Underage

The film follows Kenji, a young construction worker who lives a life of routine in the industrial town of Kisarazu. His monotonous existence is disrupted when he becomes entangled with a local yakuza boss and his enigmatic associate, leading him down a path of increasing danger and moral ambiguity. As he navigates this criminal underworld, Kenji is forced to confront his own desires and the consequences of his choices.

Katsuya Tomita's 'Underage' is a raw and unflinching portrayal of disaffected youth and the allure of organized crime, receiving praise for its gritty realism and atmospheric direction. While its deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative were noted by some critics, the film was largely commended for its unique visual style and compelling performances, particularly from its lead actor.

• Praised for its distinctive, almost dreamlike visual style.

• Lauded for its unflinching depiction of youth alienation and the siren call of yakuza life.

• Criticized by some for its long runtime and elliptical storytelling.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival.

Director Katsuya Tomita spent several years developing the film's visual language, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations of contemporary Japanese society.