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Cast: Kôji Yakusho, Nana Komatsu
An uncompromising revenge thriller of operatic scope, The World of Kanako is a non-stop visual and emotional assault to the senses as it follows troubled ex-detective Akikazu (Kôji Yakusho, 13 Assassins, Babel) on the hunt for his missing teenage daughter, Kanako. What he discovers in his search is an unsettling and harrowing web of depravity––surrounding both Kanako and himself. As Akizaku stumbles along a shocking trail of drugs, sex and violence, he finds himself woefully unprepared for the revelations that affect all he holds dear.
"The World of Kanako" follows Akikazu Fujishima, a once detective who lost his job to some mental health issues. He also lost his wife and little girl as well due to his violent behavior. Years have gone by since he last saw his daughter, Kanako. Living in filth one day his phone rings and it is his ex-wife. She tells him that Kanako left the house several days ago and has not returned. Akikazu decides to go hunt for her himself and not involved the police but not because she is his daughter but because he wants to kill her with his own hands. While talking to her friends, teachers and anyone else who might have known her he begins to find out that his daughter is not so innocent herself. The longer he searches the more he finds out that his daughter might be a monster just like her father.
"The World of Kanako" is a twisted, disturbing and violent revenge thriller that gets under your skin and inside your head and it stays there long after it is over. There is a lot going on in the film and there are numerous characters involved in the film, doctors, policemen and gang members all of whom play a major part in the story, not one character is wasted. The first thing you will notice about the film is just how gorgeous the cinematography is. The color jumps off the screen and the sound is amazing as well.
The second thing about the film is its complex story line that involves all these different characters which I already talked about. From the outside it looks to have such a simple story but with all the different characters and their story lines the film becomes much more than you might expect. The film also uses a good bit of flashbacks to tell the story but it goes from the past to present day seamlessly. I am not going to go into major plot details here so not to ruin the film for those of you waiting to see it but I will say this is one film you are going to want to sit in front of and not take a break from because there is just too much happening and it demands your full attention. Acting wise everyone in the film is amazing but the film's top two leads, Nana Komatsu as Kanako and Kôji Yakusho as her father are both brilliant. These are two twisted individuals and both actors do an amazing job bringing them to life.
"The World of Kanako" is a Japanese masterpiece full of mystery, drama, thrills and over the top violence, the best revenge film since Korea's "Oldboy." I cannot recommend seeing this gem enough. As disturbing as the film is you still will not be able to look away. Mind-blowing and heart pounding, this is one film you will watch again and you will be telling all your friends about as well. "The World of Kanako" will be available on DVD and Blu-ray February 2nd so be sure to add tis brilliant film to your collection. One of the year's best films, everyone needs to check out this brilliant piece of film making.
In Japanese with English Subtitles
Released by Drafthouse Films.
***** Out Of *****