The Forest of Love (2019) User Reviews

Sono's 'Greatest Hits' compilation/medley for the Netflix-generation wider audience.

[shanbhattacharya_ · 7/10 · 18 October 2019]

This film is like a sort of Sion Sono starter pack for a generation that hasn't grown up watching his output from 2000-2015. Its characters, situations, premises, visual motifs, even locations are all taken from films (some, not all - since Sono has also made films outside his regular violent, emotive, hyperactive, bat-crazy signature fares) from this era: Noriko's Dinner Table, Strange Circus, Love Exposure, Cold Fish, Guilty of Romance and Why Dont You Play in Hell to be precise. These six films, along with minor references to his other films, form of the universe of "The Forest of Love". Its characters fluidly pass from one film to the other. And together they establish the ethos that is a standard Sono film. In the hands of any other director this idea would appear too self-indulgent to execute. But Sono introduces a self-conscious metaphysical angle that tries to posit all the violence and insanity and torture as services to cinema, or his kind of cinema. "Jinsei wa Eiga!"- its characters proclaim not-so-subtly.

With a premise that is interesting enough to get his fans and newer audience hooked right from the start (no matter what follows afterwards), this film has a lot of memorable moments to offer. But sadly, for a fan, there's nothing essentially new. We have all seen this before, done better. The six films I mentioned - each of them are brilliant in their own ways because they exhaust their respective ideas both philosophically and in craft. In comparison, this appears little more than a list of checked boxes, like an already-established band playing their greatest hits on an overseas stage, rather than a new album.

6.5/10

It's Sion Sono's World, We're Just Living In It.

[truemythmedia · 7/10 · 6 January 2020]

Sion Sono is a director whom I respect immensely. Much like Takashi Miike, Sono is incredibly prolific, and his films, even when they aren't great, are always incredibly entertaining. Both Sono and Miike's films run the gamut as far as genre- they flit back and forth easily from mystery/thrillers (Sono- "Suicide Club", Miike- "Ichi the Killer") to sci-fi (Sono- "Tag", Miike- "As the Gods Will") to horror (Sono- "Cold Fish", Miike- "Audition") to comedy (Sono- "Love, Exposure", Miike- "The Happiness of the Katakuris") and every genre in between. While I really enjoy films from both directors, recently, it's been Sono's work that I've been most drawn to. Sono's films are bizarre, violent, and sometimes hilarious dips into cinema, and every time I watch one of his films I honestly can't predict what will happen next.

"The Forest of Love" is based on a (somewhat) true story. I say somewhat because the events that are depicted in this film did happen, but not in the totally bonkers way they are portrayed here. Sono stylizes his violence as much as Tarantino does in "Kill Bill Vol 1", and while there might not as high of a body count, the amount of gore that Sono gleefully throws at the viewer makes it difficult to think of the victims as... well, victims. The way Sono kills people off in this film feels as if it would be far more at home in a Dario Argento giallo film ("Deep Red" or "Tenebre") than it does in a biopic about a cult of personality gone awry. I had to keep reminding myself that these were real people, and some of the events they went through were incredibly disturbing. In a way, it's weird to watch this film when it clearly finds joy in depicting some of the more graphic details of this murder spree. Usually, films that depict horrific events like this do so with a bit of reverence for the victims, and this film is anything but reverent, and that tone takes a bit of getting used to.

Not for the Faint of Heart

[s-mmaneage · 7/10 · 29 October 2019]

In certain ways this film reminds me of Bong Joon Ho's "Parasite"....except "The Forest of Love" is that film on acid and punk rock.

The two films share a heavy social critique of their respective societies...both with a mixture of black comedy and drama. However, where Parasite feels more restrained and refined this film is pedal to the metal excess...almost 3 whole hours of increasing amounts of sex and violence. The pace of the story and characters is hilariously illogical (on purpose) at times...while their plot is both heartbreaking and despicable. The most important part for me was that for every moment in which I wondered "duuude (and duudeettes) what am I watching?" I wanted to keep watching until the end. To paraphrase another reviewer...it's not perfect...but it's certainly not forgettable.

I haven't seen any of this director's other films, but it's clear he had a distinct style for this film that I have never seen before . The insanity is very well executed. In lesser hands a film like this would have fallen completely apart. It's a very unique film that I'd encourage people who like movies to watch. However, it's definitely not for kids or someone who may be having suicidal thoughts.

this movie is a dark, twisted psychological movie, it's all about manipulating, violence and blinded

[jolo12 · 7/10 · 26 October 2019]

Tbh i don't understand why people are saying it's boring and waste of time.

