Confessions - Japanese Movie

User Rating

Current user rating: 91/100 (975 votes)

You need to enable JavaScript to vote

Profile

Movie: Confessions
Romaji: Kokuhaku
Japanese: 告白
Director: Tetsuya Nakashima
Writer: Kanae Minato (novel), Tetsuya Nakashima
Producer: Yuji Ishida, Genki Kawamura, Yutaka Suzuki, Yoshihiro Kubota
Cinematographer: Masakazu Ato, Atsushi Ozawa
Release Date: June 5, 2010
Runtime: 106 min.
Genre: Best Film-Movie of the Year / Award Winning-School / Bullying / Award Winning-Mystery / Revenge
Distributor: Toho
Language: Japanese
Country: Japan

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Middle school teacher Yoko Moriguchi's (Takako Matsu) life comes crashing down after the murder of her 4 year old daughter. Eventually Yoko Moriguchi suspects some of her own students to have been responsible for her daughter's death. An elaborate plan for revenge then ensues, including forcing students to drink HIV tainted milk ...

Notes

Based on Kanae Minato's 2008 best selling novel "Kokuhaku" (has sold 700,000+ copies to date).
After reading the novel "Kokuhaku" director Tetsuya Nakashima wanted actress Takako Matsu to play the main role. Enough so that he said if Takako Matsu would not play the role he would not have made the film.
Filming began October 24th, 2009.
Auditions were held for potential actors to play the students. Of which 34 were selected out of 1,000.

Cast



Takako Matsu	Masaki Okada	Yoshino Kimura
Yoko Moriguchi	Yoshiteru Terada	Yuko Shimomura

Additional Cast Members:

Mana Ashida - Manami Moriguchi
Makiya Yamaguchi - Masayoshi Sakuranomiya
Yukito Nishii - Shuya Watanabe (1-nen B-kumi student)
Kaoru Fujiwara - Naoki Shimomura (1-nen B-kumi student)
Ai Hashimoto - Mizuki Kitahara (1-nen B-kumi student)
Naoki Ichii - Yusuke Hoshino (1-nen B-kumi student)
Kai Inowaki - Yuma Maekawa (1-nen B-kumi student)
Ayaka Miyoshi - Ayaka Tsuchida (1-nen B-kumi student)
Moto Hotaruno - Saki Matsukawa (1-nen B-kumi student)
Kasumi Yamaya - Yukari Naito (1-nen B-kumi student)
Ai Kuriki - Maki Sasaki (1-nen B-kumi student)
Rena Nounen - Kiritani (1-nen B-kumi student)
Hiroki Nakajima - Satoshi Kamiyama (1-nen B-kumi student)
Karin Kato - Momoka Ogawa (1-nen B-kumi student)
Ikuyo Kuroda - Akiko Yasaka
Hirofumi Arai - Shuya Watanabe's father
Kinuwo Yamada - Miyuki Watanabe
Takuya Kusakawa - Hiroki Takahashi
Tsutomu Takahashi - Mr. Tokura
Yuko Araki - student
Manami Hashimoto
Yuiko Kariya
Naoya Shimizu
Takahiro Ono
Ayuri Yoshinaga
Maaya Kondo
Takumi Sato

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

2010 (9th) New York Asian Film Festival - June 25 - July 8, 2010 *North American Premiere
2010 (14th) Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival - July 15-25, 2010 - Puchon Choice:Feature * Asian Premiere
2010 (35th) Toronto International Film Festival - September 9-19, 2010 - Vanguard *Canadian Premiere
2010 (43rd) Sitges Film Festival - October 7-14, 2010 - Official Fantàstic in compettition
2010 (30th) Hawaii International Film Festival - October 14-24, 2010 - Spotlight on Japan *Hawaii Premiere
2010 (12th) Mumbai Film Festival - October 21-28, 2010 - World Cinema
2010 (21st) Stockholm International Film Festival - October 21-28, 2010 - Asian Images *Nordic Premiere
2011 (6th) Osaka Asian Film Festival - March 5-13, 2011 - Osaka Cinema Festival 2011
2011 (13th) Udine Far East Film - April 29-May 7, 2011 *Italian Premiere
2011 (17th) L'Etrange Festival - September 2-11, 2011

