Killers (Review)
Indonesia/Japan/2014
Format Viewed For Review: Netflix Instant
Netflix Streaming: Yes
Amazon Prime: No
"...one of the most thrilling, suspenseful,
and disturbing films I've seen in a long time..."
An
experienced Japanese serial killer who uploads disturbing videos of his
murders to the internet connects with an Indonesian journalist with a
lust for blood...
Killers follows Bayu (Oka Antara) and Nomura
(Kazuki Kitamura). Nomura is a Japanese sociopath. He records his
torture and murder of young women, then uploads the videos to the
internet. In Indonesia, Bayu is an ambitious journalist seeking to
expose the lies of a corrupt politician. Unfortunately, this obsession
has destroyed his career and marriage. Bayu finds himself inexplicably attracted to
Nomura's actions. So attracted, Bayu records his first murder, then uploads it to the
internet. Of course, this catches Nomura's attention and the pair
begin to exchange messages. Nomura continues to vicious murder spree, while
Bayu becomes a vigilante. The film leads to an excellent climax and
ending. The ending, however, has some poor green screen effects that
takes you out of the experience. It's not the worst, but it hurts since
it also seems unnecessary.
Killers is a psychological
thriller-horror film akin to I Saw The Devil — at least, that's the
first film that comes to mind. Anyway, Killers is a vicious epic. It's
filled to the brim with action, thrills, and horror — there's even a
pinch of sadistic humor for good measure. It's incredibly thrilling,
suspenseful and tense. It's one of those films that gets your heart
pumping. The type of film that makes you perspire even when the room is
above room temperature. The type of film that makes you clench your fist
until there's a mark on your palm. This is achieved due to the
effective aforementioned elements — action, thrills, and horror. It's
also a little violent.
Okay, it's stupendously violence —
again, akin to I Saw The Devil. This film is disturbing and graphic.
There are scenes of torture. There are references to the taboo — you
know, the place Hollywood rarely steps into? Is it gratuitous? Perhaps.
Is it effective? Yes. Now, I don't relish in violence, but it certainly
helps the narrative. In this case, not only are these scenes visually
scarring, they also help differentiate our characters. Through the
violence, we can see: one is a sociopath and one is a confused
individual. Although some of the themes are very blatant, the violence
also lines up well. This is a film about the misunderstood, the
obsession with violence and the internet. It doesn't speak volumes about
it, at least not until the end, but it makes its statement.The only real issue I had with the film was the lack of character for Nomura. Nomura is given a strong background, but his current character is lacking — I didn't know he was executive until I read the synopsis, because I don't think it ever tells you that information.
The
film is anchored by Oka Antara and Kazuki Kitamura. Both actors deliver
stellar performances. The supporting cast is also very strong. The film
is shot very well, too, the lighting was great. The music was especially
stylish. The use of classical music was excellent. Thanks to the
wonderful editing, the music and visuals pair perfectly to create a film oozing with style (and blood). A scene towards the end is the only time I had an issue
with the special effects; otherwise, the effects are great. The Mo
Brothers meticulously craft a horror/serial killer epic. They delve deep into the
mind of two disturbed yet different individuals through balanced,
creative, and uncompromising direction. Writers Takuji Ushiyama and Timo
Tjahjanto craft a story with a great concept, strong characters, and
provocative themes.
Overall, Killers is a masterful
thriller-horror film. On the surface, it's an utterly disturbing and
graphically violent shocker. Deep down, it is an interesting study of
two disturbed characters and people's obsession with violence —
especially on the internet. It's one of the most thrilling, suspenseful,
and disturbing films I've seen in a long time — and I couldn't keep my
eyes off of it. Perhaps it was the slick cinematography or the
classical music, or maybe it was the sinisterly elegant blend of both —
I just couldn't keep my eyes off of it. If you can handle graphic violence
and love psychological thrillers like I Saw The Devil, you must watch
Killers.
Score: 9/10
Parental Guide: Graphic violence and gore, some sex, including references to child abuse and rape.
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