964 Pinocchio (1991)

Movie Rating NR Contains: Strong Language Violence Graphic Violence Gore Sex Nudity Mature Situations

Director: Shozin Fukui Movie Genre: Surrealism, Cyberpunk Country: Japan 964 Pinocchio 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: 6.2 Writing: 6.0 Acting: 6.8 Cinematography: 7.0 Sound and Score: 6.4 Functionality: 7.0 Presentation: 6.0 Genre Comparison: 7.0 General Comparison: 4.0 Overall: 6.2 Reviewed 2005-12-28 03:34:56

964 Pinocchio is a Japanese cyberpunk movie directed by Shozin Fukui about a pleasure robot named Pinocchio who was purchased by a lesbian couple. When Pinocchio is not able to satisfy the couple's insatiable sexual appetite, they throw him out on the street to fend for himself. Once the company that created Pinocchio realizes that he is loose, they desperately try to capture him before the wrong people find out that he is not human. While wandering aimlessly, Pinocchio encounters an insane homeless woman named Himiko. Things spiral recklessly out of control when Himiko and Pinocchio's psychotic worlds collide.

The visuals in this movie are disgusting and painful. The hallucinogenic colors and disturbing imagery come from an unhealthy level of insanity. There is one ten minute scene where Himiko is doubled over and continually vomits in what looks to be a subway station. While this is going on, Pinocchio undergoes a sort of transformation that looks like his internal organs are trying to liberate themselves from his body.

The audio in this movie is equally disgusting. The sound effects are well suited to the twisted imagery. 964 Pinocchio's score consists of white noise mixed with screeches and howls. The way the audio works with the visuals makes for a horribly uncomfortable and strange experience.

The acting is also strange. Hage Suzuki's performance as Pinocchio is comprised of a series of twitches, grunts and screams and Onn Chan's Himiko is inspired by utter schizophrenic insanity. The way that the acting fits in with the rest of the movie is a sight to see as well.

964 Pinocchio is a well made movie. This movie does a wonderful job of fulfilling its intended purpose of making the viewer uneasy. Although it is difficult to watch, 964 Pinocchio is an experience that will broaden your Asian film horizons. This is a must see for fans of strange and disturbing surrealism. No matter what your reaction to this movie is, 964 Pinocchio is a movie that will not soon be forgotten.