2LDK (2003) [Film Review]

2LDK; or, Deadly Ambitions
     You know, my room gets more sunlight and has a better view. You really don’t mind?
Whenever I see the name of Yukihiko Tsutsumi in the opening credits, I feel absolutely in the dark. This particular director/screenwriter can come up with some brilliant ideas for gripping mystery thrillers (see Keizoku and Trick), but at times, he has problems with outlining proper character development and giving stories a satisfying conclusion. Let’s see how a low-budget movie 2LDK holds up within the cinematic repertoire of Tsutsumi.

Release info

Directed by: Yukihiko Tsutsumi Starring: Eiko Koike, Maho Nogami

Language: Japanese Original Title: 2ldk Runtime: 70 min

Synopsis
Nozomi (Eiko Koike) and Lana (Maho Nonami) are two actresses on the services of the same talent agency who live in a lavish apartment owned by their manager. The flatmates have their own dreams as well as fears. Lana wants to become a respected movie star, but she can't get out of her mind a nightmarish result of one of her past affairs. Nozomi is determined to hit it big in Tokyo and find a boyfriend, even though she is still a virgin. Initially, the two women follow the harmonious rules of peaceful coexistence, but they soon display passive-aggressive behaviour towards each other. One thing leads to another and suddenly Nozomi and Lana end up in a fight for life and death...

Stand By Me
Allegedly, producer Shinya Kawai challenged directors Yukihiko Tsutsumi and Ryuhei Kitamura to shoot within a timespan of one week a motion picture centering on the theme of a duel with two characters in one setting. Consequently, Kitamura created Aragami (2003), whereas Tsutsumi came up with 2LDK. If you are not a native speaker of English, then allow me to explain that the title stands for an apartment which has two bedrooms and the living/dining space, plus a kitchen.

If you have seen the comedy Airplane (1980), then you must remember a bar scene in which two scout girls go all out against each other. This is essentially the premise of a 70-minute-long 2LDK. To be honest, I greatly enjoyed the first half of the film due to its nuanced exposition and quirky interactions between Nozomi and Lana. Fleshing out the mentality of two heroines and setting up the tension for the next act is top notch; nevertheless, when the fiery battle finally kicks in, it seems a bit of a let down, in my opinion.

The second half of 2LDK definitely goes for the shock value… while keeping it at PG-13 level. Some of the confrontations between the flatmates are interesting (chainsaw duel, grappling with swords), but many are just over the top and remind me of the Looney Tunes’ cartoon (the bathroom electric boogaloo scene, for example). It feels as if the film desperately tries to match the greatness of Audition (1999) and Battle Royale (2000), but instead of focusing on the controversial visuals, it should keep up the ambiguous and dream-like tone from its first act.

Still, I dare to think that 2LDK was ahead of its time due to the subject matter. In the age of widespread (and absolutely despicable) patostreaming, when psychotic scumbags relish performing violence in enclosed spaces for money and viewership stats, Tsutomu’s movie exposes the futility of aggressive relations between people.

With regard to performances, Eiko Koike as well as Maho Nonami provide a class act. I only wish we could get a proper psychological thriller with them rather than a low-key flick with swords, acid, and stuff.

Recommendations
All things considered, 2LDK is a very interesting watch, but has zero rewatch value. The ending itself is indeed predictable and too tongue-in-cheek; nevertheless, Nozomi and Lana’s pointless battle provides some food for thought. If you are in the mood for an arthouse J-Horror, then it’s the choice for you.

Overall score: 6/10

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