Hello!
Today, I wanna introduce one of my favorites Japanese movies. All my favorites movies are interesting without exception. I dare to call myself “a movie concierge”.
It’s available on Hulu.Maybe.
So, let’s get started.
Golden Slumber (2010)
Golden Slumber is a movie based on the novel “Golden Slumber” by Kotaro Isaka. (The film “Bullet Train” in which Brad Pitt stars is also based on his novel ”マリアビートル”.)
I love the movie so much because the plot and the actors are so fantastic. It’s a thriller movie but heartwarming at the same time.
Storyline
A common man “Aoyagi” gets involved in Prime minister’s assasination which is a false accuasation after reunion with his friend from college. He runs away as a wanted, passing through the sewers, encountering all warm, strange , clever people who try to help him.
It’s a Portlait Of Nostalgia and Friendship
It is frightening to see ordinary people being cornored by public authorities such as the police and the media as murderers. The Only comfort and salvation is that they have people who believe in him.
I think what makes this film so unique is the nostalgia. Certainly, you’re seeing a suspence but it transforms into a human drama as you go.
You can hear the song “Golden Slumbers” during the film. It’s obviously a great The Beatles’ song. In a flashback scene, Aoyagi and his college friends listen to the song together and talk about The Beatles while eating McDonald’s. In a word, it’s the song of their youth. They were all fond of the greatest rock band.
Great actors
I have to mention that there’s a lot of great actors in the film. All of them are leading actors. Every time, I am transfixed to their perfomance.
Masato Sakai…main character He often plays sincere roles. His most iconic character is “Hanzawa Naoki” from the same name drame. He is a banker who never gives up injustice. His fomous line is “やられたらやり返す、倍返しだ” ( I’ll pay you back double.) The aggressive line became trend among Japanese submissive office workers, dreaming of future rebellion against their boss.
Teruyuki Kagawa…villain In my impression, most of his roles are sneaky, clever, and cool. Funny thing is that Masato Sakai and Teruyuki Kagawa stars in “Hanzawa Naoki”, battling fiercely as well. His rule “Oowada” is a typical type of person who utlize his power for his own benefit. He is a Japanese type of Kevin Spacy, I would say. Dark and sly and witty. I never see a guy say the same analogy. I’m not sure about it. It’s just my feeling. If there would be a Japanese version of “House Of Cards”, he should play as Frank.
Yuko Takeuchi, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Shiro Ito, Akira Emoto…All They make this film so solid. Fantastic job!
My favorites scene is where the media surrounds Aoyagi’s father. A group of rude journalists ask rude questions about his son. His response to that is really refreshing. It’s a touching moment as well.
The movie used to be available on Amazon Prime, now it’s not. The recent tragic event has something to do with it. But it’s just my though.
Anyway, seeing is believing. You should watch it right now.
Please tell me how it was on comment.
See you next time. Arigato.
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