KnotMissPriceless
Why so much hype?
Jonah Abbott
There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
Mathilde the Guild
Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
ranentrudgett
I find that this movie would be better suited as an anime, theres no real reason why it should be live action and a lot of the characters are over the top and cartoonish, the movie is very bloody, very sexual and comedic in the most japanese kind of way... I never thought i would be laughing during a rape scene...This film starts very normal and slowly gets more screwed up as the story progresses, this is a must watch for any dark comedy fan. 8/10
Arun George
'Cold Fish' is one of those films best enjoyed with minimal prior information. The level of 'intrigue' takes you for a ride with each passing sequence. The words/actions of the characters largely define their psychotic inner selves. This is a film where not a single central character arc is left unattended to; each possessing a differential level of eccentricity. Sion Sono succeeds in delivering the kind of twisted shocks one gets only by watching Asian cinema. Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Denden are indeed the spines of the film and they're quite capable in carrying almost the entire film on their shoulders. The gore is gratuitous, but never unaccounted for. The purpose of showcasing bloodshed and dismemberment in the screenplay is clear as ice; the director never shying away from throwing abhorrent shots in the face of the viewer, nevertheless with a definitive purpose. The chaos unravels quite slowly, although there's no looking back once it has commenced.The ambiance created for the gruesome slaughters is as bizarre as it can get (and oddly interesting to observe). A house located on top of a hill, candles lit up not in the manner you'd expect, colorful lights and the queer shades of Christian symbolism strewn across the place, all add to the sinister vibe of the film. The movie handles 'psychosis' and 'flawed human persona' in a very distinctive manner. The thrills escalate exponentially, albeit with a tinge of black humor (for those who can sense it!).Denden's Murata is one character that the audience will truly remember for his peculiar behavioral traits and outspoken temperament. The womenfolk have a substantial role to play in the film: the wifely interventions further raise the weirdness to another level with their questionable (sexual) gestures. Rape/sex is oft followed by murder, followed by deranged outbursts of psychotic bliss, in a vicious cycle of events. It takes quite a bit of discernment to assimilate the various subjects touched upon in the film (astronomy, aquatic life, psychosis & human behavior). The screenplay warrants exaggerated performances and by all means, they are. If 'Coldfish' goads you to evaluate your deepest darkest (inner) demons, then the film has evidently fulfilled its job. The Editing department though, could have done some chop-chop and made the film slightly crisper.Verdict: Shocks and contemplation - a weird combo!
Leofwine_draca
Although COLD FISH is the third film I've seen from cult Japanese director Sion Sono, following on from SUICIDE CLUB and EXTE, it's the first that feels like the work of an auteur rather than just a director-for-hire. For this is an epic story of the flawed human condition, at times a shocking serial killer thriller along the lines of I SAW THE DEVIL, and at other times a warts-and-all portrayal of messed-up family life.The film's incredible plot, which always keeps you guessing and goes into some truly uncharted territory, is best left unsaid, at the risk of spoiling the fun. Suffice to say that it feels hugely fresh and new. The cast give incredibly raw and visceral performances, not least the female cast members who are often asked to show and do everything for their roles. I liked the protagonist's mild-mannered nature, which makes him feel realistic, although it's Denden who gives the film's most show-stopping performance. Otherwise it's a wild ride involving perverse sex, anger, violence, murder, some extreme gore scenes, and a film that feels like something fellow auteur Park Chan-wook would have made. I recommend it, if you have the stomach for it.
Paul Magne Haakonsen
Director Shion Sono (known for "Noriko's Dinnertable" and "Suicide Club") has put together yet another odd, bizarre, yet entertaining movie with the filming of "Cold Fish" (aka "Tsumetai nettaigyo").While "Cold Fish" is not suitable to everyone, given its slow pace, contents of the story or just because it is Japanese. However, you should transcend these and sit down to watch "Cold Fish", because you are in for a very different type of movie.The story is about a small time seller of tropical fish named Nobuyuki who is given a chance to have his criminal daughter work at the biggest tropical fish store and he himself will have a chance to become business partners with Murata, the owner of the big store. However with opportunities comes a trade off...The storyline was odd, yes, but it worked out well enough despite the slow pace of the movie. I was thoroughly entertained by the story with its depravities, oddities, bizarreness and bloodiness.What really worked for "Cold Fish" was the all round phenomenal cast. The lead roles played by Misuru Fukikoshi (playing Nobuyuki) and Denden (playing Yukio Murata) were great actors and really carried the movie well. But the two female leads Megumi Kagurazaka (playing Taeko Syamoto) and Asuka Kurasawa (playing Aiko Murata) were phenomenal as well. A shame that the women didn't have more on-screen time though.The effects and gore, yes it has gore too, was actually quite good, despite it not being a focal point for the movie itself.If you enjoy Asian movies then you should most certainly sit down and treat yourself to some "Cold Fish".
