Lemming

About This Movie

So, Lemming is this quirky piece from 2013, directed by Yukichi Matsumoto. It's a stage adaptation of Shuji Terayama's work, which already sets a certain expectation. The film revolves around two cooks who share a cramped room, and there's this bizarre angle where one of the guys chats with his mother's head, which chillingly resides beneath the tatami mats. It’s got this surreal vibe that plays with the absurdity of life and death, all while the other character’s wife is just outside, frantically tending to her sick husband. The pacing feels deliberate, almost languid at times, allowing you to soak in the strange atmosphere. The performances carry a weight of sincerity amidst the absurdity, making the film distinctive in its exploration of human connections.

Stage adaptation of Shuji Terayama's workSurreal elements and unique character interactionsThemes of life, death, and human connection