Zokki (2020) - Third Window Films Review
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"Joy and despair on an endless cycle..."
If you like non-linear storytelling, oddly-disjointed but still loosely connected overlapping vignettes, based on a cult manga then Zokki from Third Window Films should definitely be next on your watch list!
Based on the manga "ZOKKI A" and "ZOKKI B" by Hiroyuki Ohashi's and directed by not one, not two, but THREE top-notch Japanese directors - Naoto Takenaka, Takayaki Yamada, and Takumi Saitoh; Zokki is a quirky comedy that draws its laughs from the toilet, and its characters from the heart.
Starting off Road Movie style, the film sees thirty-something Fujimura (Matsuda Ryuhei) cycling away from his ramshackle apartment, and travelling "aimlessly" around the picturesque rural roads out of Sakamoto Town.
We learn that Fujimura is a bit of a wet-rag who's lived "aimlessly" and with this bicycle trip, is now hoping to find himself somewhat - but it's not just himself he finds! On his travels, Fujimura encounters a bizarre mix of hilarious humans - including a birthday-boy fisherman played by the legendary Jun Kunimura (Kill Bill, Audition).
Some of these aren't just chance encounters however, and the narrative changes from Fujimura's point of view to the view of a chosen few around him. Here the viewer wonders are we seeing Fujimura's past self, or are these entirely separate entities? There's almost a time-travel feel to the playful storytelling, as many strange incidents circle back on themselves and get resolved during the unfolding of other story arcs.
From the breath-taking wide shots of the ocean horizon, to the off-kilter focus on odd parts of the face and body, Zokki is an arty flick, whose tasteful cinematography more than makes up for the rather tasteless (albeit very funny) gags. You'll spend most of the film, particularly the schoolboys Makita and Ban parts, laughing in revulsion and amused horror.
Zokki courts many themes, loneliness, friendship and nostalgia. But not only that, disconnected as many of these tales are, Secrets (or "himitsu") is the unifying factor between all the random things that happen here. Remember to keep your secrets safe - if you confess them you'll die!
Zokki won't suit those looking for a more traditional, straight forward cinematic experience, but if you're up for something outlandish, yet thoughtful, then this is not to be missed.
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