Directed by
Shion Sono
Made by
Olive Films
Yu Honda, a young teenage Catholic, strives to lead a life filled with faith and order. Before his mother passes away, she makes a heartfelt request for him to marry a woman as beautiful as The Virgin Mary. Following her death, Yu’s father, Tetsu, becomes a fervent Catholic priest and establishes his own church. As Yu matures, he becomes convinced that his destiny is to find and marry someone named Mary.
Meanwhile, a woman named Kaori develops an intense obsession with Tetsu, ultimately getting him to reciprocate her feelings. The three of them begin a fragile cohabitation in a new house, but as secrets build up, Kaori grows weary of their hidden relationship and decides to leave, leaving Tetsu despondent and heartbroken. In a desperate attempt to reconnect with his father, Yu is forced to attend confession daily, where Tetsu relentlessly questions him about his sins. Unable to admit to any wrongdoings, Yu resorts to fabricating sins only to be caught in his lies.
Determined to provoke a reaction from Tetsu, Yu seeks out a group of delinquent boys: Takahiro, Yuji, and Senpai, who introduce him to a life of petty crime, including voyeuristic “panty shot” photography under the tutelage of a man named Llyod. Unlike his peers, Yu’s motivation for taking these photographs stems from his desire to confess sins rather than mere lewdness. However, this leads to conflict with Tetsu, who disowns him and casts him out of the church.
In a twist of fate, Yu encounters a trio of girls led by Koike while out on the streets and ends up photographing them, though he is caught in the act. Amused rather than angered, Koike lets him go, sparking inspiration among Yu’s friends as they join him in his photography escapades. One fateful bet leads Yu to don a female costume reminiscent of Meiko Kaji in Female Convict #701: Scorpion, adopting the persona of Sasori (Scorpion).
Yu’s path intersects with a girl bravely standing up against a group of thugs, whom he perceives as his potential Mary. The narrative thickens when we delve into Koike’s life, who rises through the ranks of a New Religious Movement known as the Zero Church, stemming from a traumatic childhood that shapes her violent disdain for men. Her journey leads her to discover Yu, further entwining their fates as she crafts plans to manipulate his family.
As Yoko, another pivotal character, is introduced, her life appears marred by the shadows of abuse, leading her to develop deep-seated hatred toward the concept of a happy family. Her eventual bond with Kaori offers her brief respite, but it is short-lived as Kaori becomes enmeshed with Tetsu, prompting a whirlwind of conflict.
Through the evolving chapters, Yu’s duality as both a faithful son and a wandering sinner emerges. As Sasori, he fights against adversaries, generating newfound feelings for Yoko, who sees him as an enigma. Yet, her journey leads her into dangerous territory as Koike continues her vendetta.
As the story unravels through betrayal, manipulation, and profound loss, Yu’s fleeting identity struggles are brought to a head when he ultimately joins the Zero Church under duress. A chaotic sequence of events ensues, culminating in an effort to liberate Yoko from the cult’s grasp. How far will Yu go to reclaim a love that seems forever out of reach?
In a haunting conclusion, the cult’s secrets unravel, leading to disillusionment and despair. With Yu in a mental institution wrestling with his identity, the threads of their connection become a bittersweet memory. The tragic fate of their stories intertwines, culminating in the ultimate revelation – a moment of clarity and reconnection that resonates deep within the chaos of their lives.
In the end, as the dust settles, one question persists: can love transcend the darkness that enveloped their lives?
Yu's Mother's Request
Yu Honda's journey starts with a heartfelt request from his dying mother, who urges him to marry a woman as beautiful as *The Virgin Mary*. This moment sets the foundational idea for Yu's quest for love and shapes his aspirations in life.
Tetsu Becomes a Priest
After the death of Yu's mother, his father, Tetsu, turns to faith and becomes a devout Catholic priest. He establishes his own church, which shifts the family dynamics and heavily influences Yu's upbringing.
Yu's Quest for 'Mary'
As Yu matures, he develops a determination to find and marry someone named 'Mary'. This belief becomes a driving force in his life, encapsulating his struggle between faith and personal desire.
Kaori's Obsession
Kaori, a woman who develops an intense obsession with Tetsu, manages to win his affections. Their relationship adds complexity to their cohabitation, fostering an atmosphere filled with secrets and hidden desires.
The Fragile Cohabitation
The three of them—Yu, Tetsu, and Kaori—begin living together in a new house. However, the fragility of their relationships leads to tension and unease as secrets start to surface.
