The idea that Sano, the young man who helps Yoshii, is the literal Devil is interesting, and something that didn't occur to me. The final scene does somewhat create that impression, and it would provide an explanation for his behavior. My initial reading is that Sano is genuinely grateful that Yoshii gave him a job and a new start after Sano leaves the Syndicate. Sano may also have realized that Yoshii has real talent for making money and could be a cash cow that he could profit from, especially if Sano could use his connections with the Syndicate to get more items for Yoshii. This would be at least a metaphorical deal with the Devil.
I can no longer stomach horror films, but I'll make exceptions. Kiyoshi Kurosawa's horror films fit the bill. I find him to use horror to make timely and thoughtful social commentary. Really, the films feel more like social commentary than horror. *Cloud* is on my list (and because of that I'm refraining from reading the review).
On the one hand, there’s a group of people I met online almost 30 years ago on Slashdot, the we moved to Kuro5hin, then to another place when that got overrun by trolls. Now we’re on Bluesky, mastodon, Facebook, and the other place where we’ve been for 14+ years. Sort of a group blog. I’ve met a few face to face, but most only online. On the other hand, if it wasn’t for AA I’d be in deep trouble…
(potential spoilers)
The idea that Sano, the young man who helps Yoshii, is the literal Devil is interesting, and something that didn't occur to me. The final scene does somewhat create that impression, and it would provide an explanation for his behavior. My initial reading is that Sano is genuinely grateful that Yoshii gave him a job and a new start after Sano leaves the Syndicate. Sano may also have realized that Yoshii has real talent for making money and could be a cash cow that he could profit from, especially if Sano could use his connections with the Syndicate to get more items for Yoshii. This would be at least a metaphorical deal with the Devil.
I can no longer stomach horror films, but I'll make exceptions. Kiyoshi Kurosawa's horror films fit the bill. I find him to use horror to make timely and thoughtful social commentary. Really, the films feel more like social commentary than horror. *Cloud* is on my list (and because of that I'm refraining from reading the review).
On the one hand, there’s a group of people I met online almost 30 years ago on Slashdot, the we moved to Kuro5hin, then to another place when that got overrun by trolls. Now we’re on Bluesky, mastodon, Facebook, and the other place where we’ve been for 14+ years. Sort of a group blog. I’ve met a few face to face, but most only online. On the other hand, if it wasn’t for AA I’d be in deep trouble…