Pyrokinesis [DVD] [2000]

However, Junko is lonely and when she is befriended by the gentle Mr Tada, a fellow office worker, she lets her defence down, falls in love with him and becomes close to his teenage sister, the lively and loving Yukie. When Yukie is cruelly murdered by a group of young men making Snuff Films for kicks, Junko's fire born rage is ignited and she reveals to her friend Mr Tada the terrible gift she has harboured within her since birth. At first Mr Tada is consumed by the need to revenge his younger sister's death but when he sees one of the murderers catch light and the agony and pain such a fiery end causes, he momentarily backs away from Junko, unable to continue with his quest. He is confused and unsure of what he wants in the way of retribution.

Junko is also being doggedly tracked by a sympathetic female Police Officer, Kaori whose sense of humour is wonderfully dry and brittle, especially when unexplained fires flare up along with her male junior colleague who just might have a terrible link to Junko from a past the young woman would rather forget.

Junko though is out for revenge, especially when a stranger gives her tape of Yukie's death and she sets out on a journey which could ultimately lead to both her redemption and destruction.

There are many poignant moments in this movie like when Junko tries to have a family life with a young girl who has similar powers to her own, and her memories of her mother's warnings about the power she possesses within. Some of the last scenes are the most memorable and touching and there is a strange beauty if the violence of fire.

The plot has many twists in it, and some of them you don't expect which makes the movie all the more exciting and watchable.

All the characters are larger than life but are also incredibly subtle and the actresses playing Junko and Kaori steal the show with their strength and vulnerability.

This movie is very reminiscent of Stephen King's book and film Firestarter; this movie however is far superior, in acting, special effects, the musical score and the twists and turns of a complex but thrilling plot.

Some people might be bothered by the fact that the film is in Japanese and has subtitles, take it from me, it makes no difference whatsoever! The film is brilliant, and well worth borrowing from your local library (if they have it) or buying it and sitting down to an excellent evening of fire and brimstone.

The characters are well done and the acting is pretty good too, rounding the story off well, making it almost believeable to an extent. The effects may not be to everyones taste, but I think they did the job lets face it, couldnt be worse than firestarter!!! It may not be that gory or anything but the film held me for the whole feature.

Eastern horror films seem to be taking over as a force to be reckoned with, what with the original Ring films, Audience etc.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants an alternative to Carrie 2 and the rest of that ilk.