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.
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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