Much like his work, Sion Sono, Japan's most subversive and prolific filmmaker, is impossible to be described within the boundaries of pre-defined terms.
To understand him and his work, one must watch his work, which would be no easy task with nearly 50 films of different genres made across his extensive career of more than 30 years.
Here are some of the cult-favorite movies from Sion Sono that have loyal fans at home and abroad, and continues to be loved by those who have come to appreciate the 'acquired taste' of Sono's unapologetically grotesque, extremely erotic, and exquisitely complex movies.
Get ready for a wild ride as these movies have not only stolen the attention and the hearts of many, but also have snatched international awards, stirred controversies, and changed the world of Japanese cinema forever.
Suicide Club (Japanese title: Jisatsu Sākuru) (2001)
Suicide and depression are recurring and major topics in Japanese society. But sadly, in Japan, suicide is also a taboo topic that rarely gets explored, especially within artistic circles. Until Sion Sono did what he does best, rise above societal taboos and the fear of criticism, and made a satirical horror movie exploring several fictional incidents of mass suicide that take place across Japan. The scenes of the suicides hold nothing back - gruesome and vivid, yet the impression that remains on the viewers' minds is something poetic.
Notable Awards:
Winner, Jury Prize for "Most Ground-Breaking Film", 2003 Fantasia Film Festival.
Love Exposure (Japanese title: Ai no mukidashi) (2008)
Not as a warning but as the simplest little fact about this movie to tell you how far from mainstream films this movie is: It is 4 hours long. Second fun fact, just for emphasis: It was originally 6 hours long! The best part about it all: Many viewers swear they could watch and enjoy it even if it were longer. Yes, that is the mesmerizing effect Sion's cinematic wizardry has on the viewers.
The story follows Yuu - a boy with Catholic upbringing who turns into an erotic photographer, Yoko - a misandric girl, and Koike - a manipulative female member of a cult group, and the complex romantic triangle that develops among the three. The plot had to be ridiculously oversimplified here, as the movie has to be watched to be understood, instead of being read about. The movie addresses many weighty topics such as religion, cult, pornography, parenting, gender identity, crime, and masterfully blends them together with Sono's baffling sense of humor and unrestrained imagination.
Notable Awards:
Caligari Film Award and the FIPRESCI prize at Berlin International Film Festival. (2009)
Most Innovative Film and Best Asian Film at Fantasia Film Festival (2009)
Himizu (Japanese title: Himizu) (2011)
This dystopian coming of age drama follows the lives of a teenage boy and a girl in post-tsunami Japan. Although the film is still recognizably Sono-esque, the movie has a tenderness that is heart-achingly humane, sensitive, and sincere which sets it apart from many of Sono's films.
Notable Awards:
Marcello Mastroianni Award at 68th Venice International Film Festival (2011)
Did you find your favorite Sion Sono film here? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments?
Author
Momoko