Rage

A year after the gruesome murder of a couple, Japan is still hunting for the perpetrator who has since hidden somewhere in the country after undergoing plastic surgery. The media are having a field day with the drama and are all too eager to report on the horrifying details. In the meantime, we meet three strangers in three different places in Japan who appear in the lives of our protagonists. Love and friendship grow, but distrust lingers. Is there someone among them who is not who he seems to be? What could this murderer possibly be?

The film could easily have been called “(Dis)trust”, but that does not make “Rage” any less appropriate. Even though the anger referred to in the title is rather subdued for a long time, it comes roaring in mercilessly in the final scenes. A justified uppercut of a title for this rock-solidly acted psychological thriller hidden in the skin of a whodunnit. Just like its murderer, actually.

AWARDS:

• Hochi Film Awards 2016: Best Director (Lee Sang-il) & Best Supporting Actor (Gō Ayano)
• Nikkan Sports Film Awards 2016: Best Supporting Actor (Satoshi Tsumabuki) & Best Supporting Actress (Aoi Miyazaki)
• Japan Academy Prize 2016: Best Supporting Actor (Satoshi Tsumabuki) & Best Newcomer (Takara Sakumoto)
• Tokyo Sports Film Awards 2016: Best Supporting Actor (Gō Ayano) & Best Supporting Actress (Suzu Hirose)

With video message from the director!

All images: © 2016 “Rage”