Missing Review: Crime Drama Is Intense
A strong and frequently thrilling drama, Missing (Sagasu in Japanese) is the feature directorial debut of Shinzô Katayama, who also co-wrote the story with Kazuhisa Kotera and Ryô Takada. Mystery, moral ambiguity, and characters who aren't always what they seem to be are all packed throughout the narrative. Despite the fact that Missing doesn't provide any simple explanations for its characters' circumstances, it is nonetheless a compelling watch. Missing is a strong first feature film from Shinzô Katayama with its unexpected turns, intriguing topics, and depth.
Kaede Harada (Aoi Itô), a young woman who is asked to pick up her father Santoshi (Jirô Satô) after he is caught shoplifting, is the first character we meet in the film Missing. santoshi has been in a depressing spiral for some time. He's been suffering since his wife passed away, his business has suffered, and he's in a lot of debt. Even though she chastises her father for his actions, Kaede has in many ways taken on the role of caregiver. Santoshi, however, advises him to track down the No-Name serial killer (Hiroya Shimizu) in order to collect the prize money and put their lives back on track. Santoshi's plan is not taken seriously by Kaede, but when she discovers that her father is missing the following morning, she starts looking for him.
A unexpected movie is Missing. Before abruptly turning around and shocking viewers and leaving them wondering what they're viewing, it starts out one way and establishes audience expectations. At the halfway mark, the direction and character focus change, and it's done nicely. The movie questions morality and shows that, given the right conditions, everyone is capable of doing terrible things to other people. The victims that are targeted, in his opinion, don't necessarily do anything wrong; they say they want to die. Is santoshi supporting a murderer or is he doing them a favour? His actions are motivated by desperation, making him a morally dubious figure.
Character interactions are an area where the movie could have grown more. Although Kaede's bond with her father is established early on, they could have spent more time together before he vanishes. Even while the conclusion is thrilling and fulfilling, Missing frequently lacks the necessary degree of suspense to make pivotal moments more impactful. Scenes are developed and carried out in a way that is intended to elevate each new revelation, but there is frequently a lack of urgency, which, if present, would have increased tension and suspense. However, Missing is a thrilling, riveting journey that will astound spectators.