Movies that stem from series are actually quite a normal phenomenon in the Japanese entertainment industry, with both anime and TV series franchises frequently indulging in the practice. “Signal The Movie” comes as a continuation of the Fuji TV series “Signal” itself a remake of the South Korean drama of the same name, written by Kim Eun-hee.
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Movies that stem from series are actually quite a normal phenomenon in the Japanese entertainment industry, with both anime and TV series franchises frequently indulging in the practice. “Signal The Movie” comes as a continuation of the three seasons of “Cold Case”, which is actually a remake of the homonymous US title.
This last part allows Hajime Hashimoto to make a comment about corruption, which actually takes place in both arcs, adding more contextual depth but also analyzing further the protagonists, with their will to fight against authority highlighting their character but also connecting them in a way. Granted, the various revelations and the way they are presented occasionally leaves a distinct TV sense, also due to the occasionally hyperbolic acting, but in general, the approach to the story is quite good.
Where the movie finds its true cinematic hypostasis, however, is in the plethora of action scenes, with the fact that some of the “good guys” die, working quite well in dramatic terms. Particularly the one Saegusa has close to the end, in a rather impressive one-on-one, is truly brutal and excellently choreographed by Nobuhiko Tanaka, is probably the most memorable scene in the film, additionally showcasing Kentaro Sakaguchi's acting, along with Hiroo Yanagida's cinematography and the overall editing. Talking about cinematography, the movie is also impressive in that regard, with the various SFX working quite well here (particularly the car crash is outstanding).
Apart from the always cool Sakaguchi, Kazuki Kitamura as Ooyama also gives a very convincing performance as the poor devil in over his head. Michiko Kichise as Sakurai and Tsuyoshi Ihara as Aoki, one of the police higher ups are functionable, although their roles are among the TV elements mentioned before, particularly of the latter.
“Signal The Movie Cold Case Investigation Unit” has its faults, but in general emerges as a rather entertaining genre movie that works very well within its crime film aesthetics.
One thing to note. On the Bluray release it mentions English Audio, and there is none. I know some don’t care, but some people have vision issues and the English Dub tracks make it a more accessible.