The first 30 mins intends to set up the film, but Miike has skilfully tricked the viewer as it is only in the first arrival of Asami Yamazaki is when the narrative has truly commenced. The second Asami is introduced, the film's atmosphere shifts into a much calmer ambiance. Her poised physicality & placid disposition is reflected in the scene, as the cameras movement & frame arrangement mirrors her stillness & stolid nature. She is subtly carried over throughout the entire film as her mysterious & eerie presence is felt in scenes she is not present in. Screenplay writers Rya Murakami & Daisuke Tengan reveals one of the most perplexing third acts I have ever seen. It presents the the idea that desperation constructs illusion & only pain can bring back reality.
