Dolls

This anthology film weaves together three distinct tales of the supernatural, all connected by the presence of dolls. The first story follows a lonely department store clerk who finds himself drawn to a mannequin. The second tale centers on a young man who murders his girlfriend and is subsequently haunted by her ghost. The final segment features a meek salaryman who believes his wife is secretly a doll. These narratives explore themes of loneliness, obsession, and the uncanny.

Dolls received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising its unique visual style and melancholic atmosphere. Some found the film's pacing slow and its narratives disjointed, while others appreciated its artistic ambition and haunting imagery. Audience reception was similarly varied, with many drawn to its distinctive aesthetic and emotional depth.

• Visually stunning with a unique, melancholic aesthetic.

• The film's interwoven stories create a haunting and dreamlike atmosphere.

• While some find the pacing deliberate, the emotional impact is undeniable.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic direction and the emotional resonance of its interconnected stories. Many praised the striking visuals and the hauntingly beautiful storytelling, though some noted the slow pace as a minor drawback.

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

The film was shot entirely on location in the Japanese countryside, with director Takeshi Kitano personally overseeing the art direction to achieve the specific aesthetic he envisioned.