Vital (film)

Vital is a 2004 Japanese horror/romance film directed by Shinya Tsukamoto. The film stars Tadanobu Asano, Nami Tsukamoto, Kazushi Watanabe, and Kiki. It tells the story of Hiroshi Takagi, a medical student who suffers amnesia after a motorcycle accident. Upon recovering, he discovers that he had received the anatomy textbooks of a female medical student who died in the same accident. He begins to dissect the body of the same woman, discovering secrets of her life and his connection to her, leading to a strange and obsessive love.

The film explores themes of memory, identity, death, obsession, and the intersection of love and morbid curiosity. It is notable for its unconventional narrative structure and disturbing visuals, characteristic of Tsukamoto's filmmaking style. Unlike some of his earlier, more overtly violent works, Vital presents a quieter, more melancholic tone. It received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its originality and thematic depth, while others criticized its slow pace and disturbing subject matter. It was screened at the Venice Film Festival in 2004.