Ah, A Sharp Detective
Ah, A Sharp Detective

Movie spotlight

Ah, A Sharp Detective

2001
Movie
82 min
Japanese

Kuroki is crazy about gambling and Shirakawa loves unrivalled women. The pair are investigating a bank robbery.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users89%
Director: Rian JohnsonGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A gifted but troubled young detective is called in to investigate a series of murders that seem to be connected to a local conspiracy. As he delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a web of lies and deceit, questioning everyone around him, including his own sanity. The case forces him to confront his past and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of his seemingly idyllic hometown.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Ah, A Sharp Detective' garnered significant critical acclaim for its intricate plotting, stylish direction, and strong performances, particularly from its young lead. While some critics found its neo-noir tone to be derivative, the majority praised its intelligence and suspenseful narrative, establishing Rian Johnson as a directorial talent to watch.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever script and atmospheric direction.

  • Lauded for its compelling performances, especially from the young cast.

  • Some found the plot overly convoluted but appreciated the neo-noir aesthetic.

Google audience: Audiences highly appreciated the film's suspenseful plot and engaging mystery. Many commented positively on the sophisticated storytelling and the performances, often highlighting the film's ability to keep them guessing until the very end.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay at the Sundance Film Festival. Nominated for Best Director at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive visual style was heavily influenced by classic film noir, with Rian Johnson aiming to blend modern storytelling with timeless cinematic aesthetics.

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