Review of Mysterious Skin (2005) by Johnny T — 15 Jan 2012

This thoughtful, troubling drama is leagues above the sensationalistic stuff Araki peddled in earlier films. There is a terrible, terrifying honesty at the core of Mysterious Skin that will make it chillingly recognizable to some viewers and important to recognize for others. The film's content is adult - and for the first time in Araki's career, so is the director. At once the most harrowing and, strangely, the most touching film I have seen about child abuse. Mysterious Skin dawdles more than it flows, but it comes alive whenever Araki, hovering between tragedy and voyeurism, reveals how sex can tear lives to pieces. A gorgeous, heartbreaking and utterly convincing work of art. Not for the squeamish, but it is a beautifully crafted and thoughtful film that genuinely provokes.

VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).