Movie Digest
The ensemble drama explores the lives of people living in Kita, the downtown area of Osaka. A police investigation is launched in the area when a woman is found dead in her apartment. Among the rumors circulated about the cause of death, there are many events take place between the foreigners of Kita. Once the police investigation is concluded, the people living in the area reach new crossroads in each of their lives.
The Feel-Good Part
The film has a firm hold on its socio-political commentary that is central to how the story unfolds. The film’s tone is kept upbeat through the music despite its grim subject; there was also a good balance between the comedic and the severe techniques which kept the film exciting. The interwoven nature of the characters draws the viewer in and keeps them on their toes because the tension between the variety of caricatures are handled well, making all the conflict arising from the situation interesting and engaging. The cultural differences that are addressed in the film are also another elemental strength of the movie, as it adds an extra layer of strain on the existing conflict.
The Disappointing Factor
The film clocks in at two hours and thirty-eight minutes, which is pretty lengthy and could be hard to sit through. The film has a lot of characters with the individual plotlines, and the story would’ve been delivered a lot more effectively if it had scaled down the number of protagonists of the film and instead developed more rewarding character arcs. The audience are expected to have some knowledge about Asian culture to understand all aspects of the film which can be alienating. The viewers are expected to remain patient and attentive throughout the length, which may not be possible as there is a lot is going on all at once.
In-Depth Analysis
The film’s primary protagonist is the city of Osaka. The most important theme that remains a constant throughout the run time is the alienation of people residing in a megalopolis and the struggles they face in a capitalist society. It uses the diverse cultures expressed in the film to show struggles on different levels which grounds the film in its social commentary. Despite the subject matter being somewhat dreary, it ends on a hopeful note and promotes a sense of idealism.
Star Power
Makino Watanabe and Manami Usamaru give strong performances that really highlight their skills as actors. Actors with smaller parts also manage to shine through, despite the crowded ensemble cast. The performances are one of the driving forces of the film as the plot is character-driven in most parts.
Overall Opinion
The film does falter in certain places, but the intent and execution, for the most part, is done with passion which makes this worth your while. The movie while being about crime, has many facets to explore, which makes it an intriguing viewing experience.
