Hellevator (2004) Gusha No Bindume

Movie Rating NR Contains: Strong Language Violence Graphic Violence

Director: Hiroki Yamaguchi Movie Genre: Science Fiction, Future Country: Japan Hellevator Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 6.5 Writing: 7.0 Acting: 6.0 Cinematography: 8.0 Sound and Score: 5.0 Functionality: 5.8 Presentation: 8.0 Genre Comparison: 6.0 General Comparison: 5.5 Overall: 6.4 Reviewed 2005-12-12 19:20:13

Hellevator started out as a student film by writer-director Hiroki Yamaguchi. This movie was so well received that Yamaguchi made it into a full-length feature film. The story is set in a futuristic society where cities are stacked on top of each other and the main form of public transportation is elevator.

Most of the story takes place in one of these oversized elevators, which gets stuck shortly after picking up two dangerous prisoners. Another passenger on this elevator, Luchino Fujisaki, is a rebellious girl with the ability to read people's minds. There is also a subplot where the society's governing body is conspiring to stifle Luchino's nonconformity before it becomes too much of a liability.

The use of digital cameras, as well as the neutral colors and dark lighting, give this movie an organic feel. The set design by Tadaya Miyashita is superb. The setting is futuristic in an analog way, much like Terry Gilliam's Brazil. The use of primarily one set tends to limit the movie at times but the visuals are amazing nonetheless.

There are times when Hellevator seems amateurish and unrefined, and there are also moments when it is surprisingly fun to watch. Both the character development and acting could use some work. The pacing is erratic and jarring, with some scenes being intense and fast paced, and other scenes that slow to a near crawl. The lunatic setting is pure eye candy and the mind-reading scenes are psychedelic and beautiful. If Hellevator is any indication of what is to come from Hiroki Yamaguchi, he will soon be seen as one of the key players of the second Japanese new wave.