Inuyashiki is the kind of live-action movie that can be enjoyed by many, not just for the action and visual effects, but also for the well-developed storyline and characters.
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Based on a science-fiction manga, Inuyashiki depicts the fate of two men — Ichiro Inuyashiki and Hiro Shishigami — who turned into cyborgs after being struck by a meteor. Inuyashiki is an old man who has communication issues with his family. After realising he is no longer human and has the ability to heal others, he decided to put his powers to good use. Shishigami, on the other hand, was a kind-hearted guy who, one might say, turned evil because of his situation, and used his power to kill.
The Good
Inuyashiki is not your typical superhero flick. The old man is probably the last person you would think of as a superhero, and Takeru Satoh (who is known for his role as the protagonist in Rurouni Kenshin) is probably the last person you would expect to be casted as the villain. This live-action film may be long, running at 126 minutes, but it is packed with substantial details that adds depth to the story-telling and characters. What’s more, fans of Takeru Satoh will definitely enjoy the luxurious screen time that showcases his toned body.
Rated at PG13 with some violence, the movie has good action scenes and suspenseful moments, especially at the beginning when you are unsure when Shishigami will reveal the devil in him. A more generic rating also means that the general public can enjoy the movie. And yes, apart from a few bloody scenes, there is no gore.
The (Not That) Bad
The sub-plot of the relationship between Inuyashiki and his daughter is rather predictable. A daughter who never looked up to her dad and never wanted to be like him versus a father who just wants the best for his family, to gain their recognition and to protect them. Anyone could have guessed what happened in the end.
Perhaps it was intended, but because of how the character of Shishigami is built — not an evil person by nature, it is difficult to harbour a strong hatred against him. Even though he murdered many innocent people, one might instead feel sorry for his plight.
And The Summary
Inuyashiki is the kind of live-action movie that can be enjoyed by many, not just for the action and visual effects, but also for the well-developed storyline and characters.
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