A Tips: no offense but Please Watch the Original Japanese Language Version Instead of The English Dub, It's Not Dialog-Heavy either

This movie went from pure to dark and make you question humanity (i am not a fan of violence and twisted thing but I am up for the psychological part and the storyline) it just starting to get so dark bit by bit, i am scared to tears about how fragile they can be when they are being treaten to the edge and following the twisted order. Some are being torture both physically and mentally with the blinded love¿ for passion and pride.

The actor and actress portray it incredibly For me, i think that the trailer itself did not advertise the climax of the movie (its being advertised as pure and not the dark psychological manipulative twisted part) maybe that's why the 2 hour length is scaring people away.

Looking back to earlier work

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 3 July 2020]

THE FOREST OF LOVE is the latest offering from Japanese director Sion Sono, who seems to be up there with Takashi Miike in producing completely offbeat and unpredictable movies. This one's diluted somewhat, a film which feels less original than the director's previous output; it doesn't help that many key scenes seem to be copied from earlier movies like SUICIDE CLUB and COLD FISH. In many ways this makes THE FOREST OF LOVE feel more like a 'greatest hits' compilation than a proper movie. It's certainly disjointed, starting out as one kind of film before turning into another completely, and there's a disparate array of characterisation, torture, voyeurism, gore, romance, betrayal and flawed psychology. The characters are quite repulsive but Sono's flamboyant and energetic style goes some way towards making this viewable.

inspired in real events

[Hombredelfuturo · 7/10 · 3 April 2020]

...I decided to write something regarding the 1 and 2 stars that others put. For what I read they do not aware of Sono s films and style. They do not understand Japanese pop culture too. How they can go to a film so blinded and then let a comment here as they kno w something about that type of cinema? I prefer to not comment about the plot but as mentioned is inspired in a serial killer from the late 90s. -The films is long; longer than most Japanese ones but maintain the expectations. Actors are pretty good in their rolls. Color palette and tense music are spot on.

Far from his best

[Shazam-O · 4/10 · 18 March 2020]

Sono Sion is a prolific filmmaker. Ergo they can't all be hits. This one is deck definitely a miss. The lack of story is not conducive to the film's 2 hours and 40 minute runtime. The cinematography is not on par with his other films (ie: Cold Fish). The ending is also very disappointing. If you haven't seen any of his films, I recommend starting with Suicide Circle. Cold Fish and Why Don't You Play in Hell? are also good in different ways.

Sono in the Forest

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 31 October 2019]

Sion Sono is a special director. He does things his way and his movies are quite weird mostly to say the least. So the first review (if you can call three sentences a review) I read here did not surprise me. And I don't even mean the low score (1/10), but the argument that was made that there are too many characters and you could not concentrate on one individual (hero?).

Maybe that can work as a warning. Either that other "review" or me mentioning it. Whatever the case, if you go in this, be prepared to see a meta take on the very infamous forest (this is not the first movie about it and surely won't be the last). There are many things going on and some may feel supernatural (this is what the forest is famously know for after all) ... but what is the mystery and what will it all lead to?

Lesser Sono, but still interesting

[Jeremy_Urquhart · 6/10 · 15 October 2021]

Graphic violence, teenage characters, characters who are filmmakers, intense themes of suicide/self-harm, a plot that spans numerous genres, and unflinching looks at non-traditional (for lack of a better word) sexuality?

Yep, it's a Sion Sono film alright.

I worry for the guy sometimes, to be honest. I've said it before and I thought it again while watching this- so many of his films feel like cries for help, owing to just how psychologically tortured his characters are, and how disturbing the subject matter gets. It's reminiscent of dark films like Polanski's Macbeth and Chinatown; both made in the early 70s when he was trying to process the grief caused by wife Sharon Tate's brutal murder.

On the topic of The Forest of Love, though: I think this one covered a little too much familiar ground for me to call it one of his better efforts.

I also am continually frustrated by how his films alternate between looking beautiful and amateurish, sometimes from shot to shot.

But hey, it's unique, it's at he very least interesting, and I was mostly engaged for most of its runtime, so I still can't call it bad.

It also contains what must objectively be the most graphic "disposing of a body" scene I've ever seen (as a word of warning to anyone squeamish who may be contemplating watching this film).

