A Look at Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s "Cloud": A Grimy Dive into the Dark Web
Kiyoshi Kurosawa has made a name for himself in the world of cinema, particularly for his impactful contributions to the horror genre with films like Cure and Pulse. His latest offering, Cloud, strays into the realms of thriller, tapping into the themes of urban isolation and the unsettling fears associated with technology. While the movie presents a uniquely offbeat narrative, it often wrestles with tonal inconsistencies that make for a viewing experience that is as perplexing as it is intriguing.
The Gripped Protagonist: Ryosuke Yoshii
At the heart of Cloud is Ryosuke Yoshii, portrayed by Masaki Suda, a disenchanted factory worker who supplements his income through a rather dubious online reselling business. The film opens with Yoshii undercutting a medical devices manufacturer, showcasing his lack of empathy as he exploits another’s hard work for personal gain. This morally ambiguous beginning sets the stage for the stone-faced protagonist’s journey into a world where the boundaries of legality and ethics blur.
A Shift in Lifestyle
After a substantial financial gain—6 million yen (roughly $40,000) from his shady dealings—Yoshii makes the decision to leave his cramped Tokyo apartment for a more spacious residence in the countryside. With his girlfriend Akiko (Kotone Furukawa) by his side, he ramps up his reselling business and brings on a local assistant, Sano (Daiken Okudaira). Here, Yoshii’s entrepreneurial ventures delve deeper into morally gray territory, as he displays little concern over the authenticity of the luxury goods he sells. His disregard for the implications of his actions becomes a defining aspect of the character.
Tension and Foreboding
While the first half of Cloud centers around the mundanity of Yoshii’s business expansion, it is interspersed with unsettling hints that trouble is brewing. Strikingly, moments like discovering a wire stretched across a road or having a rock thrown through his window create an atmosphere of suspense. As Yoshii’s character grows more detached and erratic, his interactions further illuminate his inability to connect with those around him, whether it’s avoiding a goodbye visit from his former employer or belittling a former business partner.
The Consequences of Greed
As Cloud progresses, the consequences of Yoshii’s actions rear their ugly head, transforming the narrative into a surreal blend of dark humor and disturbing realizations. His pursuit of profit without regard for others culminates in an unexpected whirlwind of chaos that underscores the real dangers lurking beneath the surface of the internet. The film masterfully demonstrates how greed can be a catalyst for violence, leading to a spectacularly dark climax featuring a frantic chase and a gripping shootout in a warehouse.
A Pessimistic Reflection of Internet Culture
Ultimately, Cloud acts as a biting commentary on modern internet culture, echoing the chilling undercurrents present in films like Red Rooms. Throughout the turmoil, Yoshii remains fixated on his business numbers, illustrating a disconcerting truth: the horrors of the digital world are insidious, and the ability to "log off" feels increasingly out of reach. The moments that could serve as profound reflections instead sometimes get overshadowed by the frenetic pace of the plot, leaving viewers to ponder the broader implications even as the action unfolds.
Practical Information
For those interested in diving into Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s vision, Cloud features a notable cast, including Masaki Suda, Kotone Furukawa, and Daiken Okudaira. This film is currently screening at The Magic Lantern, making it an opportunity for fans of psychological thrillers to experience Kurosawa’s unique storytelling style firsthand.
In a world where technology continues to affect our lives in profound ways, Cloud challenges viewers to consider the real-life impacts of online actions and the ethical dilemmas they bring. It remains a thought-provoking journey against the backdrop of digital commerce—a narrative that will resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of modern life.
