Cat-Loving Haruki Murakami and the Abundance of Movie Adaptations
Weekend Movie Recommendations section frequently offers suggestions of movies from the last 15 years. My intention today is to go back to the past and propose some old school movies which you may grab and enjoy for what they are. So, here are my three recommendations for this weekend:
High and Low
Country: Japan
Year: 1963
Synopsis: A wealthy businessman Gondo (Toshiro Mifune) is an executive in a shoe-making company. One day, his associates offer Gondo a chance to participate in a conspiracy to buy out the company for themselves. Gondo refuses to do so, because he has already gathered enough money to do the takeover by himself. Yet, shortly after the departure of his colleagues, Gondo receives a phone call during which a mysterious voice tells him that his son, Jun, has been kidnapped. However, right after this confusing conversation, Gondo’s son enters the room. It turns out that the kidnapper (Tsutomu Yamazaki) accidentally abducted not Jun but the chauffer’s child, Shinichi…
On the basis of the provided plot, it may seem that the movie is going to be some generic adaptation of Agatha Christie; however, it is quite the contrary. In fact, Akira Kurosawa loosely relied on the plot from the novel King’s Ransom by the crime fiction writer Ed McBain. Whereas the beginning of High and Low quite closely follows the events from the book, the further the movie goes, the more it becomes Kurosawa’s own story.
Actually, the movie contains two separate stories. The first is the story of Gondo. A prosperous entrepreneur who finds himself between a rock and a hard place. After mortgaging everything he owns, all he has left is 30 million yen that he can now use either to complete the buyout of the company or to pay the ransom for the kidnapped boy. With this dilemma Kurosawa presents to what extent capitalism can deprive a human being of morality and conscience. The second story is about Detective Tokura’s (Tatsuya Nakadai) pursuit of the kidnapper. A thorough investigation ensues with numerous threads being uncovered. The viewers become part of the investigation team by participating in elaborate briefings, and also in the field, with the officers searching on the streets.
I recommend this particular movie to anyone who is into crime stories, likes Akira Kurosawa, or would simply want to see something thought-provoking. In my opinion, High and Low is definitely one of the best crime movies ever made, with excellent acting and a gripping script.
The Bullet Train
Country: Japan
Year: 1975
Synopsis: It is just another day on the grand Tokyo Railway Station. Passengers take their seats and Express Hikari 109 to Hakata begins its swift and comfortable journey. However, shortly after the train’s departure, the security office receives a phone call. A mysterious caller says that a bomb has been placed onboard Hikari 109 and it will go off when the train slows down to 80 km/h. In view of this, the Shinkansen train is riding through Japan without the ability to stop, while the authorities rush to catch the bomber.
Believe it or not, The Bullet Train served as a direct inspiration for the famous Speed (1994) with Keanu Reeves. In addition, I dare to point out that some of its influences may also be found in The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) and Unstoppable (2010). The story takes place onboard Hikari 109, with its drivers, frightened passengers, and engineers from Shinkansen HQ, who are desperately trying to ensure a safe passage of the train and locate the bomb.
The situation on the train is being worked out by two infallible heroes, Commander Kuramochi (Ken Utsui) and a train driver Aoki (Sonny Chiba). The main conspirator, Tetsuo Okita (played by the unforgettable Ken Takakura), is the emotional drive of the film, while Kuramochi and Aoki deliver the action as Hikari 109 rides through Japan. The real stuff occurs in Shinkansen HQ and the train’s cockpit, with occasional cuts to the passengers who lose their grip. So, there is a lot of stuff going on, but everything ties in neatly together and is presented in a coherent manner.
I recommend The Bullet Train to anyone who likes disaster films. It is an awesome classic which will most certainly keep you entertained for two and a half hours (!). In my opinion, it is one of the best "train" movies out there (yes, that's including Train to Busan too).
Tokyo Raiders
Country: Hong Kong
Year: 2000
Synopsis: Macy (Kelly Chen) is hopelessly waiting for her fiancé Takahashi (Toru Nakamura) at the altar, but he does not arrive. While searching for him in Japan, she is joined by an interior designer Yung (Ekin Cheng) who claims to have been financially coned by Takahashi. The two find themselves being chased by the yakuza crime boss Ito (Hiroshi Abe) who also, for some reason, is looking for the elusive Takahashi. Macy and Yung are rescued by Lam (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) who claims to be a private detective framed by Takahashi. The trio decides to work together in order to find the man in question; however, each one them carries their own hidden agenda.
Tokyo Raiders can be best described as a mix between an action spoof and a spy thriller. From the very first scene, the viewers are thrown in the middle of the story as Tony Leung epically knocks down hordes of bad guys to the flamenco beats very much in style of the Gypsy Kings. However, who is who and what is going on becomes clear only 30 minutes into the picture, as the character of Lam delivers a lengthy exposition. Nevertheless, this in turn initiates the cascade of triple plot twists (spoilers!).
Additionally, the movie is filled with lots of great action set pieces, especially as many of the fights are elaborated into chase scenes. Therefore, we get to see a street chase, a road chase, and even a water chase with some memorable Tokyo locations in the background. Tony Leung is evidently too cool for school in the role of a detective/spy as he overtakes the picture with his charisma. Kelly Chen serves as a great addition in the role of a heartbroken bride, whereas Ekin Cheng complements their roles as a happy-go-lucky martial artist. In addition, Hiroshi Abe deserves a mention as an allergic yakuza boss.
Safely recommended to anyone who is looking for an hour and a half of good entertainment. Don’t try to figure out the deeper sense of the plot and just go along with the light-hearted goofiness on screen. The movie is great fun in an upbeat tone and with well-choreographed action. See it if you can, because they don’t make them like they used to.
