Cast
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Sadawo Abe
as Yamato Haimura
Koshi Mizukami
as Masaya Kakei
Takanori Iwata
as Kazuki Kanayama
Miho Nakayama
as Ms. Kakei
Shimako Iwai
as Woman in Red Jacket
Yu Miyazaki
as Akari Kano
Hiroto Oshita
as Kurata
Takuma Otoo
as Takiuchi
Ryo Sato
as Kaoru Nezu
Takuji Suzuki
as Kazuo Kakei
Eiji Takigawa
as Samura
Koji Tokuda
as Soma
Ken Yoshizawa
as Farmer
Crew
Director
- Kazuya Shiraishi
Producer
- Takuro Nagai
- Kazumi Fukase
- Shintaro Hori
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Lesson in Murder examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kazuya Shiraishi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Lesson in Murder took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 176 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Lesson in Murder shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Phoenix, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Lesson in Murder offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The 39 Steps and Contempt explore similar territory, Lesson in Murder stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 6, 2022
- Runtime: 2h 8m
