Lumberjack the Monster Review: The film, also known as 怪物の木こり, stars Kazuya Kamenashi as Akira Ninomiya, Nanao as Arashiko Toshiro, Riho Yoshioka as Emi Kagemi and several others. Directed by Takashi Miike, the film is based on the book titled Kaibutsu no kikori.
The adaptation of the screenplay has been done by writers Hiroyoshi Koiwai and Mayusuke Kurai. The runtime is close to two hours.
Lumberjack the Monster Trailer
– Netflix’s Lumberjack the Monster Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –
Lumberjack the Monster Review
Lumberjack the Monster introduces us to Akira Ninomiya, a ruthless young lawyer who stops at nothing to eliminate obstacles in his path. One night, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is viciously attacked by a mysterious assailant wearing a “monster mask.” Miraculously surviving the attack, Ninomiya becomes obsessed with identifying and exacting revenge on his assailant. Meanwhile, the city is terrorized by a series of gruesome murders, with victims found mutilated and their brains removed, prompting an intensive police investigation.
The film mixes the likes of Basic Instinct, Dexter and other specific psychopath-serial killer movies where the story keeps you guessing till the last moment. So, it is a sure green flag for people who love those red-flag horror thriller films!
Lumberjack the Monster is a dense and richly layered film that draws viewers in with its slow, burning pace—an unexpected delight, especially for those accustomed to fast-paced thrillers. Despite my usual preference for high-speed narratives, I found myself captivated by the deliberate unfolding of the story and the depth of its characters.
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The film’s strength lies in its complex character portrayals. Akira Ninomiya is not a typical protagonist; his moral ambiguity makes it difficult to root for him, yet his relentless pursuit of revenge keeps the audience engaged. The greyness of the characters adds a layer of realism and intensity, making their actions and motivations deeply compelling. This moral ambiguity means that viewers are constantly shifting their sympathies, which adds to the film’s tension and intrigue.
The action sequences are another standout aspect of the film. The fight scenes are choreographed with precision and flair, balancing showmanship with genuine suspense. Each confrontation is charged with a palpable sense of danger, making the action thrilling to watch. Fans of the psychopath/serial killer genre will appreciate the movie’s unique blend of psychological depth and physical confrontation.
However, one minor critique is the level of violence and gore. While the film does not shy away from brutality, I found myself wishing for more graphic scenes to fully embrace the horror elements of the genre. This is a subjective preference, and the film’s restraint in this area may actually appeal to a broader audience who might be put off by excessive gore.
Lumberjack the Monster: Final Verdict
Overall, Lumberjack the Monster is a gripping and thought-provoking film that excels in character development and action choreography. Its slow-burn approach allows for a richer exploration of its themes and characters, making it a standout in the thriller genre. Despite a personal wish for more graphic content, the film’s strengths far outweigh this minor quibble. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted psychological thriller with a unique edge.
You can watch Lumberjack the Monster aka 怪物の木こり now streaming on Netflix.
Meanwhile, do let us know in the comments below what you think of this latest release. Does it justify Miike’s vision or was there something more that you would have wanted this film to have?
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