(Japan 2002)

Original Title: Rokugatsu No Hebi 六月の蛇

 

Directed by Tsukamoto Shinya Produced by Tsukamoto Shinya Starring: Asuka Kurosawa, Yuji Kotari, Shinya Tsukamoto, Fuwa Mansaku, Terajima Susumu Reviewing: Tartan Asia Extreme UK DVD Release Genres: Drama / Thriller / Erotica

 

Rating: 4 / 5

Arrow Video US Blu-ray Release: Arrow Video continues to chart director Shinya Tsukamoto (Bullet Ballet, Kotoko)'s evolving style with three radically different films from the turn of the 21st century. In 2002's psychosexual drama A Snake of June, a young woman, Rinko (asuka Kurosawa, Silence), endures a passionless marriage to Shighiko (Yuji Kohtari), a physically unattractive, hygiene-obsessed workaholic. When Rinko receives a series of compromising, sexually explicit photographs of herself from an anonymous voyeur (played by Tsukamoto himself), she is forced to submit to this blackmailer's every demand, acting out her own erotic fantasies for his satisfaction. (77 Mins)

 

Tartan Asia Extreme UK DVD Synopsis: During an insistent June downpour in an anonymous Japanese metropolis, a dark erotic force infiltrates the lives of Rinko, a reserved career woman in her thirties, and Shigehiko, her obsessively clean work-a-holic husband. Invading the most private aspects of the couple's lives, a mysterious stranger sends an anonymous envelope bearing the inscription “Your Husband's Secrets”. Inside are photographs of Rinko masturbating. Soon, mysterious phone calls follow, but the male voice does not demand money. Instead, it demands that Rinko follows strict instructions to go out in public wearing a miniskirt and purchase a vibrator... A deliriously perverse tale of buried sexual desires, Shinya Tsukamoto's surreal journey to the dark side of obsession is as stylish as it is totally unforgettable. (77 Mins)

 

Views: Tsukamoto's sexually-driven, mystery-thriller is a film that would make most mainstream film fans scratch their heads with confusion, or at the very least, have them question just what goes-on outside the realms of the Hollywood film industry. While it's pretty straight-forward overall, Shinya throws in enough surreal moments to make viewers question things. Welcome to the world of Asian cinema – and more so, that of Japanese film!

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I was first introduced to Shinya's work when I caught the incredible Tetsuo: The Iron Man on television in my early teens. As I was only just getting deep into the world of Hong Kong cinema and Asian films, I couldn't actually take-in what was going on but I still loved it and also it's sequel Tetsuo 2: Body-Hammer, that followed a few years later. While he had been directing films (mostly shorts) from the mid-1970's, Tsukamoto really caught peoples attention with his first 3 major titles – the Tetsuo movies, and the crazy-fun Hiruko The Goblin. And although it has been out for over 20 years (at time of writing), I am only-now getting to see A Snake Of June for the first time...

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Once again, wrapped in sexual tension and complete perversion, the film tells the story of Rinko Tatsumi, a telephone suicide-counsellor who lives with her husband, Shigehiko. While years divide them, Shigehiko's odd-habits and lack off sex-drive sees them sleep in separate beds – something that often drives Rinko to please herself, masturbating when she can and at her own discretion. One morning an envelope arrives for her, filled with voyeuristic photographs that have captured her in such an act. A phone-call follows from the photographer, who makes threats to send them to her husband if Rinko does not agree to play his game. This includes some strict instructions to wear a (very short) mini skirt in public, and buying a vibrator so he can watch her every move. As things get out of hand, Rinko finds herself trapped in a relationship with her stalker, with more threats on her life if she reveals what's happening. As the heavy rains pour down and the half-way mark creeps in, A Snake Of June turns it's attention to husband Shigehiko – taking things on a different path, and letting Tsukamoto deliver even more bizarre moments of surrealism than before.

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If you've never experienced a Shinya Tsukamoto film before, A Snake Of June is quite possibly a good place to start. The first half of the film plays like an erotic-thriller from Brian De Palma – albeit a little more stylistically – but second half is where Shinya really starts twisting things up. Doused in a cool blue filter for it's complete running time, you can't help but be engrossed at what is going on. This is also down to some stunning visuals and lighting courtesy of Tsukamoto himself, who proves to be quite the hands-on film-maker from writing, producing and directing, to shooting and editing, as well as starring as the twisted stalker of the tale. This is all backed by a fantastic score by composer Chu Ishikawa, who has worked on many of Shinya's films including The Tetsuo Trilogy, Bullet Ballet, Tokyo Fist, Vital, and more, as well as some titles for the equally acclaimed Takashi Miike.

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Rinko is played (wonderfully) by Asuka Kurosawa, a 90's television and movie actress who made her mark on the film world with her role in A Snake Of June. Both her performance and overall involvement of what had to be done here, was nothing short of brilliant and something that most young actresses would not have went with. While managing to avoid anything as crazy since, Asuka has went on to impress in films like Memories Of Matsuko, and Himizu, as well as a long list of television shows. Yuji Kotari plays the OCD plagued husband, in what was only his second-and-last acting role to date, since his first in 1993. While coming across as an average, middle-aged, Japanese actor – Yuji still gives an impressive turn in both his subdued home-life, and torture scenes. As mentioned, Shinya himself plays the stalker and has actually been acting in his films since he began directing in the mid-to-late 1980's. He also starred as Jijii in Takashi Miike's brilliant Ichi The Killer and appeared in the well-received and fantastic, Shin Godzilla.

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Coming-in as one of Shinya's shorter features at 77 minutes, A Snake Of June does not outstay it's welcome and ties things up pretty quick. It's a highly watchable piece, although clearly not for everyone, and will most certainly give you something to talk about on your next coffee-date!

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Overall: Twisted yet captivating, A Snake Of June is a stylish erotic-thriller that leaves an impression and entertains!

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Arrow Video Blu-ray Extras: Audio Commentary by Tom Mes, Archival Interview with Shinya Tsukamoto, Archival Behind the Scenes Featurette, Trailer, Image Gallery

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Tartan Asian Extreme DVD Extras: Trailers