HAZE. by Shinya Tsukamoto. Original Long Version. Update.

Originally a 25 minute short, also now a 49 minute film (still short, but now called 'long version') which is also up for sale (international rights) by Gold View, the holders of many of the mans works. Along with the poster (shown in a small version here to the left, first time I've seen one used anywhere), here's the synopsis from the Gold View website (sadly no trailer there or anywhere else, so far) :

"A man wakes up to find himself locked in a tiny, cramped concrete room, in which he can barely move. Why is he there and where did he come from? All we know is that he has a terrible stomach injury and is slowly bleeding to death. He begins to explore the narrow confines of his prison and crawls around the maze-like room, only to see a horrible vision of hell waiting for him at each end of the room.

Finally he gives up on the struggle and collapses in exhaustion. Then he begins to remember images from his past. Clinging to these images he creeps forward with the last ounces of his strength and meets a woman in a place that stinks of rotting corpses. The man and the woman both try to recall where they came from, but their memories are so uncertain that they are not even sure they want to return. The man is ready to give up but the woman insists on going forward. Neither of them can imagine the incredible end to the journey."

Both the short and long versions have made appearances at festivals. For now, someone please pick this up soon and release it on DVD somewhere with English Subtitles!

Not Nothing Review, CineAsia Festival (25 min version) Review. More out there, if you look...

'HAZE' by Shinya Tsukamoto Official Website.

Gold View Official Website.