinda like what happened here. Two very broken people, escaping crap by doing crap.
How fucked up and imoral methods used, the message came through.
But sure, if you just look at the bits here and there, its well, shit.
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Tastefully executed intense erotic scenes. Although they were very convincing, it was filmed and edited so brilliantly, precisely, down to the smallest detail that not a single hair or piece of pubic hair could be seen, and the actors contributed to this convincing impression to the highest extent. The doctor was a symposia for me despite the controversy of his role (actor Kitadai Takashi). A lot of people will think it's rubbish and won't be able to watch it (actually, the beginning is not easy for any viewer), but I point out again that the main point is not eroticism and both characters are broken inside in the end...
Výborný film podle japonské mangy, ve kterém se snoubí témata sebevraždy (nakonec v příběhu k žádné až do konce-smrti nedošlo), záchrany života, dominantního a perverzního doktora, znásilnění, sexuálního mučení a zneužívání, pocitu viny, touhy a druhé šance na život. Přesto, že snímek vypadá jako obyčejný a bezduchý erotický produkt, opak je pravdou a takovou hloubku a poselství o tom, jak vzácný a zranitelný je život, jsem v podobném erotickém stylu ještě neviděl. Už jsem tady kdysi psal, že Japonci se nezdají .... Je potřeba se nejdříve povznést nad to, co ve filmu je, dodívat se až úplně DO POSLEDNÍHO záběru, aby divák pochopil podstatu příběhu, která vlastně ve své hloubce vůbec o erotice není. Byl to pěkný mazec.
Vkusně provedené intenzivní erotické scény. Ač byly velmi přesvědčivé, natočeno a nastříháno to bylo tak skvěle, precizně, do nejmenšího detailu, že nebylo vidět jediný chloupek ani kousek ohanbí a herci k tomuto přesvědčivému dojmu přispěli svou nejvyšší měrou. Doktor byl pro mě přes kontroverzi své role sympoš (herec Kitadai Takashi). Spousta lidí si bude myslet, že jde o brak a nezvládne se dodívat (vlastně začátek není pro žádného diváka snadný), ale upozorňuji znovu, že hlavní podstatou není erotika a obě v nitru zlomené postavy nakonec ....
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Disturbing at first
Most people would probably find this movie extremely disturbing and traumatising to watch, and at first it might be that way, but as the story progresses, everything slowly falls into place, even the scenes that were hard to watch.This is a good movie with an important message, but it's definitely not for everyone.
The acting was phenomenal, considering the number of uncomfortable scenes in the movie. Both leads did a really good job.
The camerawork is great, and there's an interesting use of horror elements in the scenes that were shot in "the room", although the lighting could have been better in some of those scenes. Certain scenes could have been constructed better, in terms of music and so on.
The movie also failed to include some important lines from the manga, such as: "Look at the people below" in the suicide scene. But despite this, I still found the script to be well written, and it takes up the theme of suicide without directly addressing it.
The ending was beautiful and perfect.
Overall, it was a great movie, and I would rewatch it again
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This review may contain spoilers
OMG!!!!
One of my Favorite Gay Series....omg this was hardcore. What was i looking at anyway haha xD...????????...The acting was way too good...was that even acting...???? The lovescenes were too sexy....... O_O-Neg:
1. In the end, I wanted the love scene to be a bit wilder.
2. Not enough Kisses. I wished for more.
+Pos:
1. Story was interesting.
2. Acting was Perfect
3. The Main Characters. I love them as a Couple. *-*
4. Music
5. The Lovescenes was Really Hardcore.
6. Am very happy that the two are a couple. Searched and found.
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It's only for those who will understand
All I can say is, I understand this movie. I understand the guy who was taken and got caught up in it. This may seem tasteless to some but when you have hit rock bottom, going back to your natural instincts can save you.People who understand the movie will understand, and others, well it's just not for you, and that's okay.
It was dark and emotional and very well done. It showed the break, the growth and the change. The actors really sold it and the storyline fit perfectly together. The ending was satisfying.
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Is not for everyone
It is a good story but it is not for everyone so if you do not enjoy mature content including BDSM, sexual abuse, kidnapping, torture, etc., then you might wanna skip it. However, if you are into this type of content then this movie is a MUST!The beginning can be a bit overwhelming or confusing for those who are not familiar with BL content, but if you can get past the first 10 minutes, then you can engage with the plot and it can be very enjoyable.
It explores themes like depression, suicide, expectations, grief, etc., so it is not just another BDSM movie, even if it contains graphic content, it is still censored and is not uncomfortable to watch.
The actors have good chemistry and they did a good job conveying their characters' emotions and it helps to keep you interested in the plot.
Now let's talk about what I didn't like about it:
1. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a horror movie and THAT whistle (yall who have seen it know what I'm talking about) did not help at all, but that is just a very personal detail that I couldn't let go of.
2. The music goes completely unnoticed, there is nothing to highlight in this area.
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