Movie Digest
A famous architect’s son, Tadashi, has to quit soccer due to an injury. He starts rebelling against his parents and stays out late. One night, he doesn’t return which worries his parents. They find out that one of Tadashi’s classmates has been murdered and the police suspect that Tadashi is involved.
The Feel-Good Part
The family tries to stay strong as they hope for their son to be alive and innocent. Tadashi’s sister prays for his innocence, while his mother just wants her son back. The thriller keeps you guessing- is Tadashi the victim or the perpetrator?
The Disappointing Factor
The movie adds many elements at once which gets slightly confusing.
In-Depth Analysis
The movie shows two different genres at once. One is the murder of the student and the search for the killer. The other is the family’s reaction to this whole situation. Tadashi’s father is desperate to prove his son’s innocence while his mother doesn’t care if her son is innocent or not, she just wants him back safe and sound. The role of the media is scrutinized as it is symbolized by a rather despicable journalist. It also shows how prejudiced society is as they immediately assume Tadashi is guilty without even a trial.
Star Power
The film stars Shinichi Tsutsumi, Yuriko Ishida, Tadashi Ishikawa and Kaya Kiyohara.
Overall Opinion
The film is a thriller movie. It is interesting and gripping. You sympathize with the parents as they both try to solve the case with their methods. The social commentary about the dangers of media and how much of an impact they can make is worth considering. This movie is also the winner of the Newcomer of the Year at the 2021 Japanese Academy Awards.
