Zen Andrew Archer No cheap jump scares. No real gore, or much graphic violence at all.Just the horror of the human psyche, and the horror people can inflict on one another for a variety of reasons. Some scarily petty, some arguably justifiable.It lulls you into believing you know it's true course, then surprises you with another turn of the screw.So, so much better and more interesting than the tired formulaic Hollywood horror that is churned out simply to turn a buck out of the popcorn teenage market.Having said that, it's very good, but not a masterpiece.Just kidding. 10/10

pinokiyo The movie feels like "All About Lily Chou-Chou" (2001) meets "Battle Royale" (2000) and "Oldboy" (2003)I initially didn't really get the hype when I started watching it, but after finishing it and watching a second time, it's quite an unforgettable experience. It's quite tragic how one thing turns into another with a domino effect. It's sad but very true to reality how attention seeking cowardly criminals involve innocent victims to try to fulfill their empty void. It definitely stays with you. I would say it's definitely one of Japan's best films along with Battle Royale (Confessions' story is much deeper). I heard this film was similar to 2003 film Oldboy (incredible and one of my top favorite movies), so I decided to check it out; the similarity being that it's supposed to be a sweet revenge story. Actually even the editing cut from one similar action scene to another scene transition is used in both films. I wouldn't say this film is better than Oldboy. Personally, Oldboy was more engaging/mysterious from start to finish, but Confessions is psychologically also great in its on way with a right-back-at-you payback. Both films have brutal violent scenes. While Oldboy's curiosity is experiencing and wanting to know who the bad guy is just like the character is feeling, the movie Confessions straight out exposes who the bad guys are right from the start of the film; the movie's hook is finding out why the students did what they did and how the teacher is going to get her payback. The movie covers topics like bullying, vulnerability, puppet teacher, manipulations, parental trauma, the value of life...To be honest, the first time, it didn't really engage me from the start of the film, as I had a hard time getting into it because it felt more like a dream world/sequence with lots of student distractions going on while what felt like the teacher was just rambling on forever. However, when you watch the movie the second time, it makes a lot more sense and it's easier to follow. The entire movie image is stylistically shot as if it's a surreal dream/slow-mo music video, which can feel quite odd or distracting the first time around. I believe this style/surreal dream/feeling actually gives misdirection to the audience during the final scenes. (read spoiler if you've seen it) Great acting by the kids. Shunya fits perfectly as the troubled student. Ai Hashimoto is super cute.------------------------------- SPOILER ENDING: ------------------------------- When I first saw the film, I thought the explosion actually killed the mother. However, it seems to just be a point of view of the child's vision. It seems the teacher does not want to stoop to the child's level and physically harm anyone; just like she didn't actually put the HIV in the milk; she even mentions she had easily disarmed the bomb. (it's a bit slightly hard to assume she actually twisted/taped it back together and made it working again) Two things that bother me and maybe perhaps a plot hole, but the kid isn't too bright; first of all, he should make sure his bag/bomb is there before even making the speech (of course I know at the same time that would have less movie dramatic impact); second, he should call her bomb bluff again since the HIV milk was fake knowing he was HIV negative, especially since she said she disarmed it. ----------------------------------

binyonadam Firstly may I say this film looks stunning something western films lack! The plot is pitch black. Redemption and revenge but at the end you feel all the protagonists are sick but sick because of tragic pasts. If you simply want a revenge movie look else where,if you want a deep,thought provoking movie with a horrifying ending then Confessions is a must see!

ph_rocha23 There is no topping of this movie in the revenge theme, its perfect, the acting is superb, the plot twist is better than any Tarantino movie, you get hooked up from the beginning to the end. If you liked Gone Girl, this movie tops Gone Girl twist with its pinky toe.Takako Matsu (the teacher) holds you on a trip in the very first scene, she holds the first chapter on her own, you get interested in every word she says, she is the high point of this revenge tale, trust me you'll never forget her, you can compare the way she leads the introduction with Sgt Hartman in full metal jacket, its outstanding. If you are a revenge movie fan, its a must see, I don't get it why this movie is not recognized as it should be, its better than any Tarantino. The story of this movie flows like a river without any trash in it, its perfect, how the characters are built, how the plot is built around them.The only flaw I saw in this movie, its because it ends.Its not your regular revenge bloody movie, there is some blood, but there is a mastermind in it, meticulous, events that lead to greater events, its like Kill Bill had a date with James Bond and the baby was adopted by Cartman in the Scott Tenorman revenge episode in South Park.