The World of Kanako

This is just my opinion, but under no circumstances should this movie be viewed by minors, or people suffering from depression. It is very, very dark. The Japanese title is translatable to Thirst, and the original novel to Insatiable Thirst. So it's not all about Kana. I doubt Japan has minors running around with guns just yet, but there is definitely bullying, and extreme bullying, and the pushing of drugs (shabu/meth), and prostitution, and suicides among minors, some allegedly due to the foregoing, so I commend the author for writing the novel and Nakashima for directing this film, now one of my favorites and in my opinion, way better than anything put out by some directors he's being compared to (at least in the context of this movie) like Tarantino, Miike and Sono. The violence is not gratuitous. In many cases, Nakashima uses a diversion tactic of an animated blood splash where the aforementioned directors might want to resort to shock by going into live action detail. That is not to say there is no violence. There are also very disturbing depictions of rape. This is where I really respect actors. I can't imagine being given the script as an actor in such a scene in this movie and then "Action." And then wrapping up and going home to have dinner with the spouse and kids. And the actor playing Fujishima, Koji Yakusho, is a greatly respected, hugely popular first-rate actor, just to throw that in. In summary, I thought this was a well-edited, well-acted movie based on a compelling plot on a subject matter that needs more light thrown on it. A similarly important movie on the same subject of bullying, rape and prostitution that comes to mind is Shunji Iwai's All About Lily Chou-Chou, which casts one of my favorite actors, Yu Aoi.MINOR SPOILERS AFTER THIS.I haven't read the novel, so I don't know what or who the Thirst is attributable to. Is it the thirst of committing gravely evil acts by those consumed by such desire, or the thirst on the part of those seduced, both clients and prostitutes, that then feeds the thirst to do evil and comes full circle? Clearly, the story is not just about a girl gone crazy and evil, but also about a destructive father who seems to want to atone by killing that daughter himself, as well as about a normal human being who had not been exposed to any of the kind of violence that Kana or Fujishima had (at least as far as we know), yet responds with that very violence when she learns her daughter had been seduced and defiled by Kana.

**POSSIBLE SPOILER**This is a movie that seems to have been written by committee. A committee of people who wanted a highly stylized, Tarentino-esque circus with some Old Boy and Infernal Affairs thrown in. The characters are almost all hateful, unsympathetic and what is the true cinematic poison here: uninteresting. There is just no one to identify with or cheer for or care about in any way shape or form - to the point that you lose interest pretty quickly. The protagonist is an alcoholic who beats and rapes women (including his wife and daughter) several times during the film which simply makes you want bad things to happen to him - if you still care at that point. The film's run time it way too long with what feels like multiple endings and not only are there bad, uninteresting characters everywhere, there are ones that pop up half-baked and we are supposed to be interested in their part of the story. It is just such a mish-mosh mess that the only emotion it elicits from the viewer is anger at the filmmakers imo.Not only is this movie bad it is also silly. And silly in places where it shouldn't and isn't trying to be silly. I really can't say enough bad things about this film and I am no novice when it comes to over-the-top Japanese Cinema being a big fan of Miike and particularly Ichi The Killer. So when I tell you that The World of Kanako offends me, but I love Ichi I think that tells you A LOT...I wasted my time and money on this one. Please don't waste yours.

This movie is put together very well. Great scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, etc. All very cool. Unfortunately the violence and torture gets worse and worse and begins to detract from enjoying the good filmmaking. Not only is the violence excessive but it becomes outrageous (and implausible; the main character is somehow indestructible) but not in a comedic way like a Quentin Tarantino movie. I don't know why people keep making movies with gruesome torture. I've seen enough already and it's really not entertaining. Despite the gratuitous violence the movie is still worth watching once. Or skip it and watch the better movies from this director.

A sprawling, baroque abattoir of madness, violence, depravity, and manic frivolity. Koji Yakusho is titanic. Editing alone is worth the price of admission. It was better than I remember, which guarantees that I will see it again. Viewers should not suppose from the trailer that there is anything cute or funny about this movie. It goes from darkness to darkness.Addendum :Amazon's streaming service is a disgrace. There is no other word.

Interesting watch that almost mimmiks Siono Sano work outside it's ability to tie up it's philosophical point with a satisfactory ending. If this film was edited down to an hour and a half you would end up with film that didn't drag for it's last quarter.

"The World of Kanako" is a terrific thriller. Kaji Yakusho stars as a divorced ex-cop with severe mental problems who goes on a quest to find his missing teenage daughter Kanako, played by the lovely Nana Komatsu in her film debut. Just be forewarned: it's definitely not for the squeamish.

This movie has a brutal Quentin Tarantino-esque vibe to it, and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat. A must watch if you are into gory, suspenseful movies.

Not good, but not bad either. All depends on one's taste on this one! Not to spoil anything but that Father,does not DESERVE A FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARD! LOLBut... it did entertain me though. Would I recommend this? No...

This is one of the most nihilistic, hard to watch films I've seen because of the relentless graphic depictions of violence and sex but also because of the editing style, intensity and lack of any redeeming characters. A depraved father/ex-cop searches for his missing daughter and comes into conflict with everyone from her friends to corrupt cops, the Yakuza and paedophiles. The tone is so bleak that you know its not going to end well. It is an all-out visceral experience. I like the editing style although at times it becomes a little overwhelming, there is some beautiful lighting and photography, very cool use of music (love the opening credits) and great performances. It is essentailly very well-made exploitation and will challenge your tolerance for violence, rape, gore and general hatred for the world and humanity. I think he's a hugely talented director but Confessions is a better film because he shows restraint. Here there is none. It's gruelling to watch but expertly made. You have been warned.

Akikazu Fujishima (Kôji Yakusho) is a disgraced retired cop who seems to live for nothing since his wife divorced him. He hasn’t seen his teenage daughter Kanako (Nana Komatsu) in a long time, who has since gone missing. The trouble is, the contemptible Fujishima is rarely sober enough to stand up let alone find his daughter. What follows is a hopeless journey into hell by a deeply unpleasant man trying to find his daughter, who soon learns she was not the A-grade schoolgirl he thought she was.We are subjected to a bleak world of drugs, prostitution and violence. There’s plenty of bloody excess to keep fans of Sion Sono and Takashi Miike more than happy. Of course, the film wouldn’t be complete without some ridiculously constructed fight scenes, car crashes and shootouts, the best of which is set in a car park. Its hard not to laugh at the sight of Fujishima’s white suit getting bloodier and bloodier, whilst taking yet another knife or bullet or fist. Its all the more surprising to see Yakusho in such a despicable turn, who usually plays much quieter roles!Fans of Asian extreme cinema won’t be disappointed, ‘The World of Kanako’ is a well made film from an assured director. The films biggest problem is the 2 hours running time seems much longer, i’m a very patient man but its difficult not to get tired of the incessant misanthropy on show.

The story to start is not easy to understand but when its nearly the end there is a twist . Then it makes sense .

Bought as present, have been given excellent feedback. Would recommend

Liked This. Very Different Story Line.