Awards

2010 (14th) Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival - July 15th-25th, 2010
- Jury's Choice
2010 (35th) Hochi Film Awards - December, 2010
- Best Director
2011 Elan D'or Award - February 4, 2011
- "TV Taro Award (Best Film)"
2010 (53rd) Blue Ribbon Awards - February 15, 2011
- "Best Picture"
- "Best Supporting Actress" (Yoshino Kimura)
2011 (34th) Japan Academy Prize - February 18, 2011
- "Picture of the Year"
- "Director of the Year"
- "Screenplay of the Year"
- "Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing" (Yoshiyuki Koike)
2011 (30th) Hong Kong Film Awards - April 17, 2011
- "Best Asian Film"
2011 (13th) Udine Far East Film - April 29-May 7, 2011
- Black Dragon Audience Award
- My Movies Audience Award

Comments

matic Aug 30 2020 6:27 am This film is sooo unconsistent. Why is even considered as good? What is the point of revenge against a wacky teen who only should go to redemtion institue... ugghh simply boring.

Jpoper Jan 10 2020 6:40 am I have watched this couple of years ago without subs, so imagine how confused I am with a lot of gore going on. But I continued anyway. Back then you can't really find a decent website where you can find asian dramas/movies with subs unlike today.

This movie has been on my mind ever since that time cause it left a huge inpression. Then I came across again with this movie and this time it was subbed. I watched it and realized that this movie is very well written and well made.

vidu3k333 Feb 12 2018 11:31 am This is a rally great movie but the book is even better :D If you can watch this film to the end but still confused then the book would explain everything. ((SPOILER ALERT)) The reason why the bomb is in his mother workplace because that's the teacher's ultimate revenge to make Shuya reach atonement.

sassygirl989 Sep 18 2017 11:53 am I wonder why this film didnt get all the awards? They so much deserve so much awards!!!! This is like the dopest film ive ever wathced. From the cast, superb acting, great cinematography, perfect plot and directing, all of it is just really so outstanding. This is literally a very brilliant work of art. I first watched this when i was in college that was like 7 fucking years ago and this movie still is the best movie for me up to this very moment. Nothng can beat this shit i hope this gets redistributed or rerun in cinemas whatever this just deserves so much more than it got. I love the amazing cast for thw brilliant portrayal of their characters, to the crew who worked behind this masterpiece you guys have all my respect, you are all amazing! Its been 7years and im still watching this film whenever i get bored with the shows that broadcast these days. This is the only film i will never get tired to watch over and over again. The story is just so fuckin painful and tragic i always cry buckets evry time i watch this

Bagas Feb 23 2017 1:14 am Such a insane story. I like this movie !

Marimai.Aw Jun 15 2016 9:59 am It made me WTF?! At the end of the movie. I mean just... WOW! I'd never expected to end the movie like that. It has a lot a twist and confessions that made me thrilled on every Point of view of a character! This is one of the best that shouldn't be keep aside. I'll give it a 11/10. It is beyond than anything!!

TMT Jun 12 2016 5:22 pm Wow. Simply a WOW. Not many revenge psychological thrillers can make me say this. So wonderfully adapted. This is simply brilliant directing from an incredible revenge novel that deserved it top prize in Japan.

It starts off as just another day with narrative begins to explain the plot with buildup one by one and by the end BANG. Blown away! And then the plot gets different perspective one by one without revealing all but revealing with significance at a pace that mesmerizes that you forget you are seeing a movie and engrossing you till the END. Very satisfying revenge thriller. Quentin Tarantino would have even clapped his hands in standing ovation. Perfect for me. Rated Excellent 10/10.

Marcio Roberto Apr 12 2016 2:15 pm Such a great movie, my favorite asian movie. It makes you think... And feel.

Christine Jan 30 2016 12:49 am Just finished this movie earlier and what can I say, well it was overall great. As for a Psychological-genre fan like me it has really reached my expectations. I guess the only thing that it lacked was a heart, the tenderness and sanity. Well based on the plot it was understandable why those things were already missing and I guess we'll just have to deal with it. To rate this on the scale of 0-10, 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, I guess I'll give this a 9. Good job Tetsuya Nakashima-san!

vmarlany Aug 27 2015 8:50 pm brilliant psychological movie, madness , fear,revenge, and Oedipus complex. a complete package in one movie. you should watch it!. no wonder that this movie accept many award.

