Vibrator (2003)

Some would-be viewers will avoid "Vibrator" simply because of the title; others will view it for that very reason. Either way, that could be a mistake. Don't get me wrong: There's some sex and passion here, but VIBRATOR's definitely NOT a "nasty film" per se. It's more a dual character study of two very different people who meet by accident and what they gain by doing so. Shinobu Terashima convincingly plays Rei, an introverted, hard-drinking, and reclusive writer who meets Takatoshi, a free-spirited, hard-edged, yet compassionate truck driver equally well-played by Nao Omori, and on a whim decides to ride with him on his rounds across the main Japanese island of Honshu. It's a quiet, subdued movie, and its wintertime scenery is bleakly beautiful.It's hard to review this film without making it sound dull and/or depressing, but I found it to be neither. Although it's funny in places, "Vibrator"'s overall mood is simultaneously sad and uplifting. People who want lots of tension and dramatic action may be disappointed here: There's no violence, surprising reversals, or any of that kind of stuff. "Vibrator" remains, however, one of the most convincing and gripping slice-of-life pieces I have ever seen. There is something very genuine about the way it shows Rei getting out of herself in a much-needed way for just a little while. I sincerely wish that there were more films like "Vibrator."

A beautifully emotional, character driven film! Don't let the title or the seemingly porn-like plot fool you; this is not an overly erotic film. It is about the internal struggles of two lonely people who make a connection based on the need for physical closeness and acceptance. Though most likely just a cell phone reference lost in translation, I like to think the title refers to their use of each other. Though not deceitful nor malicious and perhaps even unknown to their conscious minds, they were only seeking self-gratification. This film deserves all its 21 awards plus more. Shinobu Terajima's role of Rei is the best portrayal of a mentally unstable young woman! The spoken stream of consciousness entwined with short written blurbs was a brilliant representation of her conscious narration in contrast to the uncontrollable thoughts in her head. It's refreshing that this disturbed character wasn't defined by a uniquely tragic past. The flashbacks aid in giving us a glimpse inside her mind, but we get few hints as to the cause of her angst. I think this lack of understanding is what the character herself feels. In the beginning she states, "I don't know why. No one ever hit me." and in the end, "I lust after the hand that knew violence." Perhaps it would be easier to accept herself and her problems if there were an obvious reason for them. This story unravels perfectly from its quirky beginning through its emotional climax to its absolutely flawless ending. It isn't contrived or glorified. The characters aren't changed by a magical epiphany nor will they live happily ever after. It's obvious the character Rei is not miraculously cured because she still buys the wine, gin, and ice cream that she went to the store for in the beginning. The difference is her attitude, her whistle signifying the transmission is over but not to worry. Her life may still be in shambles but she'll survive because, now that she knows someone else can accept her despite her neuroses, she's hopeful that she may be able to accept herself as something good.

I read the last comment, and I wonder what film that person saw, or what planet they're from. This film was fun, it was interesting, and it was thoughtful.If the previous reviewer is so myopically wrapped in his/her Pennsylvania experience, then don't comment on foreign-made films.This film uses a couple of interesting personality quirks of the female lead to open interesting doors that seem to lead to a bit of peace, maybe a bit of satisfaction for her, and then, in the end...?? what is it we really find? The cinematography is well done. The story is funny, quirky, with an urban edge that transcends Japan with universal images, fears, expectations and situations. And it does it all with two main characters... ;-)This is truly one of my favorite films; i've worked in the industry for many, many years now, and have access to films that many folks don't get to see, and to edits and versions that are many times better than the final public releases. I truly enjoyed this quaint, quirky, sometimes sexy, often naughty, youthfully edgy film from Japan.

I saw Vibrator as part of a film festival in Greece.It was truly one of the worst movies of all time. The show at a supermarket, where the two stars meet and immediately "hit off", proceeding to a sex scene in the back of the man's truck. For the whole movie, the viewer watches the "road trip" that follows. Images of the Japanese countryside are all this film has to offer, and beyond that, chaos.I personally gave up on the film when the duo started a conversation on CB technology, which lasted about five minutes film time and truly wrecked my nerves.I have no idea who might find this film interesting. Lonely middle-aged women who read Cosmopolitan might perhaps find the film expresses their own ambitions about life, like going around with a truck driver, talking about CBs and the futility of things and the like. There is no "deeper symbolism" in this film, no "high-level cultural event" here. This is a film that deserves the under 100 people who have seen it worldwide.If you're a road movie maniac, go and see it. You might find it less horrible than I did. If not, pass. Heavens, STAY AWAY!