I watched this film a while ago (well, not that long ago—about a month), but I felt I wasn’t ready to approach it objectively just yet. The truth is that Kotoko is more than just a movie you can casually watch; it’s an intense emotional experience from start to finish. It’s uncomfortable, painful, and designed to take you on a relentless emotional rollercoaster.
Should You Read About Kotoko Before Watching It?
If you haven’t read anything about this film yet, my advice is: don’t. If you’re a true cinema enthusiast and enjoy films that push the viewer’s mental limits, just watch it first—then read everything you want. Kotoko is much more intriguing when you have no idea what to expect.
But if you prefer to know a little about the plot (don’t worry, I’ll avoid spoilers), keep reading—I’ll try to share my impressions as objectively as possible.
Kotoko (2011) – Plot Summary
The story begins in a bookstore, where a young woman is writing intently. Meanwhile, a voice narrates how she has started seeing double. We then witness a surreal moment: the same customer, crouched down speaking to a child, suddenly appears on the other side and attacks her.
Kotoko sees double, but not in a natural diplopia-like way—people split into two, and one of them always tries to harm her. From this moment on, we are taken on a harrowing journey through the life of this young mother, who must protect her child not only from the world but from herself. She soon realizes that the only time she doesn’t see double is when she sings, so she spends hours doing so, seeking brief moments of happiness.
A Performance Like No Other
Not just anyone could have played this role. Cocco delivers an absolutely stunning performance as Kotoko—one of the most raw and gut-wrenching portrayals I’ve ever seen. She drags us into her world, whether we like it or not.
On the other hand, director Shinya Tsukamoto (Marebito, Ichi: The Killer, Haze) makes impeccable creative choices, both behind and in front of the camera. Kotoko feels like a three-dimensional experience—not in a gimmicky, entertainment-driven way, but in a way that deeply penetrates your mind and stays with you.
A Psychological Masterpiece
A psychoanalyst could probably write a much more insightful review, as the film is packed with complex psychological elements. But for those willing to take the plunge, as long as you’re not at risk of a nervous breakdown from its intense mental turmoil, Kotoko is an incredibly powerful film—one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Highly recommended!