Kaori Leaves
Overwhelmed by the secrets and hidden dynamics of their relationship, Kaori decides to leave. Her departure leaves Tetsu heartbroken and Yu longing for a way to reconnect with his father.
Confession and Lies
Desperate to mend his relationship with Tetsu, Yu begins attending confession daily. However, he struggles to confess real sins and starts fabricating lies about his behavior, leading to a cycle of deceit.
Delinquent Association
In an attempt to provoke a reaction from Tetsu, Yu joins a group of delinquent boys and is introduced to petty crimes, like voyeuristic photography. This decision leads him down a path of moral conflict and estrangement from his father.
Encounter with Koike
While out photographing girls, Yu encounters Koike, who instead of getting angry, finds amusement in his actions. This interaction boosts Yu's confidence, prompting his friends to join him in his photography endeavors.
Transformation into Sasori
Yu engages in a bet that leads him to dress in a female costume akin to *Meiko Kaji*’s character from *Female Convict #701: Scorpion*, adopting the persona of *Sasori*. This transformation marks a significant turn in Yu's journey of self-discovery.
Yu Meets His 'Mary'
Yu encounters a brave girl challenging a group of thugs, seeing her as a potential 'Mary'. This pivotal moment ignites new feelings in him and intertwines their fates in unexpected ways.
Koike's Ambitions
Delving deeper into Koike's life reveals her rise within a New Religious Movement, the Zero Church. Her traumatic past fuels a vendetta against men, setting the stage for her manipulative plans involving Yu.
Yoko's Turmoil
Yoko's introduction brings to light her history of abuse and her hatred for the notion of a happy family. Her bond with Kaori offers temporary respite, but soon conflicts arise as Kaori grows closer to Tetsu.
Yu's Identity Crisis
As tensions escalate, Yu grapples with his dual identity as a dutiful son and a wayward sinner. As Sasori, he forms complex feelings for Yoko, who is drawn to his enigmatic persona.
Chaos and Revelation
The climax unfolds as Yu is forced to join the Zero Church, unraveling the cult's dark secrets. Ultimately, he battles to save Yoko, encountering despair and moments of clarity that shape the bittersweet conclusion of their intertwined lives.
Yu Honda
Yu is a complex character torn between his faith and burgeoning desires. Striving for his father's approval while navigating his own identity, he embodies the challenges faced by adolescents. His transformation throughout the film highlights the desperation and confusion that come with seeking love in a chaotic world.
Tetsu
Tetsu is a fervent Catholic priest whose strict adherence to faith becomes a source of conflict in his relationship with Yu. His complex dynamics with both his son and Kaori display his vulnerabilities. Tetsu's journey illustrates the burdens of expectation and lost love that haunt him.
Kaori
Kaori is a passionate character whose love for Tetsu leads to devastating consequences. Her obsession and subsequent turmoil reflect the fragility of human emotions and relationships. As tensions rise, Kaori's journey becomes a poignant reminder of the cost of unfulfilled desires.
Koike
Koike is a strong-willed character who rises through the ranks of a new religious movement. Her past trauma fuels her distrust of men, making her a compelling figure as she entangles Yu in her plans. Koike's character highlights themes of power and revenge.
Yoko
Yoko is a character marked by her experience of abuse which shapes her perspective on relationships and family. Her connection with Kaori and struggles with love exemplify the complexities of finding solace and safety in tumultuous surroundings. Yoko's journey reflects the enduring scars of trauma.
Time period
The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as faith, identity, and the complexity of human relationships. The characters grapple with their roles within the family and the challenges posed by their choices during a tumultuous period of personal discovery.
Location
The primary setting of the film focuses on a suburban environment where family dynamics and religious institutions collide. The contrasting locations of the church and the streets serve as backdrops for Yu's internal struggles and relationships. This setting highlights the dichotomy of faith and temptation that Yu navigates throughout his journey.
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Love & Betrayal
The film intricately explores the themes of love and betrayal as characters grapple with their desires and moral dilemmas. Yu's quest for love leads him into a web of manipulation, causing rifts between him and those he cares for. Ultimately, the theme underscores the idea that love can both heal and devastate.
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Faith & Identity
Faith plays a crucial role in the film, shaping Yu's identity and decisions. His struggle with his father's expectations and his own desires reflects the conflict between belief systems and personal truths. The character's journey highlights how faith can guide but also complicate one's path in life.
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Societal Conflicts
The movie touches on the societal conflicts between youth and authority, showcasing the struggle for autonomy against established norms. As Yu seeks out delinquency and self-expression, the narrative questions the impact of societal pressures on individual choices and relationships.
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