Osoi Hito (2004, JAP) B&W-83m. **½ D: Gô Shibata. Starring Masakiyo Sumida, Mari Torii, Naozo Horita, Toshihisa Fukunaga, Sumiko Shirai. Experimental drama with an unusual protagonist, mentally and physically handicapped Sumida, who spends his life going to rock concerts and drinking beer with his pal. Then a pretty young nurse starts working for him and he obviously falls in love. His inability to express his feelings results in bursts of violence and soon he becomes a killer. Disturbing, downbeat, perhaps unique character study serves a few directorial experiments too many, but lovers of the unusual may find it worthwhile. Some arresting camerawork. Written by the director. English title: LATE BLOOMER.



© Ron Altman