“Missing” starts with what looks like a simple linear plot but devolves into the present being overtaken by the past to resurface back in the present. People are often not what they appear to be initially. The innocent are guilty. Murder, backstabbing and double dealing lead the way.
There is a serial killer on the loose in Japan chopping up his victims and putting them in picnic coolers. Santoshi (Jiro Sato) claims to have seen suspected serial killer No Name (NN) (Hiroya Shimizu) on a train ride who removed his mask and started biting his nails. There is a three million Yen reward for information leading to the discovery of this suspected killer his pictures being circulated in the media. Santoshi has a young elementary school daughter Kaeda (Aoi Ito). He is a widower. After his statement he has seen the killer Santoshi disappears. Santoshi is in debt and was recently apprehended as a shoplifter so the police think he has skipped town and make no effort to find him leaving that task up to Kaeda. Kaeda shows great tenacity and bravery in trying to apprehend the killer which she thinks may lead to the discovery of her father. Yes so the scenario is set. Endangered Santoshi, ferocious Kaeda and a lone wolf serial killer NN.
Now the film jumps backward in time. At this point I can’t tell you much more as I will ruin the plot. But I can give you a head’s up.
- Kaeda tracks down NN who attempts to strangle her but is interrupted and flees
- NN it would seem may have noble intentions and goals
- You will be surprised who NN teams up with
- Can assisted suicide be a training ground for a serial killer?
- Who double deals in this film!
- Who thinks they have committed the perfect crime?
- Who turns in NN’s partner in crime and is the vengeance behind it misguided?
So aside from the solving of this mess and the challenges it presents the viewer with subtopics of assisted suicide, police incompetence, murder based on social media desperation and the false morality behind serial killings.
You surely will be floored by who turns in an initially compassionate man into a potential killer worse than the original serial killer. Sato and Shimizu are compelling. Ito as a child actor s magnificent.
The film opens in major US cities on November 4th and a VOD/cable release in the US and Canada on November 18th including iTunes/Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, YouTube, Vudu, Comcast, Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Cox, Direct TV and many more.
The film is just over two hours in Japanese with English subtitles. It is directed by Shinzô Katayma.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbcLFX66I_I
Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of this thriller!
RKS Film Rating 91/100.
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