More Like Forest of Stupidity and Bad Acting.

[redrobin62-321-207311 · 1/10 · 18 February 2020]

First of all, ANY drama or thriller that devolves at times into a musical Bollywood-style immediately loses credibility. That happens a few times here and is very annoying. As I'd said before, the general acting from all actors is poor, exaggerated beyond 1920's Hollywood hammy style. The movie started off fair and quickly took a nose dive into musical ridiculousness. This film is NOT recommended to anyone. Worst Sion Sono film ever.

Based on true events and chapters breakdown

[christian94 · 8/10 · 13 March 2020]

Writer/director/editor Sion Sono's latest is based on convicted serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga, here renamed Joe Murata in the film and played exquisitely by Kippei Shîna with Sono's direction. Murder, masturbation, mutilation, self-harm, s&m, torture, gore, sex, control, extortion and more occur with irony, inevitability and imagination. Sono's masterpiece Cold Fish (2010) and grim & beautiful Guilty of Romance (2011) are also based on true stories, but let's be clear, his take on these stories are most likely far from reality. He is able to twist the facts to create details, dialogue, themes, strong characters and storytelling. Antiporno (2016) and Noriko's Dinner Table (2005) are his best stories not based on circumstantial facts and are perhaps even better because of it, although Cold Fish will remain one of the best and shocking movies for decades. (See my 2010 review: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2469898/) The movie is slow to start with a prologue and long chapter 1. We get to know the characters and dig into the childhood of two friends from an all-girl school. Some scenes are reminiscent of Suicide Club (2001) and Love Exposure (2008) yet darker and deliberate. On the other side, we are introduced to three young men filmmakers and finally, properly to Joe Murata after 20 minutes. Joe is both charming and alarming. An important scene from the shared childhood happens just before the 40 minutes mark. Chapter 2 (from 52 to 60 mins) is where the filming of Joe Murata's life begins for the film festival contest the students want to enter and is also where this film starts to take a new beginning by finally exposing Murata's penchant and proclivities. Chapter 3 (from 60-70 mins) is perhaps the best chapter as it confirms the power and powerlessness at play and will set the tone for the rest of the movie. Chapter 4 (from 70-127 mins) is a descent into depravity, absurdity, pity, envy, sadness and self-delusion with events after events of evocative imagery and daring directing. Finale (from 127-148 mins) still has plenty of surprises and worthy twists. The story will reveal more from all the chapters and the extent of the well-crafted piece will come to life. The second half and ending are positively well-worth to longish running time. Still, if you have not seen a Sono film with sex, violence and gore or are opposed to these ideas to be depicted in your living room, skip this Netflix Original and find something tamer. Thank you, Mr. Sono for staying true to your vision with this one. Now let's see what will come out of his first English-language film Prisoners of the Ghostland (2020), already in post-production, and how he uses sexy and talented Sofia Boutella to tell a tale he didn't write for once.

Guilty of Romance (2011)

could be better

[arakirokuro · 6/10 · 29 August 2021]

The first 15 minutes I was not convinced that this would be something for me. It all felt too hyper, young adult, anime-ish but I decided to look through. Fortunately, this changed (not totally, but enough to enjoy it for me) fairly quickly and I became more interested.

To explain the story is almost impossible without spoiling. People familiar with Sono's work can expect the recurring themes. Maybe not too original but maybe this is exactly what Sono fans want. Personally, I am a bit disappointed by the film, he did it all before and better.

forest of absurdity!

[revdennis · 2/10 · 16 October 2019]

I'm all for creativity but this is ridiculous! Way too long. No real story. No rationale for behaviors. Just a shock-fest toward the end after trying to feel something for the characters introduced early on. Wish I'd not wasted my time

Wood for the trees

[alaningle7 · 6/10 · 8 May 2020]

Lesbian action check, sadomasachism check, grizzly murders with graphic butchery check, older man younger girls check, girls saying no but always meaning yes check. Parts of it very good but sadly large parts of it seem to be aimed at misogynists. I think when films try to balance between teen romance and full blown Japanese insanity they fail. Either pick one or the other.

It is good but man, it is too long

[EasternZZ · 7/10 · 18 November 2020]

This movie could had been cut down to maybe 1.45 - 2 hours and it would had still worked. This movie is a little over 2.30 hours and it kinda drags a bit. Also the special effects are kinda bad, (minor spoiler) the dead bodies look very fake, like something out of a Halloween shop.