Z May 14 2015 7:32 am i personally don't like the teacher's attitude towards the students.. i know it's hard to accept that someone is dying .. but she still shouldn't destroy their lives cause she's not ruining 2 students it also includes other students and people they love.. madness

superLUV Mar 28 2015 12:12 am my type of movie!! and i found my love yukito nishii!!~

Yume-chan Dec 16 2014 8:36 pm Amazing movie! Definitely one of my favorites for this year! Actually, it's my favorite movie this year! :P Can't wait to read the book! :)

Gray Aug 07 2014 2:06 pm psychoness filled and thriled movie.. awsome

rayfu Jul 18 2014 1:23 pm Beautifully brutal in a psychological way. Such a brilliant movie!

mandrill Jun 15 2014 2:43 pm terrible film aimed at brainless emo kids

Elsa Apr 06 2014 1:21 am OMG is this the same Takako Matsu who sang the Japanese version of Let It Go?? lol I couldn't imagine if she sang this after she "beat" Shuya in the end

college girl Feb 19 2014 6:43 am I suddenly forgot about my shitty college life during this movie. this is really a great movie.

Eterna Feb 12 2014 7:28 am That's the way you do the revenge. Brutal yet elegant. 4thumbs up.

Sandeep Jan 09 2014 1:42 pm Movie is bit slow till 30min then it gets better and better till the end...

Phinneas Buck Jan 03 2014 1:27 pm 10 of 10, the movie is a masterpiece!

Dianne Oct 29 2013 7:43 am this movie is awesome!!!!!!

venky Oct 03 2013 3:22 am best movie .. loved the soundtrack too

Jeanne Aug 25 2013 9:12 am I'm really proud of the actors and actresses in this movie because they did a great job.This movie is worth watching.I recommend this film.

nadzskie Jun 18 2013 9:21 am this is one of my favorite Japanese movies of all-time. simply brilliant! and everyone in the cast did great. i totally agree that it's a movie you won't forget. and i'm gonna have the chance to see it on the big screen soon because of this year's Japan Festival, i'm so excited!!! :D

red Apr 15 2013 12:02 pm one of Japan's finest films.Hats off to the actors especially the teens who acted like today's actual teenagers.It's like coming out from a Greek tragedy and with those visuals.so refined.

Eyes Scream Apr 04 2013 11:56 am Again. For the last time. I will endorse this film to all of you. I watched it 25 times believe me. This movie is a masterpiece. If you love battle royale then you will love this film. It has a unique light and dark themes just like the anime Death Note and Code Geass which are my favorite. Tips on watching this film: 1. Watch it on a dark room alone 2. Don't let anyone disturb you while watching. 3. Don't eat anything. Just focus on the screen because every seconds count. 4. Let your emotional side ready. 5. After watching, watch it again 3x times to be able for you to understand the story. Trust me on this. 6. Enjoy the film and it's wonderful soundtracks. 7. And the last one, share the movie because sharing will help to spqead the message of the movie. Hope you do it all!

J depp Feb 27 2013 2:24 pm I was curious about this movie I heard this is good because this was included in oscars best foreign film shortlist. I read the comments below and all they talk about is this yukito who the hell is this guy..a fangirl actor??? If so then i might lose interest watching this... Movies with fangirl actors who can't act is a bad movie IMO. %%

marlon brando!! Feb 27 2013 2:20 pm I was curious about this movie I heard this is good because this was included in oscars best foreign film shortlist. I read the comments below and all they talk about is this yukito who the hell is this guy..a fangirl actor??? If so then i might lose interest watching this... Movies with fangirl actors who can't act is a bad movie IMO.

Hidders Oct 22 2012 4:08 pm Confessions (Kokuhaku) is crazy good. Emphasis on 'crazy. Wow~wow~wow, I am NEVER going to forget this movie! The bomb scene is a cinematic orgasm.

sigh* How will I ever find something to top this?

Ai Hashimoto kept reminding me of Momoko Tsugunaga... I'm really happy she was discovered. And I hope to see a lot more of Yukito Nishii in the future.

chris Oct 06 2012 12:18 pm so great movie...great cast..well recommended..

