Noriko's Dinner Table [DVD]

WARNING: avoiding direct spoilers, but as always, it's hard to review without some mentions that might allude to some parts of the story.First, I stumbled on to this on netflix one day while bored. I read it was a "sequel/prequel" to Suicide Club (Circle, makes more sense if you can understand the japanese; i'm close). I thought, "great!". I was in the mood for more of the "psychologically disturbing" type of horror from his first movie, but found this was more of just a well-woven tale that gave a back-drop for Suicide Club/Circle, and imho, let Sion also clear up some loose ends in that movie (after much debate with friends on its "meaning", both literally and metaphorical levels).Overall, there are only a couple "violent" or "bloody" scenes. There is a bit of weirdness at the emotional level--you could say emotional "horror" in a way, and it's gripping to watch in my opinion.The movie is also a bit longer than his others that I've seen (Suicide Club/Circle and Strange Circus), but for me it still ended too soon. In this way, I mean he created compelling characters that i believed and was genuinely interested in seeing how they'd grow, change and end up at the end. It even leaves some of this open at the end, which I love (leaves me unsettled, wondering).I highly recommend this whether you've seen Suicide Club or not; if you have, it'll clarify some of the confusing elements in that first one (which still is great on its own). If you haven't, it's still a wonderful movie. The musical score is brilliant, and makes the movie seem even lighter than it is. There is a hardness to some characters, and to what happens, an emotional one.Again, it's well worth the money and time to watch this if you are at all into Asian, or Japanese movies in particular (horror or otherwise).

Poignant,Thought provoking,Genius.Any one of these words can be used to describe this unforgettable piece of film.The sequel to "Suicide Club", while not even remotely as graphic,actually manages to outdo it's predecessor in every other regard;plot, character development, tension, atmosphere, settings, and all around humanity.This movie does skip around quite a bit more though,but not so much that it becomes distracting.And unlike the original, the conclusion of this flick won't leave you scratching your head.You'll definitely be discussing it, but not out of confusion.To say the least, Sion Sono is quickly becoming the best horror director to emerge from Japan in recent years.In this sequel of sorts, we get a closer view into the mysterious Suicide Circle.We learn more of its convoluted philosophies,and meet a few more members, specifically Ueno Station 54.The film follows her history, as well as the members of one particular family,A tragic-hero of a father, and his 2 runaway daughters,who inadvertently stumble upon a unique division of the Suicide Club. The mass suicides of the last film,(62 high school girls simultaneously jumping in front of a subway car, etc.)left a lot of families with holes in their lives.This division of the club temporarily fills those holes, but for a fee.Essentially you can rent 1 or multiple family members for a limited time,and do to them anything you would regularly do to your normal family.Naturally this leads to some pretty bizarre scenes. With each passing film, I get closer and closer to believing that Sion Sono is the premier Japanese horror director to watch. (My apologies to any Miike fans)Yeah I said it. (Better than Miike!!! .....well except for "Imprint" which is a personal favorite)Suicide Club, Strange Circus, and now this!!!I can't wait for his next film "Exte: Hair Extensions" to release.As silly as it sounds I know it's going to be that good.Takashi Miike, eat your heart out!!!MORAL OF THE STORY:For the right price, water is just as thick as blood.

This movie is great for Sion Sono fans, especially fans of his movie Suicide Club, which this movie connects to as a sequel. Sono fans will already be familiar with his long length movies that demand attention and patience. Someone that isn't necessarily a fan of Sono, and especially someone that is new to his work, may be bored due to the length and the moments where the action is "quiet". I've seen some complaints that this movie is long and boring at points, and I can understand those complaints. This movie is a deep psychological examination of cult-think, why people join cults, and different problems in Japanese culture from the high suicide rate to the feelings of loneliness many individuals feel in a high-paced, busy society. The film also evaluates the family dynamic in Japan as well, and why some families feel disconnected due to distant, hard-working parents who spend little time with their distant, hard-working children. Pretty great movie. If this is too dense and slow-paced, I would recommend giving Sono another try with Coldfish, which is more dynamic while evaluating many of the same themes with family and cults.

Perfect!

Fascinating movie I’ve wanted to see for a long time. This version is in Japanese (of course) with French (only) subtitles (I knew that before buying) so a bit of a challenge but well worth it.

You need to be a little careful here as this is Japanese language with French subtitles. Putting the title on the front of the box in English language is a bit misleading.

i enjoyed the product a lot... pretty much like it was advised and even more... i can say im satisfied

Love this movie since it's first came out in UK.. Highly recommended...