Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/kuraudo (Spain)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32828123/
About movie: https://intl.nikkatsu.com/sales/442.html
Summary:
"Cloud" is a 2024 Japanese psychological thriller film written and directed by the acclaimed Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known for his atmospheric and often unsettling cinematic style. The film follows the seemingly ordinary life of a young man whose involvement in online reselling leads him into a dangerous web of cyber incidents, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual worlds and putting him in mortal danger.
Plot Summary:
Ryôsuke Yoshii is a seemingly unassuming young man leading a mundane life with a regular job and a loving girlfriend. To supplement his income, he engages in online reselling, buying goods in bulk to sell on the secondhand market. This pursuit of a little extra money each week inadvertently leads him into a series of escalating cyber incidents. As Yoshii earns grudges from various individuals online, he finds himself at the center of mysterious and threatening events. The anonymity offered by the internet pseudonym he uses begins to dissolve, and the boundary between his online activities and his real-life existence becomes increasingly fragile, ultimately placing him in extreme danger where the threat of violence becomes very real.
Director's Vision:
Kiyoshi Kurosawa, in an interview, mentioned that with "Cloud," he wanted to explore the psychological effects of modern-day capitalism through the lens of ordinary individuals, rather than focusing on typical action movie tropes involving yakuza or police. He was interested in how ordinary people could be drawn into extreme situations involving violence. Furthermore, Kurosawa sees the internet as a powerful tool that can amplify both good and evil intentions within the human heart, and in "Cloud," he delves into how malicious intentions can spread online and lead to irreparable consequences in the real world. His vision was to create a paranoia-inducing crime thriller that unfolds in an almost mundane setting initially, gradually revealing the underlying dangers.
Themes:
The Dark Side of the Internet: The film explores the anonymity and potential for malicious activities within the online world, highlighting how easily individuals can become entangled in dangerous situations.
Modern-Day Capitalism and Greed: Yoshii's motivation for online reselling is driven by the desire to make more money, touching upon the pressures and potential pitfalls of contemporary capitalism.
Blurring of Physical and Virtual Reality: As the cyber incidents escalate, the film emphasizes the dissolving boundaries between the online and offline worlds, showing how actions in one realm can have severe consequences in the other.
Paranoia and Unease: Kurosawa masterfully builds an atmosphere of unease and paranoia, starting with seemingly mundane situations and gradually escalating the sense of threat and danger.
Loneliness and Social Isolation: While Yoshii has a girlfriend, the initial description suggests a lack of deep connection, which aligns with Kurosawa's recurring theme of loneliness, often exacerbated by technology.
Key Success Factors:
Atmospheric Tension: Reviews highlight Kurosawa's skill in establishing a sense of unease from the beginning, using long takes and focusing on mundane details to create a claustrophobic atmosphere.
Exploration of Contemporary Anxieties: The film's critique of the internet's potential for manipulation and exploitation resonates with contemporary concerns about online safety and the impact of digital interactions on real life.
Signature Style of Kiyoshi Kurosawa: Fans of Kurosawa's work will likely appreciate his distinctive style, characterized by atmospheric tension, subtle sound design, and thought-provoking themes.
Thought-Provoking Narrative: The film delves into the psychological effects of online interactions and the potential for ordinary people to face extraordinary threats.
Summary Short:
"Cloud" (2024) is a Japanese psychological thriller directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa about a seemingly ordinary online reseller who gets caught in a dangerous cyber conspiracy, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds.
Awards and Nominations:
"Cloud" was selected as Japan's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards (2025), although it was not nominated. It was also nominated for Best Feature Film at the Sitges Film Festival in 2024. The film premiered out of competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Critics Reception:
Critical reception for "Cloud" has been generally positive, particularly highlighting Kiyoshi Kurosawa's directorial style and the film's atmosphere:
A review on Cinematary describes it as a "paranoia-inducing crime thriller like I've never quite seen before," praising its initial mundane setup that gradually evolves into a dangerous scenario.
IMDb reviews describe it as a "visually striking and thought-provoking film" that effectively builds suspense and explores the dark side of the internet. The critique mentions that the pacing is uneven and the shift to an action-oriented revenge story in the second half might feel jarring for some viewers.
Screen Rant mentions that after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, the film earned a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics (note that this score might be based on a limited number of reviews).
Overall, critics seem to appreciate Kurosawa's ability to create a tense and unsettling atmosphere and to explore relevant contemporary themes, although some have pointed out minor flaws in pacing and narrative shifts.
Reviews:
Reviews from various sources indicate a generally positive reception:
IMDb user reviews show appreciation for the film's suspense, the acting of Masaki Suda (who plays Yoshii), and Kurosawa's directorial skill. Some note the film's ability to create a sense of unease from ordinary situations.
