A photography student called Tsukiko is going to hypnosis therapy to regain her lost memories. Meanwhile, a police detective is investigating a crime, and is interested in getting info from her. Tsukiko also has a friend called Tomie, who has such bad luck that a total of nine horror movies were named after her.
Tomie was released in the same year as Ringu. It is less known outside Japan, and not as impactful. Still, it has unique sides, with its own lore, rules, and feel. It gives an impression of being a classic because of the serious way it is made, with many scenes set up in an artistically ambitious way. Tsukiko being a photographer adds to the esteticism.
Although it has bloody scenes, it does not become very scary. The director has kind of said that he wanted to reduce the amount of violence. "I wanted this to be more like a drama for youth." The number of fake scares, like knocking on the door or images in mirrors, is also less than usual. It is only scary when there is real danger, which makes it cleaner. The few special effects are probably mostly physical. It is mostly calm, with a low tempo, and people talk slowly. Especially during the therapy sessions with the serene psychiatrist.
There is reasonably good acting from many participants. Tsukiko responds well to the horror. The psychiatrist has integrity, and the detective is peculiar, with entertaining habits.
The most impactful character is of course Tomie, at least relative to others in the movie. Compared to well-known characters from other movies, I wouldn't call her colourful. But that is not her style anyway. She is not extravagant, but self-aware.
Each movie has a different actress playing Tomie, and she is slightly different in every one. This is probably not a coincidence. I realized that one needs to watch more than one to appreciate how great she is.
Another thing that has gained a life of its own is Robby's song, a creepy theme song that I am sure that I have heard before. There are also other nice songs. The background music is good, but sometimes mismatched with the action, so that the horror effect is weakened. There is at least one scene that would profit from more fitting background music.
A very minor complaint is that one scene has a sudden jump from night to day.
As it is a Junji Ito story, don't expect logical explanations for everything, and you'll end up less irritated. I have my own theory, but it might not be the same as what the author intended.
I'm happy to have gained entrance to this series and adding it to others like Ringu and One Missed Call. I think everyone interested in Japanese horror should check it out and see if they like it.
Tomie was released in the same year as Ringu. It is less known outside Japan, and not as impactful. Still, it has unique sides, with its own lore, rules, and feel. It gives an impression of being a classic because of the serious way it is made, with many scenes set up in an artistically ambitious way. Tsukiko being a photographer adds to the esteticism.
Although it has bloody scenes, it does not become very scary. The director has kind of said that he wanted to reduce the amount of violence. "I wanted this to be more like a drama for youth." The number of fake scares, like knocking on the door or images in mirrors, is also less than usual. It is only scary when there is real danger, which makes it cleaner. The few special effects are probably mostly physical. It is mostly calm, with a low tempo, and people talk slowly. Especially during the therapy sessions with the serene psychiatrist.
There is reasonably good acting from many participants. Tsukiko responds well to the horror. The psychiatrist has integrity, and the detective is peculiar, with entertaining habits.
The most impactful character is of course Tomie, at least relative to others in the movie. Compared to well-known characters from other movies, I wouldn't call her colourful. But that is not her style anyway. She is not extravagant, but self-aware.
Each movie has a different actress playing Tomie, and she is slightly different in every one. This is probably not a coincidence. I realized that one needs to watch more than one to appreciate how great she is.
Another thing that has gained a life of its own is Robby's song, a creepy theme song that I am sure that I have heard before. There are also other nice songs. The background music is good, but sometimes mismatched with the action, so that the horror effect is weakened. There is at least one scene that would profit from more fitting background music.
A very minor complaint is that one scene has a sudden jump from night to day.
As it is a Junji Ito story, don't expect logical explanations for everything, and you'll end up less irritated. I have my own theory, but it might not be the same as what the author intended.
I'm happy to have gained entrance to this series and adding it to others like Ringu and One Missed Call. I think everyone interested in Japanese horror should check it out and see if they like it.