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SYNOPSIS:
Based
on the popular drama series that won the hearts of Asian audience,
HERO returns! This is the most anticipated movie of the year
as it opens in 475 theatres and is all time biggest release
in Japan ever. The movie is set to break the box office records.
Kohei
Kuryu (Takuya Kimura), the prosecutor who shirks suit and
tie for a pair of jeans but is never casual about his pursuit
for the truth, is back! Besides the original TV series cast,
Korean heartthrob Lee-Byung Hung is in it and was shot partly
in Busan. This time, he is involved in an obscure case of
manslaughter that turns into the trial of the century.
MOVIE REVIEW:
When a movie starts its theme music and credits only
after twenty minutes into the duration, you know you are in
for something unconventional.
A
spin-off from the popular 2001 Japanese drama serial of the
same name, the movie runs just like the 11-episodes serial,
including the set design and cinematography is an exact replication.
If you loved the character Takuya Kimura from the pop outfit,
SMAP plays, Takuya’s Kuryu is still the prosecutor dressed
in his trademark Bathing Ape’s orange jacket and torn
jeans. In fact, nothing changes in this 131 minutes movie.
Kohei
Kuryu in the movie version takes on an assault-murder case
only to realize it’s far more than meets the eyes as
the case progresses. One noticeable exception is a far bigger
budget which allows Kuryu and his capable aide (Takako Matsu)
to travel all the way to Korea, Busan in the name of retrieving
an important piece of evidence. A special mention of course
goes to the cameo of one of Korea’s biggest star Lee
Byung Hun.
If
you are a newbie to Hero, fret not as it’s an enjoyable
movie on its own. The case on hand is never too far-stretched
and the numerous colourful characters at the prosecutor department
are a joy to behold. Takuya Kimura and Takako Matsu, the relationship
between subordinate and superior is easy on the eyes and you
can’t wait to see their romance blossom.
On
the other hand, you might miss out on some familiar jokes
and jibes. There’s a recurring character of a bartender
(Yoji Tanaka, last seen as a cab-driver in “L Change
the World”) who could virtually cook anything Kuryu
desires. Also, a joke involving Shibayama (Hiroshi Abe) and
Nakamura (Nene Ohtsuka) in the beginning that might leave
you scratching your head unless you are an avid follower of
the series.
Hero
the movie is an excellent spin-off from the drama serial since
ending its run more than six years ago. No one will expect
Hero to withstand the passing of time but our group of wacky
heroes did just that.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD consists of 2 main trailers, 2 teaser
trailers and TV spots. Those craving for Takuya’s appearance
might be a tad disappointed.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The visual quality is slightly grainy and some pixilation
occurs at certain points. Dialogue is pretty crisp and audio
quality isn’t that bad for a mainly dialogue-based movie.
The disc is equipped with both English and Chinese subtitles
and a dual track including Mandarin.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by Linus Tee
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