Symbol (2009) Shinboru | Region-Free (DVD) | English Subs

Title: Symbol (2009)

Alternate Title: しんぼる (Shinboru)

Genre: Surrealist Comedy, Fantasy

Plot Synopsis:
A Japanese man in polka-dot pajamas awakens in a featureless white room with no doors or windows. As he explores, he discovers peculiar protrusions on the walls that, when pressed, trigger bizarre events and release random objects. Concurrently, in Mexico, a middle-aged masked wrestler known as Escargot Man prepares for a significant match, with his family expressing concern over his aging and the formidable opponent he faces. The film intertwines these two seemingly unrelated narratives, leading to an unexpected convergence.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto
• Writers: Hitoshi Matsumoto, Mitsuyoshi Takasu
• Cast:
  • Hitoshi Matsumoto as The Man
  • David Quintero as Escargot Man
  • Luis Accinelli as Antonio’s Uncle
  • Lilian Tapia as Antonio’s Mother
  • Adriana Fricke as Karen

YouTube Trailer:
Symbol (2009) | Trailer

IMDb Link:
Symbol (2009)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Disgustipated – ★★★★½
   “Who would have guessed that a wall full of Angel d*cks is the ultimate instrument of omnipotent power. Pure WTF cinema that can only have come from Japan. I seriously think that where MK Ultra left off, Japanese film school began. Symbol is simultaneously stupid, funny and clever. And I always appreciate a great fart joke. I liked it.”
2. Adrian Oli – ★★★★
   “A white room full of d*ck shaped buttons. U click & shit happens. I have seen many claustrophobic horror but claustrophobic comedy? Wow this shit is creative.”
3. FilmKatt – ★★★★★
   “Also, the thought that every action I take or any event that happens is controlled by an oblivious Japanese man trying to escape an endless labyrinth just sits right with me.”

Meta Description:
“Symbol” (2009), directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto, is a Japanese surrealist comedy that intertwines the story of a man trapped in a mysterious white room with the life of a Mexican wrestler preparing for a crucial match, leading to an unexpected convergence.