Reviews

I find that this movie is highly skilled in not only telling an appealing story, but also simultaneously proves that a unique and clearly defined premise is not always necessary to draw viewers in. While the main concept is relatively tame, the story truly comes together thanks to its artistic appeal; much of the movie is eye candy with wonderfully creepy and deceptively abstract and surrealist imagery designed to play with perspective (among other factors), which adds a highly admirable amount of stylistic and aesthetic appeal. The characters all appear in the same vein as they do in the original, though truthfully the series has always been more focused on spirits and contemplation and questioning of humanity, life, morals, and other factors than specific character development. Even the collectors are overexaggerated, shown to their most extreme extent to care about pride and conceit only artificially, finding themselves unique because they believe they have a collection rarer than others. While it may be interesting to have a rare collection, the item being rare in itself is not what should be praised; rather, what should is the dedication to keep collecting and bettering one’s collection, disregarding to a respectable degree the actual gross value. It’s fittingly contradictory of the homeowner then, who collects other collectors and even seemed to wish to “collect” Yuko, who seems immune to him. I believe that Yuko is immune to his efforts primarily because most of the collectors seem to be lacking an implied sense of fulfilment, needing to fill this with material objects. However, Yuko lacks this as she gives others what they desire most. I highly recommend watching this movie if following the series and even if not for this reason, if anything for the aesthetic and stylistic value as well as warped view on perception of humanity and pride, among countless others, that the movie showcases. 9/10.