| |
RATING:  
The Japanese seem to have a fascination with death, from the appreciation of the Sakura because of its fleeting appearance in Spring, to the nobility of suicide in the form of seppuku.
The fascination continues with the 'Accuracy of Death', which looks at the thin thread between life and death that we are all remain unaware of as we rush about fulfilling our roles and relationships.
If you're expecting some deep meaning to existence through this film, you're looking in the wrong place. Don't expect any sugary coating around death in this film either.
There isn't any in-your-face angst or even tears ... except maybe at the opening of the movie where, not surprisingly, you'll find yourself at a funeral.
It is from this very early point that you find out everything you need to know of the story and main character. The simple and straight forward approach continues from there in this Japanese movie(English and Mandarin subtitles), so if you're looking for something that's not too heavy, 'Accuracy of Death' is a good bet.
The film requires no brain-wracking to figure out links or strict focus to look out for hidden messages.
Still, there is a twist in the tale. But it has been so subtly woven into the characters and their lives that you won't be left wondering where you'd missed out when it reveals itself at the end.
Film fans will enjoy the close attention paid to visual treatment.
Although a little text-book, the first visual impression of Masaya Kekehi’s film grabs you ... an overcast day accompanied by rain (a nice metaphor for death) and a puddle that reflects a church. The picture is shattered by a black dog and a lonely figure who step into view (and the puddle).
It is from this point that you know you will be treated to some beautiful images composed by the cinematographer, Takahide Shibanushi.
The visual treat even encompasses the use of special effects which are added artistically to enhance the overall mood and presentation of the film.
Fantasy balances reality in this tale of the 'Grim Reaper', played by Takeshi Kaneshiro who is anything but grim. In the hands of Kaneshiro, death has never looked so good (and that includes Brad Pitt’s part in Meet Joe Black).
Despite his dashing looks, it's not just eye-candy that the Japanese/Taiwanese heart-throb provides.
The movie clearly shows why Kaneshiro has been dubbed by one director as a chameleon, while others in the movie industry are of the strong opinion that the actor deserves greater recognition.
Despite breaking into just one smile and keeping his conversations short, the audience, like the characters of the film, will come to love Chiba, the Grim Reaper whose only weakness is “humanity’s greatest invention” - music.
Kaneshiro manages to make Chiba,the Grim Reaper so ordinarily acceptable, yet endearingly funny, as he sneaks every chance he gets to listen to music and tries to grapple with the quirks of people.
At the same time, Kaneshiro is able to give his character a mixture of quiet power and empathy, that doesn’t seem out of place for Chiba as he carries out each of his assignments. This is sent to him in the form of a door which appears in the middle of what looks like the unfinished, concrete supports for a highway in the sky.
The angel of death appears seven days before someone dies, to observe and cast his decision on whether the subject should die or not. As he becomes involved in the lives of his subjects, he occasionally pops the question, “what do you think of death?” which is probably the only point of deep thought the audience might get thrown into.
The only other time the audience might pause to ponder is after the few times Chiba talks to his side-kick, a black dog. "Is it his boss or conscience?" you may find yourself asking.
Kaneshiro who started his career in front of the camera shooting commercials, pulls off easily the changes within his role as Chiba, whether it’s Yakuza (gangster) pal, brooding Grim Reaper or friendly stranger.
Credit must also go to the good support given by Manami Konishi (Udon) and Sumiko Fuji (Hula Girls).
Konishi lightly plays a shy office girl, Kazue Fujiki, whose path changes when she meets the music-loving Chiba and goes on to become a singer. Incidentally, the movie's theme song “Sunny Day” is performed by Konishi, which seems a coincidental parallel to the story.
Fuji, who plays a 70 year old hairdresser is very comfortable in her role and is such a pleasure to watch as she seamlessly works her character.
I enjoyed this film as the solid classical film making style by Masaya Kekehi creates an entertaining film. If I were to be picky, then there’d be fault in the middle of the film.
Despite being the Yakuza tale complete with gun battle and a classic prisoner beating, the film slightly sags. Thankfully, it’s only a momentary lapse.
It is also in this part of the movie that Kaneshiro offers probably his most memorable moment with great timing and delivery.
Great visuals, tight story-line and a credible cast make the “Accuracy of Death” an entertaining film that's worth a trip to the cinema.
|
