I'd dub Killers' an 'arthouse psychological-thriller comedy', there isn't much I've seen like it. I saw 'Killers' at the Sydney Film Festival tonight and the presenter who introduced the film accurately and succinctly described it as "out there". With a lengthy two-and-a- half hour running time the film just manages to succeed in its ambitions despite some unevenness.
The story chronicles two disturbed characters in opposite regions (Japan/Jarkata)and they're experiences. Nomura (Japan) is the anti-hero protagonist; a proficient serial killer with a prolific selection of snuff films and an online fanbase. Nomura premeditates everything, smooth and always careful. In Jarkata we have Bayu, an ex-journalist turned novice killer who goes about his business righteously, killing only those who 'deserve it'. I won't spoil much but the film drifts back and forth between these two characters and their daily hindrances, pleasures and inner-turmoils.
I expected this to be a flat-out exploitation gore fest, but I was surprised at the amount of depth and unique writing Killers' had going for it. The biggest surprise was its sense of humour; the audience were laughing at some truly reprehensible scenes, which is a sign of good black comedy. Moreover, the humour is well-balanced with intense kill scenes, surreal and psychological imagery and plenty of suspenseful action throughout its running time. Some great, modern and creative cinema going on here.
For me there were clichéd, predictable scenes; but the filmmakers twist and flip 'em over like a pancake moments after that kept me guessing 'till the final and wonderfully satisfying end scene. I give kudos to the writer(s) for not copping out and sugarcoating a story that easily could have if fallen into the wrong hands.
There may be unevenness in its length and characters, superfluous scenes of indulgence, repetition and some plot holes but at the end of the day it was entertaining from beginning till end. Certainly not for the faint-hearted as the grimmer scenes will shock thick-skinners. This is the only Mo-brothers film I've seen and I want more already. As I said in the intro - there's not much out there like 'Killers', so I recommend checking this movie out.
A strong 7.5/10 from me.
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