In terms of crime movies, the biggest name of the last decade in Japan is no other than Kazuya Shiraishi, with films like “The Devil's Path”, and the “Wolves” duology highlighting the fact in the most eloquent fashion. As such, it is always a pleasure to watch another title of his in the category, even more so, since this time, it seems to have included elements from “The Silence of the Lambs” and particularly the concept of “When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn't change. The devil changes you.”
“Lesson in Murder“ is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival
Based on a novel by Riu Kushiki, the story revolves around the timid college student Masaya Kakei, who receives an invitation from a convicted serial killer, Yamato Haimura, whose bakery he used to frequent as a child. Through a series of flashbacks, we watch Haimura's torturous killings, all of which involved teenagers of 18 or 19 years, as much as his shocking acknowledgement of his crimes during his trial. When the two meet, however, the convicted informs Masaya that one of the murders they pinned on him was not of his doing, essentially instigating him to research further. Managing to get a part time job as an assistant to a law office, that gives him some credibility, he begins researching the case, only to stumble upon some family secrets involving his cruel father and servile mother, Eriko. At the same time, a girl from his childhood, Akari, seems to show a keen interest in him, despite the fact that he pushes her away, both due to her unlikable friends and his obsession with the case. As time passes, however, everything about Masaya starts to change, as Yamato extends a more tight control over him.
Despite some very easy solutions in order for the story to progress, Kazuya Shiraishi directs an intricate crime thriller, which focuses both on a whodunnit aspect but also in the portrait of a deep psychological transformation, which is filtered through a family drama. Furthemore, the elements of exploitation and of a court drama add even more to the slight genre mashup here, in an amalgam, though, that is handled excellently by Shiraishi. One of the main “tools” he uses to achieve this is the excellent placement of the various twists within the narrative, each of which adds another level to the story, occasionally even canceling the ones before.
Another one is the way the protagonist changes through his investigation and his interactions with the serial killer, which eventually lead him into becoming much more courageous, pursuing things he always wanted with both his family and Akari, in a way though, that does not exactly move in a pleasant, maturing, proper coming-of-age path. This element benefits the most by Kenshi Okada's performance in the role, who appears as another idol-type actor in the beginning, but through his gradual transformation, highlights his prowess in the most appealing fashion.
The last tool is, of course, Yamato's presence, who also showcases a transformation, as he becomes more diabolic, ingenious, and manipulative villain as the story progresses, with the final twist cementing this aspect in the most shocking fashion. Sadao Abe gives the best performance in the movie, with his different sociopathic levels being truly captivating, while his interactions with Masaya are among the movie's highlights, in the “When you dance with the devil” approach mentioned in the prologue.
These scenes are also where Naoya Ikeda's cinematography finds its apogee, with the framing being top notch, as in the case of the “confrontations” the protagonist has with a number of people. The pace is relatively fast, rather fitting for the narrative, while the various flashbacks, even if the main medium of the script's “conveniences” here, are quite well placed.
Some minor issues with the script prevent “Lesson in Murder” from reaching the top of the category, but as a whole, is a rather intriguing, interesting, well shot crime thriller that will satisfy all fans of the category.
