"Vital" Review (2004)

Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo, Gemini) is an exciting filmmaker. All of his films, good or bad, are interesting and fascinating.
"Vital" is no exception, and it is a great one. Much more than I expected from a film about medical autopsy on corpses.
Tadanobu Asano stars as a medical student who loses his memory after a fatal accident where his girlfriend was killed.
On the positive side, he becomes a better student and seems to be really interested in being a doctor whereas he was not so enthusiastic about his future profession before. In class, he meets an oddly bright girl (Kiki) who becomes obssessed with Asano. However, Asano is much more fascinated with a female corpse. This leads to some pretty grisly revealations about the two main characters plus another person from Asano's past....
"Vital" has a morbid subject matter. It is not really a horror film but a rather creepy drama. The film is somewhat downbeat but not overtly so like David Cronenberg's "Dead Ringers" for example. In fact, the film makes a statement about how we should move on from grief and loss. It also urges that people should appreciate life more and enjoy it to the fullest. I know that uplifting does not sound like something Tsukamoto would normally endorse but once you see the film, you will know it is him at the helm. Uplifting or not, "Vital" is a strangely emotional one. Asano gives a rather expressionless performance, yet you could see his eyes coming alive as the film progresses. Definitely highly recommended.
Rated R for disturbing images and aberrant sexual behaviors
Aspect Ratio 1.85
Japanese