Confessions (Kokuhaku) is a 2010 Japanese movie that unfortunately has passed under the radar on behalf of the western viewers. It is based on the homonymous book written by Kanae Minato. Be however fairly warned that it is a harsh movie and it is not suited for the casual viewer.
The premises provides an interesting insight in the Japanese juristic system where minors under the age of fourteen are not punishable by laws if they commit crimes. They may be sent to reformatories, but harsher punishments are not expected. The story focuses on a teacher whose daughter was killed by two of her students; as this is explained in the first twenty minutes of the movie, it will be the only so called spoiler that this article will provide. The plot then concentrates on the method she devises to cope with her pain and the steps she takes to get her revenge.
There is a perfect juxtaposition between the slow-paced photographic cinematography and the crude facts that are presented to the viewer, sometimes through semi-monologues, in a vicious and fast-paced technique. This combination, along the severe themes the movie touches, creates an overwhelming effect; that is exactly why I said that it is not a movie made for everyone.
After watching it, there is something to be said about the human psychology. The frailty oh human beings, their whims and desires and also their deepest and crudest behaviors are portrayed to a point that may be even considered hurtful or impossible to bare. The movie does however provide an insight on themes we could hardly accept: not only there may be unfathomable repercussions for the actions we take in life (that much is a given), but also the way these consequences interact with the fragility of the human psyche of those around. These are just some of the dreadful considerations that the plot will lead to. The movie has a peculiar selection for its soundtrack but it oddly fits very well with how it is narrated and with the stunning photography.
It you want a movie to put you on edge and you have no problems with a foreign language while you are reading the subtitles (unless for some reason you understand Japanese), this movie is definitely a good pick. It is for sure no “Netflix-and-chill” material.
I would give it an 8 minus out of 10 “full disclosures”.