Confessions (Kokuhaku) 2010

Moriguchi Yuko is a middle school teacher whose daughter was recently murdered. Believing two of her own students were the culprits—but also knowing that juveniles can never face a truly severe punishment under Japanese law—she plans an intricate revenge plot and watches from afar as it’s set in motion.

Director: Nakashima Tetsuya

Stars: Matsu Takako, Okado Masaski, Kimura Yoshino, Ashida Mana (child actress)

JDramaMama's Rating: B

This is a dark, very dark, revenge movie. It starts out with a long monologue by teacher Moriguchi - it is restrained and chilling. When you see the looks on the student's faces, you automatically become tense. Matsu Takaka is brilliant in this opening scene: she doesn't raise her voice or get overly hysterical - she is poised and determined. She lets her students know what she intends to do but there is a twist - her plans are crueler than she actually says. The movie is dark and gloomy and the students she suspects give great performances. This is a good thriller and I won't give away what her actual revenge plans are. Watch - you won't be disappointed.

#Japan #thriller #revenge #mystery