INVADER Aug 17 2012 3:46 am Okada Masaki's acting is suberb here! He usually portray innocent and sweet characters but this time, WOW!!! He can fit every role. For me he's the best actor in Japan today

Fumizuki Rui Jul 22 2012 9:32 am thought i've seen the comment said it was twist, i still don't get it. Is he really blown his mother office? ._.

Eyes Scream05 Jul 06 2012 9:42 am The best film I ever watch..... Japanese Movies rule ^_^

yoohwa May 22 2012 7:31 pm just few minutes when the film began, i can't leave the tv anymore. this film is really brilliant! TWISTED!

Luo li Apr 18 2012 4:40 pm Great movie. ((SPOILER ALERT)) But Why did the teacher dismantle the bomb and then still place it at the mother? That makes no sense to me. But still one great Freaking movie.

Sata Mar 14 2012 4:52 pm Dude, this movie is TWISTED. That teacher's so evil~ Lol. I'm really trying to find another movie like this one~

Hana Feb 24 2012 10:07 pm This movie is a master piece! Ok i admit Yukito was my original motivation to watch this movie i have to say this movie is awesome.And im not gonna say something petty like OMG i hate her blah blah blah. I don't care it was acting and every single one of the actors did an AMAZING job. This movie really pulled the audience in with it from the very beginning with the text and in the beginning with the sensei telling you that story and giving you little hints on what is going to happen and making you think you know something until the very last second they give you a surprising twist! It also gives you just the littlest bit of romance in it to make you think about a happy ending when something happens.This movie is a work of art and if you have ever watched an anime like 'Death Note' or 'Code Geass' i can promise you this is the movie for you! so all and all this is an amazing movie and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to anyone who loves movies with twists!

Kawii_girl Jan 20 2012 10:07 pm I loved this movie!!!! OMG brilliant just got a whole new definition! it was so gripping. the only confusing thing is the end for me. did the bomd really go off in his mom's office!?!?!?!?!?! and like most of you, I mainly watched it because of Nishii-chan. his character was soo dark! it was intense! again love the movie to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nisouxmajo Jan 08 2012 9:51 pm A great movie that really hits you good. In many ways that you think it's gonna be boring but as it reaches the climax, you'll be on the edge of your sit wondering and pondering how is it going to end? The psychological thrill that many reviewers has already said, it' no lie, it really is there. Each scene and twist gives you a curiosity of how and what the movie is bringing about. A movie I will truly consider one of the best and heck yes it did win a award, lols. So points for that!!! Now the actors [the students], I did a little research and found that beyond my amazement, young! A movie full of young young actors and not only that, they pulled it off good!! The ages ranged from 13-16 and it stun me that this movie really deserved that award [and remember it's based off the book that sold thousands]. But overall and again, these young actors really had it in them to do their best to pull this off. Of course and as many said, I would defiantly, DEFIANTLY RECOMMEND this movie. It's one that you don't want to miss!!!

sassygirl989 Dec 27 2011 2:01 am deym this movie is soo friggin' awesome!!! very brilliant revenge for those two murderers!

Porkie Dec 03 2011 5:10 am My Mom said this movie was bad for me (Even though I'm already 13.). But I kept on watching. OMG. THIS MOVIE WAS FREAKIN' AWESOME.

I SERIOUSLY LOVED MORIGUCHI'S REVENGE ON THOSE TWO. >:3

Wahahaha~~ I might kill my classmates too. >:33

19frances68 Nov 09 2011 2:41 am the greatest movie I've ever watched, I thought it was just like some boring stuff but when the climax came, and its just like oh! this is great. A good movie for every age, from child to adult... and the best of all, many scenes have blood.. o yeh.. rakenrol

Rin Oct 31 2011 12:49 pm AMAZING FILM! you should defiantly watch =D

lucky man Oct 27 2011 11:34 am nu gelo nue gelo... pinter tapi garing

Ravi Sep 17 2011 7:51 am Got to be one of the most visually stunning psychological thrillers ever !!

http://cineinternational.blogspot.com/2011/06/confessions-kokuhaku-japan-2010-review.html

