

The Courage to be Disliked
An academic and cynical sophisticated detective drama that can teach you about Adlerian psychology. Ranko Ando is a single female detective with no boyfriend. She is an ace who has taken the lead in solving many difficult cases at the young age of 32. However, she's also a lone wolf who doesn't listen to the opinions of those around her, and always does what she believes to be right. However, Ranko is partnered with Toshio Aoyama, who has just gotten his wish of being transferred to the 1st Investigation Department. Toshio is the polar opposite of Ranko, and tends to be too concerned about what others think. This makes him harshly oppose the way she thinks. But as he works with her, he learns Adlerian psychology and develops one step at a time. This daring detective drama is a live-action adaptation of the Asian bestseller, "The Courage to Be Hated". Through the life of Ranko Ando, "The World's Most Hated Female Detective", this drama questions the necessity of "The courage to be free and happy".
Insights
Plot Summary
A mysterious man visits a jewelry store where his former lover works, claiming to be the husband of the wealthy owner. As he weaves a tale of devotion and sacrifice, the clerk becomes entangled in his intricate narrative. The story unfolds with layers of deception, loyalty, and the enduring impact of past relationships, questioning the nature of truth and love.
Critical Reception
While not widely distributed in mainstream cinemas, 'The Courage to be Disliked' garnered significant attention and praise within film festival circuits and among critics for its unconventional narrative structure and profound thematic exploration. It was lauded for its intellectual depth and the complex portrayal of its characters' motivations, though some found its pacing deliberate.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intellectual complexity and masterful storytelling.
- Admired for its nuanced performances and exploration of challenging themes.
- Noted for its deliberate pacing, which some found meditative while others found slow.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's thought-provoking narrative and the emotional depth of the characters. Many viewers found the story to be a unique and engaging experience that lingered long after viewing, although some noted it required a significant level of attention to fully grasp its intricacies.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Jury Prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard).
Fun Fact
The film's title is inspired by the best-selling self-help book 'The Courage to Be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, though the film's narrative is an original story.
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