Ikari

Not to be confused with the Nicolas Cage film with the same movie title, "Rage" follows 3 different story/relationship, each involving 3 main characters within the group, where one of them may end up being the suspect. Of course it involves rage, but also mistrust.

There really aren't that many powerful Japanese films that keep you engaged from start to finish. However, this is one of those rare interesting/powerful films that is definitely worth checking out. It does make you want to keep watching to see how it's going to end and who the suspected killer is that's on the loose.

The film does not hold back at all covering many controversial subjects like homosexuality/gay club prostitution, rape, Okinawa/US Soldier problem. These are actual real-life issues.

This film is definitely not something you watch with your entire family; it will definitely make you feel uncomfortable.

There is nudity and some extremely depressing uncomfortable scenes that is almost too graphic and realistic. I could not help it but cry and REALLY feel for the character, the impact was so big; it will leave you with rage too.

I think the beginning of the film was more powerful than the climax. The climactic scene maybe could have been better... Nevertheless, it is a film that stays with you even days later.

Excellent all-star casting. Aoi Miyazaki really fits the clumsy air-headed prostitute daughter of Ken Watanabe. Satoshi Tsumabuki really put himself out there playing a gay character in the closet. Suzu Hirose, super cute and recently popular actress, playing the girl from Okinawa was quite powerful.

Powerful performances and great music to go with the film.

It is definitely a movie I would put on my top list of Japanese films. Sang-il Lee is definitely also one of the best directors in Japan.

Worth watching!

Saw this film at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) yesterday. It is a somewhat lengthy Japanese film (2+ hrs) with strong acting and interesting storyline. Most films covering similar topics--unsolved crime, mysterious loner, young lovers, homosexual relationship--would have ended up clichéd and boring after an hour but this film definitely kept me interested throughout.

Unfortunately, I feel the ending weakens the film. The way the crime details were revealed at the end seemed rushed and wasn't as imaginative as the rest of film. Overall, a good film worth watching if you are looking for a foreign film with crime drama plot.

Rage (Ikari) is a Japanese suspense mystery drama film directed by Lee Sang-il and based on Shuichi Yoshida's mystery novel, following the same creative partnership behind their recent highly anticipated film Kokuho (National Treasure).

The film weaves together parallel narratives - the hunt for a murderer across three locations and the intimate examination of trust and human connection - creating a complex exploration of both mystery and the fragility of human relationships.

"The request was for one theme, one motivational motif that would start out sounding like 'distrust' and gradually transform into 'trust' as the film progressed," says Sakamoto.

"What the director most wanted to explore was this human dynamic between distrust and trust - whether some form of love could emerge from that tension. It seems that's where his focus was."

Through many exchanges with the director and his persistent creative demands, Sakamoto crafted music that masterfully captures the complex emotional depths of modern humanity.

The melody repeats the same phrase while evolving gradually, enveloping the anger and grief that live within the film and transforming it into beautiful music.

"This time, I went to Seattle to record the live string parts with the same musicians who played on 'The Revenant.' We got a really good sound and great performances.

For 'Rage,' while it has elements similar to 'The Revenant,' I tried to create something with a broader range of listening possibilities.

Since I have this work, I want to go up the stairs one by one, even if they're small steps, so that's how I approach it.

Review written by artist jayakumar.

Great Movie (be aware of some scenes might be very disturbing) that does not hold back any punches. You will be angry, sad, happy and disturbed.

Amazing acting, the movie will keep you guessing and questioning yourself. Its a detective movie and multiple love story at the same time. Movie takes place in 3 different Japanese cities with beautiful cinematography. As you sit on the edge of your seat you wonder about the different scenarios that someone faces in life and how you would react to it.

Truly enjoyable, a movie that you need to dedicate your time to it to understand it. Love it..

Trust is an eternal topic of debate. Kotaro Isaka's "Golden Dreamland" tells a story about using "trust" as a weapon, and this story tells you that one cannot trust another person forever. The acting skills of the actors are really amazing! The movie clip is slightly messy.