2LDK DVD Movie Review
Yukihiko Tsutsumi?s 2LDK is an example of how effective minimalism can be in a movie. 2LDK came from a friendly challenge between Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Ryuhei Kitamura issued by producer, Shinya Kawai after a night of drinking. Each director was to make a movie with no more than three characters, only one location, and the two main characters had to duel to the death. Also, the entire movie had to be shot within the span of one week. The three men decided to call this challenge The Duel Project. Tsutsumi?s contribution to the project was 2LDK.
2LDK is a classified ad acronym meaning "Two-bedroom apartment with living, dining, and kitchen areas." Lana and Nozomi played by Maho Nonami and Eiko Koike are aspiring young actresses who share the apartment. The actresses realize they are the only two people left in contention for the lead role in a movie and what starts out as a friendly rivalry soon escalates into the aforementioned duel to the death.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of 2LDK is the level of depth given to each character. Lana is a fairly sheltered woman, coming from a small rural town. She moved to Tokyo in search of fame, fortune, and a better life for herself. Nozomi is a popular urban socialite with prior film experience. She feels like she is on the verge of stardom and has been a product of the city for most of her life.
There is surprisingly little blood for a movie centered on a fight to the death. The onscreen violence is brutal at times, though not as bloody as one would expect. Despite their lack of blood, the skirmishes that these women engage in are quite engaging. The constantly building tension between the main characters, coupled with the confinement of such a small setting is done so well that it is virtually impossible to look away.
The use of only one set would be a limiting factor in most movies. In 2LDK, Tsutsumi uses this restriction to his advantage and turns a seemingly normal apartment into a battleground. Both characters effectively use their surroundings to beat each other to a pulp.
This movie shows just what can happen when a director is given lemons and makes lemonade. 2LDK is so well done that it would seem that Tsutsumi felt right at home while making it. What 2LDK lacks in substance, it makes up for with sheer entertainment value. Guilty pleasure or not, it is a lot of fun to watch these two women beat each other senseless.
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