The 2nd movie by one half of the popular Japanese comedy duo Downtown. If you’re expecting Matsumoto’s 2nd movie to be like his first (Big Man Japan) then you’re in for a surprise as it’s completely different in tone but no less funny nevertheless. Symbol see-saws between two stories and is shown in three chapters which are labeled Education, Implementation and Future. There’s the story of an out-of-shape Mexican wrestler known as “Escargot Man” as he prepares for a title fight in some tiny dusty little village. And simultaneously, there’s the story being told of a Japanese man who awakes to find himself in a large, all white rectangular room with no doors or windows. How are these two stories linked together – well at first they don’t but just wait until the final third when both plots start to combine together in a very hilarious way.
Symbol is a very odd situational comedy. It’s silly yet artsy, thoughtful in parts, anarchic in its delivery and overall plain crazy. I have no idea what it was about though, its meaning or what it’s meant to symbolize. It defies attempts to categorize it. Very unique and entertaining throughout, even though the last fifteen minutes get really bizarre and kind of artsy. This movie is not to be missed. You will probably never see anything quite as weird and funny like this. I loved it. Hitoshi Matsumoto is a clever and intelligent comedian. Highly recommended.
Sadako’s Rating: 4 out of 5
