Kippei Shiina
Joe Murata
Overview
A con man and a would-be filmmaking crew force themselves into the lives of two grief-scarred young women. But nothing is as it seems.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Forest of Love: A Fever Dream of Art and Atrocity
I’ve seen Sion Sono’s films described as “excessive” so often it’s practically a genre tag at this point. But The Forest of Love doesn’t just flirt with excess—it dives headfirst into a vat of it, emerging with something that feels less like a movie and more like a fever dream scribbled in blood on the walls of a padded cell. It’s 151 minutes of unrelenting manipulation, violence, and psychological horror, all delivered with the manic energy of a director who seems to be daring you to look away.
(Spoiler: I couldn’t.)
Sono’s filmography is a carnival of the grotesque and the sublime, but The Forest of Love feels like his magnum opus of unease—a greatest hits album of his obsessions, cranked up to eleven. There’s the outsized violence of Cold Fish, the psychosexual tension of Guilty of Romance, and the meta-narrative playfulness of Love Exposure, all swirling together in a story that’s as much about the act of creation as it is about destruction.
The film is loosely based on the real-life crimes of serial killer Futoshi Matsunaga, but Sono isn’t interested in a true-crime procedural. Instead, he turns the material into a meditation on art, trauma, and the way we perform our own suffering for an audience—even if that audience is just ourselves.
The plot, such as it is, follows Joe Murata (Kippei Shiina), a charismatic con man who slithers into the lives of two grief-stricken young women, Mitsuko (Eri Kamataki) and Taeko (Kyoko Hinami), and a group of aspiring filmmakers. Joe is a master manipulator, the kind of man who can convince you that your worst impulses are actually acts of love. He’s equal parts cult leader and film director, treating his victims like actors in a movie only he can see.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.2/10
"A disturbing and chaotic crime thriller that divides viewers with its extreme content and unconventional storytelling."
Viewers are sharply split on *The Forest of Love*, with some praising its bold, unflinching take on crime and manipulation, while others find it overly gratuitous and hard to follow. The film’s dark humor and stylish direction by Sion Sono are frequently highlighted as standout elements, but its graphic violence and erratic pacing alienate many. latestnetflix.com's view is that Those who connect with its provocative tone often call it a memorable, if uncomfortable, experience.
What viewers praise
- Bold and unflinching The film’s fearless approach to crime and manipulation resonates with viewers who appreciate raw, boundary-pushing storytelling.
- Dark humor and style Sono’s signature visual flair and darkly comedic moments are praised for adding depth to the chaotic narrative.
- Strong central performances Kippei Shiina’s portrayal of the manipulative antagonist is widely regarded as compelling and unsettling.
- Memorable atmosphere The film’s eerie, immersive tone leaves a lasting impression on those who engage with its themes.
Common complaints
- Excessive violence Many viewers find the graphic content gratuitous and difficult to stomach, detracting from the story.
- Confusing pacing The erratic narrative structure and abrupt shifts frustrate those expecting a more linear thriller.
- Unlikable characters The cast’s morally ambiguous or outright despicable actions make it hard for some to invest in the story.
- Polarizing tone The mix of dark humor and brutality doesn’t land for everyone, leaving some viewers cold or alienated.
Recommended for
Fans of extreme crime thrillers Sion Sono enthusiasts Viewers who enjoy dark humor Those seeking provocative cinema Lovers of unconventional narratives
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsSion Sono’s "The Forest of Love": A Dark Descent into Chaos
Sion Sono’s The Forest of Love (2019) is a brutal, unflinching dive into the depths of human manipulation and violence. Known for his transgressive filmmaking, Sono delivers a story that blurs the line between horror and psychological thriller, leaving audiences unsettled long after the credits roll. latestnetflix.com's read is that the film stars Kippei Shiina as a charismatic yet sinister figure who preys on a group of vulnerable young adults, pulling them into a spiral of abuse, obsession, and murder.
A Director’s Signature Style
Sono’s reputation for pushing boundaries is well-documented. His films often explore themes of societal decay, extreme relationships, and the darker corners of human nature 
. The Forest of Love is no exception, blending elements of drama, horror, and thriller into a 151-minute runtime that refuses to let up . The movie’s original Japanese title, Ai-naki Mori de Sakebe ("Shout in the Loveless Forest"), hints at its bleak core—a world where love is absent, and survival is a game rigged by a master manipulator.
The Cast and Their Descent
The ensemble cast brings Sono’s vision to life, with Kippei Shiina leading as the enigmatic and terrifying antagonist. His performance is chilling, embodying a predator who thrives on control and chaos. Alongside him, Kyoko Hinami, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, and YOUNG DAIS play the young victims ensnared in his web, their desperation and naivety making them easy targets .
The film’s tone is relentless, with moments of shocking violence and psychological torment. Reviews suggest it’s not for the faint of heart, earning a 6.7/10 rating on SensCritique from over 1,300 votes—a testament to its polarizing impact . Some viewers praise its raw intensity, while others find it overwhelmingly disturbing.
Behind the Scenes: Rumors and Reality
Details about the film’s production are scarce, but Sono’s approach to filmmaking is known for its intensity. His projects often involve long shoots, improvisation, and a willingness to push actors to their limits . While no specific behind-the-scenes drama has surfaced for The Forest of Love, it’s not hard to imagine the emotional toll such a dark narrative might take on its cast.
One unverified rumor suggests that some scenes were improvised, adding to the film’s chaotic energy. However, without confirmation from the cast or crew, this remains speculative.
A Divisive but Unforgettable Experience
The Forest of Love isn’t a film for casual viewers. Its unrelenting brutality and psychological depth make it a challenging watch, but one that lingers in the mind. For fans of Sono’s work, it’s another entry in his legacy of transgressive cinema. For newcomers, it’s a stark introduction to a filmmaker who refuses to shy away from the darkest aspects of human nature.
If you can stomach it, The Forest of Love is a harrowing journey into the abyss—one that leaves you questioning the boundaries of love, power, and survival.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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