A lot of places will have Embalming classified as a Japanese horror and that is a bit deceiving. Director Shinji Aoyama actually creates more of a crime thriller with this movie.The story is intriguing in the way that it is unique. The main points of focus are the art of embalming and a person with 4 multiple
personalities. That is definitely a combination not seen in everyday movies. Anyway, this 95 minute production goes by very very slowly. There is major emphasis on story, with little in the way of anything else.Long dialogue driven scenes fill this movie from beginning to end, which is why I mentioned that this is more of a murder mystery. There are no scares, however the few embalming scenes can be a bit queasy for the weak stomached. There are also a few shootouts, which seem unnecessary and unrealistic. All in all, this is a pretty uneventful film.The acting isn't spectacular, but it is good. Reiko Takashima and Yutaka Matsushige carry this movie, while Toshio Shiba and Hitomi Miwa portray the more interesting characters. Long time director, Seijun Suzuki, also finds himself in the supporting cast.It truly is the story and the meaning of love and immortality that are the highlights of Embalming. This is for people that don't mind enduring a slow, but interesting film.
March 1, 2009
