Milwaukee Film Festival 2016: Liza, the Fox Fairy
By Devvon Eubanks
Love can put people in the craziest situations. But what if that love happens to kill everyone that comes into contact with it? This is the dilemma in “Liza, the Fox Fairy” by Hungarian director Károly Ujj Mészáros. Liza (Mónika Balsai) is a nurse who takes care of Japanese widow Marta (Piroska Molnár) and has an imaginary friend, ethereal 1950s Japanese pop singer Tomy Tani (David Sakurai). Hoping to experience romance like that of her frequently-read pop novel, Liza leaves the residence on her 30th birthday to look for love, but comes back later to find that Marta is dead. Inheriting Marta’s apartment and left with Tomy as her only friend, Liza tries to date various individuals, only for them to eventually wind up dead. Because of these events, Liza believes that she is a demonic “fox fairy” who is plagued with a love that murders her suitors, so she desperately searches for a man who can lift her curse once and for all. Having a similar style to 2001’s French film “Amélie,” “Liza, the Fox Fairy” is a masterpiece of comedic genius and a uniquely pleasant narrative. From the amazing soundtrack and vibrant scenes to the diverse supporting cast and outlandish situations of Liza and the crew, this film is bursting at the seams with creativity and non-stop laughter. David Sakurai’s character in particular receives special recognition for his mischievously wicked, yet vibrantly musical portrayal of Liza’s friend, Tomy. Mészáros utilizes Sakurai’s role well in guiding the story and bringing the most amusement to the viewer, with his bright turquoise suit, hip personality, and cheerful singing. And the “accidents” that happen to the men that Liza encounters are nothing short of hysterical, especially with comical commentary from a bewildered police chief who surveys the crime scenes of these unlucky victims. By and large, “Liza, the Fox Fairy” is a remarkable cinematic tale that will bring a smile to the face of every viewer by the end credits.
Grade: A+
