Prophecy (2015)

had the privilege of watching this on a plane when i was coming back home from a trip. truthfully, i wasn't expecting much just bc the plane's program didn't offer a very good summary, but i decided to watch it bc i saw kentaro in the trailer and i'm so glad i did because this truly is a movie that will stick with me forever. after i came back home, i realized that this movie is actually based on a manga, so i'm unsure if it closely follows it or not.

the story and the writing is indeed incredible, though, and it makes me understand why no summary can really sell this movie's full potential. if the crime/thriller aspect does not already intrigue you, then i think you should know that it is also about life and the hardships you'll face. i can't say much without posting spoilers, but the message this movie sends is a message that i think can really change people and is a message that i hope people can relate to and/or understand.

along with the great story and writing, the acting was also fantastic. i didn't see any major flaws in any of the acting and i'm very pleased with the cast because i think if there was any sort of change, the movie would not be as successful as it is.

i honestly dont remember any of the music, but i'm sure it was great.

i definitely would rewatch this and i actually would very much like to own this on DVD. it has easily become one of my favorite movies.

the only reason i do not give this movie a complete 10 is because there is a scene or two that can be kind of hard to stomach, but ig it was more of a "i'm on a plane so i really wouldn't want to see some onlookers seeing this" so i skipped them lol

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It's been a while since I've watched a Japanese movie themed with crime investigation and psychological battles but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten to enjoy the genre. What I specifically liked about this film even with its lack or rather non-existent action scenes was how the main character came into being. I marvel at the main lead being an antagonist and protagonist at the same time. Movies like this should be appreciated for the scriptwriter's wit, along with the actor's perfect role execution. Have I mentioned that the main actor Ikuta Toma who acted as Gates is one of my favorite Japanese actors? Well, it’s not that relevant but the guy certainly knows how to act all kinds of character, from a depressed artist to being a stage comedian, he does his roles extremely well. I'm not saying this because he is my bias, but because this is how his portfolio and credentials say so.

Now that being said, I’m going to dive into more details about the film without the spoilers.

The whole story line is about one unfortunate guy who tries to make a difference with the use of the World Wide Web and the perks of anonymity that comes with it. This guy remains anonymous because he wears a newspaper to cover his face while he stirs up the police, the government and most of all the netizens. The film will show some graphic and violent things done in the internet using live streaming and might be disturbing, but don’t let this get too much inside your head because this is not about the rated PG stuff, this is about something more, it is about a message being sent and interpreted by different people. Besides the icky stuff would only last for a couple of seconds in intermittent scenes. The film may seem slow and frustrating at times but the fact that you have to watch it until the end to appreciate whatever is currently happening, makes all 1 hour and 59 minutes of screen time worth it.

Music wise, it wasn’t as memorable to me since I was too engrossed with the story and what was happening for me to mind the background music much. Cinematography wise, there’s nothing much to be appreciated since most of the scenes took place in a room or being projected via the internet. Sub characters though are worth mentioning. I give my kudos to Toda Erika for being such a hard ass detective in this film even though she didn’t do much running or fighting, I still liked her. Heh. The fact that she’s still a tough nut in the middle of a male dominated environment, this did not deter her from doing her job. Then there are these other guys, the friends of the main character. I want to pinpoint my favorite among the three, but I can’t. I liked all guys equally because they had their own charm. Suzuki Ryohei as Kansai with his tall stocky looking body but with a heart of gold, while Arakawa Yoshiyoshi named Metabo is the fat bellied guy who seems too timid when it comes to authority figures but definitely can retaliate when needed and lastly Hamada Gaku as Nobita with his eye glasses and his dream to have girlfriend. I find that dream kind of cute and yet endearing making him the most vulnerable looking guy in the bunch. But overall, I think I liked each of them on the get go.

I recommend this film to those who would want to watch something with a more interesting story line.

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This movie is so subtle that you just realize that everything ties together so beautifully only at the last 30 minutes of the movie. The acting is top notch, Toma Ikuta at his best and Toda Erika is dazzling. The story is heart-rending and it will leave you in a daze. I didn't expect much because the cover is just like another ordinary crime movie laced with a dash of romantic comedy.
It exceeds my -and your- expectation. If you let it.
It ended up tearing my heart apart. And I'm not ashamed to admit that by the time the end credit rolls, my eyes are puffy and I'm sobbing like a baby.
Watch it, you won't regret anything.

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A surprisingly emotional journey, so well constructed with a lot to say about society and justice

Highlights:
- The character writing is very strong, from the main to the supporting casts
- Each moment that transpires throughout the film feels significant and is never boring
- Great plot that relies on the characters to unfold the story rather than adding standard mystery movie tropes (like red herrings and police procedures)
- Unique method of non-linear storytelling that reveals deeper the character's deeper motives throughout with an effect flashback-style

Criticisms:
- Some of the actions that initiate the "prophecy" movement seem a little unclear as to how they accomplish their main goal
- The police are very easily manipulated; however, the main police woman is very likeable and less gullible

Final thoughts - Before viewing Prophecy, I imagined it would be a violent and brainless vigilante movie. I was wrong!

It tells an important story that has heartwarming moments and stands out with its outstanding characters.

Watch this. The ending is unforgettable!

8.5/10

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