:D Sep 02 2011 8:25 am AW!THE GILR THAT YUKITO NISHII KISS IS ONLY 14 YEARS OLD?!! IN THE FILM?! WTF!!

aki Aug 30 2011 2:14 am it was a great movie..it really makes you think and wonder what really did happen. there are so many twists in the story which makes it more interesting to watch.

i watched it because Masaki Okada was there but found out that there were lots of great actors/actresses even as young as they are..just like Yukito Nishii and Ai Hashinoto. :D

Srividya Aug 15 2011 1:07 pm Amazing movie, I wondered what would happen next after Moriguchi sensei’s confession but the story went so brilliantly, made me think and re-think. Especially the last line, as posted by someone else here as well.

In fact, there are so many amazing scenes in the movie, which would surprise and shock you that I was surprised people are harping about the kiss. I almost didn’t even notice it because that guy’s acting is pretty amazing. As was her role. In fact, everybody was damn good here. Even Naoki and his confession, it was all wonderfully done. Lovely movie.

Srividya Aug 15 2011 1:07 pm Amazing movie, I wondered what would happen next after Moriguchi sensei's confession but the story went so brilliantly, made me think and re-think. Especially the last line, as posted by someone else here as well.

In fact, there are so many amazing scenes in the movie, which would surprise and shock you that I was surprised people are harping about the kiss. I almost didn't even notice it because that guy's acting is pretty amazing. As was her role. In fact, everybody was damn good here. Even Naoki and his confession, it was all wonderfulloy done. Lovely movie.

Claire Aug 14 2011 12:18 pm This. Movie. Was. EPIC!! I was blown away by the premise, and surprised by the number of plot twists. The gradually revealed POV (points of view) was an elaborate way to reveal the story and it almost felt like a murder(s) mystery. Even the last phrase/ dialogue left me to re-think the events.

(Here is the kicker, I found this dvd with all of my mum's movies, which I am sure she bought because of the awards. But still... it taught me to beware the wraith of mothers everywhere ;)

Christa Aug 04 2011 6:56 pm Who sings Meeting Place on the OST??

Yoggi Alfrancess Jul 11 2011 11:00 am Damn, loved this movie a lot.... speechless!!!!!!!

Ayuki Jun 24 2011 11:53 pm I'M....... SPEECHLESS~!!! The best movie I ever wacthed!!!! I Loved this!!! it sooo~ real.

Yumi Apr 26 2011 3:09 pm This movie is simply amazing!!!!

croozn Apr 15 2011 9:19 pm What an interesting film and yet these fangirls cannot muster up a comment deeper than, 'oh my gawd! can't believe so-and-so kissed?!?! hate her!'

Retarded.

Karla C. Mar 30 2011 1:04 pm I love this movie, basically I watched it beacuse yukito was there, I love him he is so cute *0* I want to kiss him T_T what lucky girl and boy they can kiss my baby snif snif U.U

It´s an amazing movie, the music, the plot, the actors everything was so fantastic, I watched this many times and I will continue seeing is the best movie I´ve ever seen.

PD: Love you Yukito Nishii <3!!!!!!

Mae Queen Feb 23 2011 3:43 am I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shiki Feb 19 2011 10:46 pm hashimoto ai, the girl who yukito kissed, did an amazing job. why hate her because he kissed her? in fact, the way they shared their moments were perfect. both were lonely kids, being bullied, etc. the movie's kickass! never get bored with it. the students did amazing jobs too

Ki Feb 12 2011 6:30 am Absolutely amazing film that left me awestruck and hair standing on my arms. Didn't think Tetsuya Nakashima would be ever able to top "Memories of Matsuko," especially after the weak effort of "Paco and the Magical Picture Book," but I think he just did with "Confessions". Movie is a thing of spine chilling beauty, ok at times maybe too much of the music video effects, but by and large the visuals were a thing of beauty that amped up the film to a whole other level. The story unravels with hints that make you feel you have a grasp on what will happen and of course there's another rabbit pulled out of the hat in a "holy shit!" fashion. Hell of a soundtrack as well. Movie is so much more epic than any of the high priced "Red Cliff" or "Avatar" BS. One of those rare films that leaves you with the feeling of having watched greatness.

