Ido

Kei Fujiwaras's "Ido" is one of those flicks that most people will find unbearable to watch. It features grotesque acts of violence, crude sex scenes and a confounding plot. Its themes include cross-dressing, voyeurism, homosexuality, domestic violence, sexual abuse and cannibalism. On top of that, this movie looks cheap and dirty. Even for fans of art-house cinema this is going to be a difficult experience, as it seems easy to dismiss this movie as stupid trash trying to shock its audience.

However, I have to admit that this movie fascinates me. There's two reasons for this. First off, there is much to be said about the more abstract topics of "Ido"; about the human subconscious for instance, or the bestiality of mankind, which is depicted in a literal and raw manner here. Secondly, I think this movie is an astonishingly honest expression of mental illness in the wake of a traumatic experience.

Supposedly, two of the female characters (one of them played by the director herself, Fujiwara) have suffered sexual abuse. I believe the atmosphere of this movie has to be seen in the light of this fact. If you ever encountered even a light mental disorder, you know that it is everything but pleasant or rational. To me, "Ido" nailed the confusion and despair one feels going through a depression or similar psychogenic problems. I deeply respect art that deals with dark themes as directly and uncompromising as this one. That's why I like this movie more than I probably should. If you're interested in the subject matter, by all means, give it a shot. If you don't know what the hell I'm talking about, steer clear of this movie at all costs.

I just saw this in Belgium and for the first night in the country their was definitely some mental scarring amongst the group. This film is over top gory, surreal, experimental and just plain hard to watch.

Although it would be unfair to criticise it for these things because despite defying the common structural techniques Hollywood employs, it dared to be different. And was a success in retaining some sort of satirical overview of society.

The production values were mediocre, relying on an overuse of close-ups and the effects were occasionally flawed. Though to be fair i expected a lot worse and think it all works well in adding to the comedy of the movie.