Brief Summary
The film depicts the descent of Shamoto, a timid tropical fish shop owner, into a world of violence and murder after becoming entangled with the charismatic but psychopathic Murata and his wife, Aiko. Shamoto's life spirals out of control as he's coerced into participating in heinous crimes, leading to a shocking climax of betrayal, bloodshed, and madness.
- Shamoto's initial timidity and family issues make him vulnerable to Murata's manipulation.
- Murata and Aiko's psychopathic tendencies escalate the violence and horror.
- The film explores themes of control, manipulation, and the dark side of human nature.
- The ending is a shocking display of violence and madness, leaving a lasting impact.
Beginning: Introduction to Shamoto's Life and Encounter with Murata
Taeko is shopping at a supermarket, looking frustrated. She returns home to have dinner with her husband, Shamoto, and daughter, Mitsuko. Mitsuko receives a call from her boyfriend and rushes out, while Shamoto is unable to be intimate with his wife. Shamoto receives a call about his daughter and finds her being scolded for shoplifting at a supermarket. A rich man named Murata intervenes, impresses the manager, and invites the family to his tropical fish store.
Murata's Invitation and Taeko's Affair
The family visits Murata’s luxurious store, where they meet his wife, Aiko. Murata suggests Mitsuko work at his store, and the family agrees. Murata and Taeko chat, and Murata blames Shamoto for Mitsuko’s behavior. Murata then inappropriately touches Taeko, and they become intimate. Taeko returns home cheerful and tells Shamoto that Murata proposed a business partnership, which they must accept.
Business Partnership and First Murder
Shamoto meets Murata, his business partner Yoshida, and legal consultant Tsutsui. Murata shows them an expensive tropical fish and explains his plan to breed it. Murata asks Yoshida to leave and declares that only he and Shamoto will be partners. Yoshida suddenly collapses and dies. Murata reveals he poisoned Yoshida for taking too long to make a decision and warns Shamoto against defying him.
Dismemberment and Disposal of the Body
Murata and Aiko force Shamoto to help them dismember Yoshida's body at an old cabin in the mountains. Murata shares that his father abused him there. Shamoto is forced to burn the bones and dispose of the flesh in a river. Murata threatens Shamoto to keep silent.
Dealing with the Yakuza and Tsutsui's Betrayal
Shamoto returns home and apologizes to his wife. He returns to see Murata, who is with Tsutsui and a young man. Yoshida’s brother, a Yakuza, calls Aiko, furious that Yoshida has gone missing. Tsutsui offers Shamoto a ride and reveals his plan to kill Murata, also revealing his affair with Aiko. Tsutsui beats up Shamoto when he doesn’t agree to help.
Confrontation with the Yakuza and Detective's Warning
Yoshida’s brother and his Yakuza members confront Murata, but Shamoto delivers a rehearsed speech. A detective questions Shamoto about Yoshida and reveals that other people have disappeared around Murata. The detective warns Shamoto to cooperate.
Tsutsui's Murder and Another Dismemberment
Tsutsui and Aiko get intimate at his home. Murata discovers Aiko’s affair with Tsutsui and asks Shamoto to take him to Tsutsui’s place. They find Tsutsui poisoned, and Murata and Aiko kill Tsutsui’s driver. The three dismember the bodies at the cabin.
Murata's Apprenticeship and Shamoto's Breaking Point
Murata wants Shamoto to become his apprentice and teaches him how to dismember bodies. Murata reveals he killed Tsutsui for money. Murata asks Shamoto to make love with Aiko, which leads to a fight. Shamoto stabs Aiko and Murata.
Murata's Death and Shamoto's Transformation
Shamoto and Aiko bring Murata to a cabin, where Aiko smashes his head with a TV. Shamoto declares he is the new Murata and kisses Aiko.
Shamoto's Violence and Confession
Shamoto tells his daughter to come home, but when she refuses, he hits her and drags her away. Shamoto confronts his wife about sleeping with Murata and assaults her.
Final Murders and the Film's Conclusion
Shamoto informs the detective that Aiko is dismembering Murata’s body. Shamoto returns to the cabin and stabs Aiko. Detectives arrive and find the bodies. Shamoto kills his wife and attacks his daughter before slitting his own throat. Mitsuko rejoices over her father’s death.