It does have it own eerie weird thing going on, but I feel that the story is so long people will lose interest after the 90 minute mark.

7/10

Nope

[sierrakilobravo · 2/10 · 23 November 2019]

When it ended I yelled out THANK GOD IT'S FINISHED

A wild ride, and one you may regret taking

[Groverdox · 8/10 · 25 May 2021]

"The Forest of Love" has a similar atmosphere to the Australian serial killer flick, "Snowtown". Both movies are about charismatic, endlessly manipulative psychopaths who insinuate themselves into the lives of people that have already been marked by tragedy. Both movies have that same feeling where you feel everything moving toward unspeakable tragedy, pain and suffering, and you're not sure if you want to keep watching.

"Forest" was made by Sion Sono, however, and he may be the most interesting, challenging, shocking filmmaker working today, so it's a different experience in some other ways, such as its non-linear structure, surplus of strange dialogue and unpredictable behaviour from the characters, and length.

It's not unlike "Midsommar" in these ways. The group surrounding the killer (who is lamentably based on a real person) is, after all, a cult. And the movie takes you prisoner with them, it seems. With its length and commitment to subject matter, like the Ari Aster film, "Forest" becomes more like an experience you are sharing with the characters, the usual gap between movie and audience no longer so apparent.

This is not just like watching a trainwreck happen. You're on the train with them.

It's strong stuff, but all fans of cinema that makes you feel something, whether or not it's a pleasant thing, need to check it out.

Sono should commit seppuku after this movie

[adrianhertz · 1/10 · 6 September 2021]

Utter waste of time, I cant believe is the same mind as strange circus, he must have suffered a stroke.

Spoilers It wastes 2 and half hours of your life Horrible acting Script that can only be described as mentally disabled.

Crime Drama Film "The Forest of Love" inspired by Japanese real story

[Iamnrdurjoy · 9/10 · 3 September 2020]

Some users may find it violent. But I like this film. This film shows us different shades of psychopaths. It is inspired by a Japanese real story.

One accident in their teenage, made two Japanese girls detached from society. They connected with some new characters that made them different. Because some of them have violent views, some are so cruel.

Do you have to watch the film how anyone can make someone so manipulated?

Disappointing Sono Sion based on real events movie.

[masterxu · 2/10 · 14 May 2020]

These murders/crimes came to light in the early 2000's, and this is what Sono comes up with? Really? Please, revisit "Vengeance Is Mine", that's how a great real life crime movie is made. Sion, you're into too much manga! Enough said.

Not great and not based on story

[chibiwawa · 5/10 · 12 September 2021]

This said it was based on a true story. The movie was kind of confusing. And it seems like they split the serial killer into two people. I'd give it a higher rating but it annoys me when stuff based on a true story deviates, especially since the true story is way scarier. This wasn't scary, it was just gross.

Only for experienced Sono Sion fans

[marco_thechef · 9/10 · 23 January 2021]

Me and my wife loved the movie, but I absolutely understand why most people are upset about this movie. People want to see a happy puppy fantasy world movie or at least it has to have a happy ending. Well, Sion's movies are unfortunately not for them. The characters were as expected borderline disturbing as was the story. If you're not a big fan of Japanese movies then don't start with this one. For film lovers of Japanese movies I highly recommend it!

So confused

[petito_xaxa · 3/10 · 21 December 2019]

Never in all the movies ive watched had I gotten so mad. The acting is amazing actually. They played their part to the point I hate them all now. In the begging it was ok, but after that I was just begging for the end to come. It made no sense at all, so confusing and annoying due to it lack of any reason and logical thinking. In the end it was ok but im not sure it was worth getting through all that lack of common sense displayed by the characters.

It has a promising start

[cquesada-668-419329 · 3/10 · 20 October 2019]

I always welcome a good Asian horror/mystery/drama film and this was was promising from the first 30 minutes. But then the trama started to tangle up on itself to the point that it was difficult to follow all the characters' motivations. Not only that, but it is far too long, so much that I fell asleep about 40 minutes before the ending. I went back to the last 10 minutes and that's all I needed to conclude this movie. It could've been more thoughtfully develop and much shorter.

Utter Trash

[MissLittleSunshine · 1/10 · 5 July 2020]

I gave this a try because I was interested in the real life story this was based on. However, I could not even make it pass the 30 minute mark. The acting and directions are absolutely laughable. Utter trash, do not waste your time.