Episode 4: Suicide Club (aka Suicide Circle)

Update: 2025-02-13

Description

Gwen and Gretchen dive into the 2001 J-Horror classic, SUICIDE CLUB (aka Suicide Circle), written and directed by Sion Sono (Noriko's Dinner Table, Tokyo Vampire Hotel). With it's absurdist imagery, bloody deaths, and at times tongue in cheek look at pop culture, Suicide Club is a seminal work in the wildly popular J-Horror genre of the late 90s/early 00s. Gwen and Gretchen discuss the overt messages and hidden meanings in the film, and debate whether its message is nihilistic, hopeful, or something in between.

CW for self harm and suicide. This podcast episode contains occasionally graphic discussion of self harm and suicide in context of the film's content and themes.

This podcast discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, the numbers are as follows:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7 dial 988)
Oregon Crisis resources by county
the Youthline (24/7 call 1-877-968-8491 or Text teen2teen to 839863)
Trans Lifeline (Peer support hotline available 7 am to 1 am PST
1-877-565-8860)
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQIA young people. 24/7 call 1-866-488-7386)

Gwen and Gretchen Watch Movies is written and directed by Gwen Callahan and Gretchen Brooks. Recorded and edited by Martin Vavra at Galaxy Sailor Productions. Find us everywhere you listen to podcasts!

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