"Heruta sukeruta" (Helter Skelter) is a visually opulent and psychologically unsettling film that delves into the dark underbelly of Japan's fashion industry. Directed by photographer-turned-filmmaker Mika Ninagawa, the movie is a feast for the eyes, with its saturated colors and stylized cinematography creating a dreamlike, often nightmarish atmosphere.
The story centers on Lilico (Erika Sawajiri), a top model whose entire body has been surgically altered to achieve "perfection." As the physical and psychological toll of maintaining her image begins to mount, Lilico descends into a spiral of paranoia, violence, and self-destruction.
Sawajiri delivers a powerful and disturbing performance as Lilico, capturing both the character's vulnerability and her increasingly unhinged behavior. The supporting cast, including Nao Omori as a determined detective investigating the illegal cosmetic procedures, adds depth to the narrative.
Ninagawa's background in photography is evident in every frame, with each shot meticulously composed like a fashion spread come to life. This visual style, while sometimes overwhelming, effectively mirrors Lilico's fractured psyche and the artificial world she inhabits.
The film's critique of the beauty industry and the pressure placed on women to conform to impossible standards is sharp and unflinching. "Heruta sukeruta" doesn't shy away from the grotesque, using body horror elements to underscore its themes.
While the pacing can be uneven and the narrative sometimes feels disjointed, the film's visual impact and Sawajiri's compelling performance keep the viewer engaged. The movie's exploration of identity, self-worth, and the price of fame resonates long after the credits roll.
"Heruta sukeruta" is not for the faint of heart, but for those interested in bold, visually striking cinema that challenges societal norms, it offers a unique and memorable experience. It stands as a thought-provoking commentary on the obsession with physical perfection and the destructive nature of fame in the modern world.
Search "Heruta sukeruta", 2012