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Crime thriller

The Forest of Love (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Forest of Love (2019) movie poster

The Forest of Love is a 2019 crime thriller directed by Sion Sono, starring Kippei Shiina as Joe Murata, Shin'nosuke Mitsushima and Young Dais. It runs 2 hours 31 minutes. Its Echo Score is 63/100.

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The Forest of Love (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 31m (151 min)
Director
Sion Sono
Genres
Thriller , Crime
Original language
Japanese
Studio
TKD
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Forest of Love About?

The premise of The Forest of Love without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Is it love or is it a lie? A con man and a would-be filmmaking crew force themselves into the lives of two grief-scarred young women. But nothing is as it seems.

The Forest of Love Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags
  • parents
  • student
  • girl
  • group
  • young
  • japanese drama
  • based on real case
  • criminal case
  • female nudity
  • female topless nudity
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Cast & crew

The Forest of Love Cast & Characters

Kippei Shiina leads the cast as Joe Murata, with Shin'nosuke Mitsushima as Shin and Young Dais as Jay. Directed by Sion Sono; 33 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Forest of Love

· 29 more
Show all 33 cast members
Ratings

The Forest of Love Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in character & emotion (73) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

63 /100

The Forest of Love Echo Score Breakdown

The Forest of Love presents a bold, viscerally charged experience that divides opinion. Critics highlight its daring visual imagination, unsettling thematic depth, and moments of compelling performance, while many viewers find the extended runtime and relentless brutality detract from narrative cohesion. The film’s artistic ambition is evident, yet its excesses limit broader appeal, resulting in a mixed overall assessment.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 72

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film is praised for its flamboyant imagery and kinetic style. Critics note a “dizzying kaleidoscope” and “exuberant” cinematography that creates a striking, if chaotic, aesthetic. Some viewers, however, describe the visual aggression as gratuitous and overwhelming, moderating the overall appraisal.

  • Character & Emotion 73

    When it comes to character work, the lead performance receives consistent commendation for its intensity and nuance. Critics emphasize a powerful portrayal that anchors the narrative. Audience feedback acknowledges solid acting but also points to shallow character development and over‑acting in certain moments, producing an overall favorable yet imperfect impression.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding plot and pacing, the film is recognized for its audacious premise and unconventional structure. Critics appreciate its thematic daring, yet many viewers criticize the length and perceived gratuitous violence as undermining narrative momentum. The result is a story that feels both original and uneven, leading to a middling evaluation.

  • Sensory Experience 71

    The sensory experience, particularly the visual and auditory design, is noted for its intense, immersive quality. Reviewers laud the striking color palette and unsettling soundscape that heighten the film’s atmosphere. While some audience members find the sensory assault excessive, the consensus leans toward appreciation of its cohesive, though extreme, style.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of rewatch value, the film’s polarizing content limits repeat viewings for many. Critics suggest attentive viewers may discover hidden layers, but user commentary highlights fatigue from its length and relentless brutality. Consequently, the replay appeal is modest, resonating primarily with dedicated fans of the director’s extreme cinema.

Plot

The Forest of Love Plot Summary

What happens in The Forest of Love from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Kippei Shiina Murata sits in a restaurant as the misdeeds of a serial killer flood the TV in the background. He clutches a yearbook from a girls’ school, its photos crossed out in ink, a visible symbol of erased memories. Murata tells the waiter he’s a screenwriter and softly probes whether someone who can kill might understand what it means to take a life. The mood is uneasy, and the scene quietly Sets the stage for Murata’s chilling manipulations.

Full summary

The whole story of The Forest of Love, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Forest of Love Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Forest of Love.

The Forest of Love (2019) HD Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Forest of Love?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the profession Joe Murata claims to have when he talks to the waiter?

Details

The Forest of Love Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “Ai-naki Mori de Sakebe” and “เสียงเพรียกในป่ามืด”.

Also known as
  • Ai-naki Mori de Sakebe
  • เสียงเพรียกในป่ามืด
  • Shout in the Loveless Forest
  • 在无爱之森呐喊
  • 사랑 없는 숲
  • Floresta de Sangue
  • El bosque sangriento
  • 在没有爱的森林呐喊
  • A szerelem erdeje
  • Το Δάσος της Αγάπης
  • יער האהבה
  • Les lásky
+8 more
  • Гората на любовта
  • Кричащий лес
  • 在無愛之森放聲吶喊
  • 情罔森林
  • Țipăt în pădurea iubirii
  • غابة الحب
  • La forêt du désespoir
  • Tiếng thét trong khu rừng thiếu vắng tình yêu

Seen The Forest of Love?

FAQ

The Forest of Love FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of The Forest of Love, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Forest of Love?

The Forest of Love runs 2 hours 31 minutes (151 minutes).

When was The Forest of Love released?

The Forest of Love was released on October 10, 2019.

Who directed The Forest of Love?

The Forest of Love was directed by Sion Sono.

More films by Sion Sono

Who is in the cast of The Forest of Love?

The Forest of Love stars Kippei Shiina as Joe Murata, Shin'nosuke Mitsushima as Shin and Young Dais as Jay, among 33 credited actors.

Does The Forest of Love have a post-credit scene?

No. The Forest of Love has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Forest of Love in?

The original language of The Forest of Love is Japanese.

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