Movie spotlight
The Crimes That Bind
Michiko Oshitani, who lived in Shiga Prefecture, is found dead at an apartment in Tokyo. She was strangled to death. Mutsuo Koshikawa is the owner of the apartment and he goes missing. Detectives including Yuhei Matsumiya who is a cousin of Detective Kyoichiro Kaga , have difficulties in solving the case. They can't find a connection between Michiko Oshitani and Mutsuo Koshikawa. They soon learn that Michiko Oshitani came to Tokyo to visit Hiromi Asai . They graduated from the same school, but there isn't a connection between Hiromi Asai and Mutsuo Koshikawa. Detective Yuhei Matsumiya finds something near Michiko Oshitani's body. That something has the names of 12 bridges surrounding the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. Detective Kyoichiro Kaga learns of the clue and becomes agitated. There's a connection with his late mother
Insights
Plot Summary
In a town haunted by a series of gruesome murders, a father desperate to protect his family becomes entangled in the dark web of the crimes. As the investigation intensifies, unsettling truths about human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil begin to surface, leading to a shocking and disturbing conclusion.
Critical Reception
The Crimes That Bind received largely positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised its complex narrative, disturbing themes, and masterful direction. While some found the film's intensity and bleakness challenging, its artistic merit and thought-provoking exploration of morality were widely acknowledged.
What Reviewers Say
A visually striking and thematically ambitious crime thriller.
Praised for its intricate plotting and unsettling atmosphere.
Noted for its complex characters and exploration of dark human psychology.
Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's unique visual style and compelling, albeit disturbing, storyline. Many found the intricate mystery and the director's unflinching portrayal of societal decay to be highlights, though some cautioned about its intense and dark subject matter.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Film at the Japan Academy Film Prize.
Fun Fact
Director Tetsuya Nakashima is known for his distinctive visual style, often incorporating elaborate set designs and stylized cinematography, which is a hallmark of this film as well.
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