Lately, most of my media consumption from 88 Films has been their editions of Hong Kong classics. Whether they be 4K or standard HD, there’s a level of excellence I don’t always see in other boutique labels. Their catalogue features a wide variety of films from around the world, but along with HK cinema, Japanese cinema is just as important to me.
Knowing they’ve been putting out an array of films from that country as well, I feel at ease since they’re in great hands. One of the first releases I’ve taken a look at from Japan is the 2012 body horror/consumerism modern classic Helter Skelter, directed by Mika Ninagawa.
Lilico (Erika Sawajiri) is a wildly popular fashion model whose beauty and fame are the result of extensive, experimental cosmetic surgeries. Living under constant scrutiny, Lilico thrives on attention but begins to unravel as the physical and psychological toll of her transformations intensifies.
As her body starts to deteriorate and dark secrets about the clinic behind her success threaten to surface, a determined prosecutor closes in. Paranoia, jealousy, and obsession consume her, pushing Lilico toward self-destruction, and her world turns into a nightmarish landscape of self-image and identity.
Based on Kyoko Okazaki’s 2004 manga Helter Skelter, which was the 2004 Grand Winner of the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, Ninagawa proves she has a distinct voice and is a real powerhouse behind the camera. Her unique vision and Erika Sawajiri’s performance take viewers down a dark path that can be difficult to watch at times.
The film works best when dissecting the world of beauty and celebrity, and falters when it delves into a procedural with the civil servant’s side story. At over two hours, it could have benefited from a bit of tightening, but honestly, the impact is still there, making it a film you won’t want to miss.
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The limited-edition release includes a numbered Obi strip, original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Insect, and a booklet essay from Violet Burns. The packed disc features a wide range of special features, such as an HD presentation, the original Japanese audio with new English subtitles, a commentary track, interviews with the director and star, behind-the-scenes footage, a production site press conference, the Japanese premiere stage greeting, an open day stage greeting, the Taipei Film Festival introduction, trailers, and a still gallery.
This makes it a truly well-rounded release. Helter Skelter hits you hard and leaves you in a dark, disillusioned state of reflection, prompting you to re-evaluate your definition of beauty.
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