Film Review – Imprint
Title: Imprint
Director: Takashi Miike
Year: 2006
Genre: Horror
Format Reviewed: Film and Bluray
Having seen Imprint twice, once in a small theater in Tokyo and once on bluray at my own place, I can honestly say the second viewing is just as powerful on the second viewing. Imprint is probably a movie that will be overlooked by all but hardcore Miike fans and those who just happen to watch it in order to complete the whole Masters of Horror series. This is unfortunate, but probably is the best audience for the film.
The Masters of Horror series was great for horror fans, although the films were hit and miss, which I’ve also heard said about Miike’s own filmography. Don’t let the fact that Imprint was “made-for-TV” turn you off. The movie is long enough at 63 minutes (in fact, any longer may feel too long) and has enough plot elements and twists to keep you interested all the way through. Nor does the made-for-TV status limit it’s gore or horror. In fact, that’s half of the reason it was never released on TV. The other is the other weird part of the movie, which would be a spoiler.
All of the actors speak English in this movie, though only one of them is a native speaker. This gives Imprint authenticity plot-wise, but often times pulls the viewer out of the movie. I would bet many people won’t even understand several spoken lines. Nevertheless, some scenes do not need words. And the horror, which is better classifies as torture, will not be forgotten. You’ve been warned. If you’ve seen Audition, I’d say this movie is the closest thing to that torture scene than anything else. Although the motives are not as powerful this time (Audition‘s strongest feat), the torture scene is done much more aesthetically. The visuals of Imprint can be stunning, especially on a good media. Stunning in a more ways than one.
Imprint delivers for those who are already interested in it. And for fans of Audition, this and Strange Circus are two next two movies that you should see. Each one takes one of the things that Audition is known for and does them separately: torture and reality. If you only liked one of those themes, then here’s your chance to watch one without the other. Even on Showtime, I’m not sure if you’d like to accidently turn this movie on while channel surfing… you should be ready for it before you start.
Rating: 3 /5
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