A quirky journey with ‘The Gesuidouz’: A punk rock odyssey
A unique blend of humor and melancholy
Kenichi Ugana’s “The Gesuidouz” is a delightful deadpan oddity that follows a Japanese punk group led by the 26-year-old Hanako, played by Natsuko. Hanako is convinced she’ll meet her end at 27, joining the infamous club of rock legends like Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain. The film’s sardonic musical energy is visually translated through bright yet subdued affectations, finding humor in the morose.
The result is a fluffy, self-assured ode to creativity and finding one’s voice through genre cinema. The group’s songs and albums revolve around Hollywood horror films, catering to a specific viewer. The film is undoubtedly Japanese in its sensibilities, with Natsuko translating Hanako’s despondent mood into reflections on feeling trapped in her skin. She seldom strays from the character’s icy stillness, though she reveals a stunning sense of warmth on occasion.
A tale of international appeal
North American midnight movie fans, especially those frequenting festivals like Montreal’s Fantasia Fest and Austin’s Fantastic Fest, will find themselves represented both physically and spiritually. “The Gesuidouz”’s international success garners admirers in Quebec and even among a couple of recognizable American genre directors who make amusing cameos.
However, before achieving this success, the group must first endure the misery of poor album sales and threats of being dropped from their label. Their manager, played by Yuya Endo, gives them an ultimatum. Well, it’s more of an ultimatum that Hanako forces out of the manager (she’s handy with a power drill). The group takes up residence on a rural farm, on the condition that they come up with a new hit. Here, Hanako befriends the farm owner’s sweet, elderly mother, who doesn’t understand the band’s appeal but is fascinated by their work and proves to be an unexpected support system.
Breaking the fourth wall
Throughout the film, Hanako and the other group members — played by a multi-ethnic ensemble comprising Leo Imamura, Yutaka Kyan, and Rocko Zevenbergen — speak to and acknowledge the camera. Initially, the camera stands in for a specific journalist who asks them questions at a particularly low and listless point. However, the lens eventually takes on the conceptual presence of a watchful, curious eye. Although it’s still and often distant, it goads them into finding themselves again, crash-zooming into each of their faces during moments of inspiration, which the actors exaggerate before breaking into earworm instrumentation.
Magical realism and deadpan humor
The movie features bits of magical realism, like an advice-giving Shiba Inu dog and singles that are quite literally (and somewhat disgustingly) birthed in the form of talking cassette tapes. These elements largely go unremarked upon, adding to Ugana’s stone-faced humor. In an Aki Kaurismäki-esque fashion, this deadpan approach disguises surprisingly moving moments.
While much of “The Gesuidouz” concerns the idea of creativity through imitation and inspiration — it would make a fitting double feature with the Swedish young punk movie “We Are the Best!” — Ugana’s approach still proves highly original. The film is, for the most part, a breeze, with just enough meaning nestled into its easy-going scenes to make for a delightful and at times affirming watch, even though its target audience is hyper-specific. There’s nothing wrong with an in-joke or in-group cinematic language as long as it’s effective.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, “The Gesuidouz” resonates on multiple levels. It’s a film that speaks to the heart of creativity, the struggles of artistic expression, and the unique journey of finding one’s voice. The blend of humor and melancholy, coupled with the film’s distinctive visual style, makes it a standout piece in the genre cinema landscape. For those who appreciate films that challenge conventional storytelling and embrace a quirky, deadpan approach, “The Gesuidouz” is a must-watch.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Gesuidouz.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of “The Gesuidouz”, enriched with personal reflections and in-depth analysis. The unique narrative style and structure are designed to offer a fresh perspective on the film, making it an enjoyable read for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts alike.