Cold Fish is a Japanese horror movie directed by Sion Sono and released in 2010. The film is inspired by the true crimes committed by serial killer Hiroshi Maeue in Japan in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The main character, Shamoto, is a mild-mannered man who runs a small tropical fish shop in a sleepy coastal town. Shamoto is married to Taeko and has a teenage daughter named Mitsuko, who is rebellious and resentful towards her father.
One day, Mitsuko is caught shoplifting by a grocery store manager, who is about to call the police when Murata, a wealthy businessman and owner of a large tropical fish store, intervenes and pays for the stolen goods. Murata takes an interest in Shamoto's business and offers to help him expand. Shamoto is flattered and pleased with the attention, and soon the two men develop a strange friendship, spending their days fishing and drinking together.
However, it becomes clear that Murata is not what he seems. He is manipulative and controlling, and it soon becomes apparent that his interest in Shamoto's business is motivated by his desire to use it as a front for his criminal activities. Murata is a psychopath who enjoys killing people and dismembering their bodies. He involves Shamoto and his family in his crimes, threatening to harm them if they do not help him.
As the bodies pile up and the police begin to investigate, Shamoto struggles to come to terms with the horrifying reality of his situation. He is torn between his desire to protect his family and his fear of Murata's wrath. The film builds to a tense and bloody climax, as Shamoto must face the consequences of his association with Murata.
Cold Fish is a disturbing and violent film that explores themes of power, control, and manipulation. The performances of the lead actors are strong, particularly Denden as the chilling and charismatic Murata. The film has received critical acclaim for its bold and unsettling portrayal of human depravity.