As mentioned, Screen Rant reported a high initial critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
While comprehensive mainstream reviews might still be emerging, the initial feedback suggests that "Cloud" is a well-received psychological thriller that delivers on atmosphere and thematic exploration.
Box Office:
According to IMDb, "Cloud" has grossed $541,314 worldwide. This suggests a limited theatrical release, typical for independent and international films.
Production:
"Cloud" is a Japanese film with a running time of 123 minutes. It was filmed in Japan.
Production Companies:
Nikkatsu (Japan)
Django Film (Likely Japan, given Nikkatsu is the primary company and Kurosawa's filmography)
Tokyo Theatres Company, Incorporated (Japan)
Distribution Companies:
Nikkatsu (Japan) - Likely the primary distributor in Japan.
TOKYO THEATRES COMPANY, INCORPORATED (Japan) - Also listed as a distributor.
Blue Finch Film Releasing (Likely UK, based on previous search history and typical distribution patterns for Kurosawa's films, though not explicitly confirmed in the immediate search results for this query).
Release Date:
Theatrical Release: August 30, 2024 (Venice International Film Festival premiere), September 27, 2024 (Japan).
Why to Recommend This Movie:
Directed by Acclaimed Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa: Fans of Kurosawa's unique blend of psychological suspense and atmospheric horror will find his signature style evident in "Cloud."
Thought-Provoking Exploration of Modern Issues: The film delves into the dark side of the internet and the impact of online interactions on real life, resonating with contemporary anxieties.
Builds Intense Suspense: Reviews highlight the film's ability to create a sense of unease and paranoia from seemingly ordinary beginnings, drawing the viewer into its unsettling world.
Critically Recognized: Being selected as Japan's entry for the Oscars and receiving a nomination at Sitges Film Festival indicates a level of quality and artistic merit.
Why to Watch Movie:
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a unique atmosphere.
If you are interested in films that explore the darker aspects of technology and online culture.
If you are a fan of Japanese cinema and the works of Kiyoshi Kurosawa.
If you appreciate films that blend mundane reality with underlying tension and the potential for violence.
What Movie Trend Film Is Following:
Psychological Thrillers Exploring Technology's Dark Side: "Cloud" aligns with a trend in cinema that explores the unsettling and often dangerous aspects of modern technology and online interactions, tapping into fears about privacy, anonymity, and the potential for cybercrime.
International Arthouse Thrillers: The film fits within the genre of international arthouse thrillers that often prioritize atmosphere, character psychology, and thematic depth over conventional action sequences.
What Big Social Trend Is Following:
Growing Awareness of Cybercrime and Online Harassment: The film reflects the increasing societal awareness and concern surrounding cybercrime, online harassment, and the potential for virtual interactions to have real-world, dangerous consequences.
Examination of Digital Identity and Anonymity: "Cloud" touches on the complexities of digital identity and the implications of online anonymity, a significant topic in our increasingly digitally connected world.
Final Verdict:
"Cloud" (2024) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa appears to be a compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that effectively utilizes atmosphere and suspense to explore the dark side of the internet and modern anxieties surrounding technology. With critical recognition and Kurosawa's established reputation, the film is likely to appeal to fans of international cinema and those who appreciate suspenseful narratives with a focus on psychological unease. While some pacing issues or narrative shifts might be present, the film's exploration of relevant contemporary themes and Kurosawa's distinctive directorial style make it a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre.
Recommendations for Film Makers:
Continue to Explore Contemporary Anxieties: Films that tap into current societal fears and concerns, such as the dangers of the internet, can resonate deeply with audiences.
Master the Art of Building Atmosphere and Suspense: Kiyoshi Kurosawa's strength lies in creating tension through subtle means. Filmmakers should study and practice techniques that build suspense gradually.
Consider the Balance of Pacing and Narrative Shifts: While experimentation is valuable, ensuring a smooth and coherent flow in pacing and narrative progression is crucial for audience engagement.
Explore the Nuances of Human Behavior in Digital Spaces: The internet provides a unique context for human interaction. Filmmakers can continue to explore the complexities of online behavior and its impact on real life.
Recommendations for Movie Industry:
Support International and Arthouse Cinema: Films like "Cloud" offer unique perspectives and enrich the global cinematic landscape. The industry should continue to support their production and distribution.
Recognize and Promote Directors with Distinctive Styles: Kiyoshi Kurosawa has a strong and recognizable style. The industry should value and promote directors who bring a unique artistic vision to their work.
Facilitate Wider Distribution for Acclaimed International Films: Ensuring that well-regarded international films reach broader audiences through various platforms is essential for cultural exchange and appreciation.
Encourage Dialogue About the Impact of Technology: Films that spark conversations about the societal impact of technology play a valuable role in public discourse. The industry should support projects that engage with these important themes.
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