Lumberjack the Monster

2023 1h 59m JA

😐

6.3

MID

★6.3TMDB · 56

DramaThrillerCrimeHorror

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

A self-proclaimed psychopath, coldblooded lawyer Ninomiya becomes obsessed with stopping an ax-wielding serial killer who's made him their next target.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Kazuya Kamenashi
Akira Ninomiya
Nanao
Arashiko Toshiro
Riho Yoshioka
Emi Kagemi
Kiyohiko Shibukawa
Noboru Inui
Shota Sometani
Kuro Sugitani
Shido Nakamura
Takeshi Kenmochi
Reon Yuzuki
Minosuke

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Takashi Miike
Writers: Hiroyoshi Koiwai
Languages: Japanese
Countries: Japan, Hong Kong

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 3 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 2 countries: Japan, Hong Kong.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Takashi Miike, shot by Nobuyasu Kita. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Koji Endo. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Naoichiro Sagara shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Kazuya Kamenashi and Nanao and Riho Yoshioka carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt28090490 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

Only 56 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Takashi Miike directs. Nobuyasu Kita behind the camera. Koji Endo scores. Naoichiro Sagara cuts. Produced in Japan, Hong Kong. Dialogue in Japanese.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 3 years ago.
2International production across 2 countries: Japan, Hong Kong.
3Directed by Takashi Miike, shot by Nobuyasu Kita. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Original score by Koji Endo. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
5Editor Naoichiro Sagara shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Kazuya Kamenashi and Nanao and Riho Yoshioka carry the top of the cast.
7IMDB entry: tt28090490 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Only 56 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.
9Classified under 9 themes, including "based on novel or book", "psychopath", "revenge", "serial killer".

The technical file

Cinematography: Nobuyasu Kita
Original score: Koji Endo
Editing: Naoichiro Sagara
Production design: Akira Sakamoto
Makeup / hair: Tomo Hyakutake
Stunt coordinator: Keiji Tsujii
Runtime: 119 min · 1h 59m
Status: Released
Original language: JA
Certification (US): R
IMDB: Lumberjack the Monster (2023)

Also by

Takashi Miike

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

MovieGuys2024-06-10
★ 8/10
Its rare to come across a uniquely slick crime thriller which is why Lumberjack The monster, is so impressive. Its coldly calculating tones, established early on, are oh so gradually supplanted by an inexplicably warm humanism. Evil can indeed be made but also un-made. Leaving the viewer sympathising with the perpetrator of wicked acts, as much as the victim. Characterisations are sophisticated but subdued which fits perfectly with the understated tone of the this film and whilst the story rambles a little, at times, it comes together gratifyingly. In summary, this is a compelling watch that's craftily clever and on a certain level, inexplicably moving. For my money, a must watch.
Alunauwie2025-12-01
★ 7/10
Lumberjack the Monster transforms a serial-killer premise into a psychological journey that explores identity, empathy, and the shadows within human nature. Through Akira Ninomiya’s chilling yet fragile transformation, the film blends mystery, introspection, and quiet emotional shifts that reveal a man learning—fearfully—to feel. Despite some underdeveloped characters, it delivers a gripping and elegant unraveling of darkness, bound together by the haunting fairy tale that frames its story. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)