Alice Feb 12 2011 1:02 am i like this film!!! many tricks there....

Akis Feb 09 2011 6:31 am I am Iordanis from Greece. I am watching asian movies at least 10 years. This movie is a landmark! Clever scenary, fantastic colours for drama, amazing soundtrack (Radiohead - Last flowers). Congratullations to all who contributed in making of this film. Thank you

Blindlittlerain Jan 29 2011 11:07 am it was amazballs, i recommend it to anyone who loves What the F*ck movies

brukselka Jan 27 2011 4:29 pm the most amazing psychological play I've ever seen. I just can't find right words to describe my feelings after watching it.

ps. to all Yukito's fangirls (btw, I can feel your pain, because I also wanted to be that girl.. or that boy. whatever): he's an actor. he must do some things due to acting. don't hate the girl because he kissed her, it was only his role. amazing role actually.

alimi Jan 26 2011 9:41 pm Recommended!!!

Manie Jan 20 2011 8:59 pm Where can I see it in US?

jeff Jan 18 2011 3:56 am Saw this movie with Japanese sound and Mandarin subtiles only. I understand neither language but managed to get the drift of the plot because of the good acting and directing.

Thomas Jan 18 2011 2:45 am One of the best movies ever!

jobelle Jan 14 2011 4:48 am ohh man!!! i really want to watch this !! sadly, i can't understand what there saying cause i'm not a japanese !!! aarrrgghhh!!! will this be aired in the philippines ?!

natalia :) Jan 10 2011 9:25 am does anyone know where I can watch this movie I don't live in Japan or Asia at all :'( And I really really wanna see it !!!! O.o

d.avid Jan 08 2011 11:11 pm the movie is only on the surface about revenge. in the film, there is no refuge for even one simple, good, straightforward character, nothing to hold onto or ground yourself as, yes, here is a baseline to judge. it disturbs you outright, deliberately, so you become in as confused a world as these junior high kids, and these adults who know and control little better. and then the movie does something very sinister: it makes you want to find good and bad and take sides, and when you see the villanous suffer, you want to say 'well deserved!' until, suddenly, you realize that, yes, YOU have become one of the characters, that now you are in the movie too, and complicit. because the very hurt and grief and want and loss that motivates the dark destruction in them, is peeping out of you, like a dark light, darkening what it unshines on. it is not the characters in the movie you should be scared of. think what lives at home.

Oh My Gurl..!! Jan 06 2011 3:11 am i hate the gurl who kisses yukito . kinda sad... holy shit..! i hope i was the girl...Yukito is the one that my heart's desire...<

anonymous Nov 28 2010 9:36 am Excellent work. Poignant drama with an extremely dark plot presented in the most eloquent and poetic manner. If you haven't felt emotional at a movie theatre for a very long time, be sure to catch this one ;) Frankly a must-watch.

MrW Nov 18 2010 9:38 pm @PinkuNeko Yes it will. Opens at Golden Village on the 25 November 2010.

PinkuNeko Nov 13 2010 6:15 am Will this be aired in Singapore?

Tauromaja Nov 04 2010 5:13 pm I saw this movie basically twice, both times on the plane to Tokyo: the first time through the crack between seats while watching the screen of the passenger in front of me and the second time, unable to fight my curiosity, watching it on my own screen. It is brilliantly done and it's one of the few movies I've seen that uses slow motion so often yet so poetically. It really wasn't a boring nor a contrite use. It's a bit of a dark film but so excellently done, I'd be surprised if it doesn't do well in film festivals. Direction, photography, edition, lighting, writing, all really well done.

Emanuela Baravelli Sep 27 2010 10:49 pm It is very interesting. I saw the movie three times.

huh?? Aug 14 2010 11:55 pm the trailer is too weird.but i bet the students actors/actresses are really good in acting.

tsah Jul 23 2010 4:11 am does the boy who kissed the girl was yukito? what the heck T^T

17 Jul 13 2010 12:59 pm .........wow............. that shits crazy

O_O Jun 15 2010 11:13 pm Oh man. I think I need to watch that. >.<

=[ Jun 15 2010 10:40 am Real Life. Disturbing.

External Links

Official Website

Confessions - Japanese Movie

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

Awards

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments

External Links