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Get ready for it, because I’m telling you, there’s nothing like an Indonesian nightmare. I love Joko Anwar very much. I adore his movies and write about almost all of them on this list (Slaves of Satan, Impetigore, etc.), enjoy his Netflix series, and am the first to watch anything he does. Ghost in the Cell even surprised me. This is so crazy I’m still wrapping my head around it. It has, without a doubt, the most violent, depraved, brutal death I’ve seen in a long time, and yet it’s a crappy comedy? In a violent prison? It’s like Shawshank Redemption, Se7en and Kung Fu Hustle had a baby. And it still doesn’t give a shit, it’s just because. This is a unique film. Here is a synopsis from imdb.
A notorious prison, an unseen force begins brutally murdering inmates, forcing enemy gangs and corrupt guards to work together as they try to survive the escalating bloodshed.
I’ve been thinking about this movie for days after seeing it simply because I have no idea how it came up with that tone, let alone achieved it. I mean, this movie has some insanely violent and brutal murders using body parts that can only be described as ornamental art installations. Body parts, torsos, heads, guts, blood, these are all materials used for massive displays of carnage. But then, it’s mixed with weird jokes, comedic moments from friends and fun music. I mean, one moment you’re staring at a nightmarish demon full of holes (those with trypophobia be warned.) but the next there’s a full-on dance sequence? Even during the closing credits, all the actors are having a ball in the big dance scene. It’s something out of an 80s comedy, not a nightmarish horror flick with scenes that give Saw a run for its money. But here we are. That’s why I love Joko Anwar. This guy only makes such original movies. If anything I’ve described sounds too much for you, then don’t watch this movie. Because… there are a lot of them. But if something completely original with a crazy tonal shift sounds intriguing to you, then you should definitely check out this madness.
Where does he play? It’s currently around $5 on PPV sites, but will be coming to the service soon.
Food/drink pairing: bread and water
trailer:
