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The Biggest Post-war Kidnapping: The Yoshinobu case

1979Movie95 minJapanese

A TV film based on the kidnapping and murder of 4 year old Yoshinobu Murakoshi.

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IMDb7.2/10
Director: Kōzaburō YoshimuraGenres: Crime, Drama, History

Plot Summary

This historical drama reconstructs the notorious 1963 kidnapping of Yoshinobu, the son of a wealthy businessman, by a cunning criminal who successfully impersonated a police detective. The film meticulously details the elaborate scheme, the investigators' painstaking efforts to unravel the mystery, and the psychological cat-and-mouse game between the kidnapper and the authorities. It explores the societal anxieties and the immense pressure on the police to resolve one of Japan's most baffling crimes.

Critical Reception

The film was generally well-received by critics for its detailed procedural approach and its compelling portrayal of a real-life crime. Audiences appreciated its suspenseful narrative and historical accuracy, though some found the pacing deliberate. It is considered a significant entry in Japanese crime cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its meticulous recreation of the kidnapping events.
  • Commended for its tense atmosphere and effective direction.
  • Noted for its strong performances, particularly in depicting the psychological struggle.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are unavailable, retrospective discussions often highlight the film's compelling narrative and its ability to immerse viewers in the intricacies of the case.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true story of the "Kōnan Incident," a kidnapping case that captivated and baffled Japan for over a year due to the kidnapper's ability to evade capture and his clever use of deception.

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