Kurosawa Kiyoshi is an icon of J-horror, depicting the dark world in a grotesque way. This movie also shows his unique style fully. It’s a psychological horror revealing the brutality of a human mind in a contemplative way, rather than scaring people with shocks. It raises tension gradually, making it explode when the truth is revealed at last. This story was introduced as a play, adapted into a novel, made into a movie, premiered at the Canne Film Festival, and made into a spin-off TV drama. When the missing Shinji reappears, he has become a totally different person. He confesses to his wife that he came back to invade the earth, rocking the boat gradually in the peaceful village. Alien Shinji collects “concepts” from people, and those who lose their thoughts behave strangely. Two young aliens, heartless and violent, represent the inhumane phenomenon eating away at society. The director excellently visualizes a world destroyed by apocalyptic chaos, but he focuses on salvation of the chaotic world through hope and love, instead of nihilistic despair. (JEONG Minah)
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