This is the action movie the cult book series about Kasahara Iku, the first female member of the elite Library Task Force, deserves.


Library Wars is a great Japanese action movie. It has all of the ingredients that make action movies fun while staying uniquely Japanese. It earned high box office gross and critical acclaim which led to another movie and TV special being made. It also solidified Eikura Nana's image of an actress that reliably pulls off strong female characters and pushed Okada Junichi to the top tier of Japanese actors. In fact, Okada is now a definitive action leading man alongside Sato Takeru and Oguri Shun. Back in 2013, his professional fighting skills were still a novelty the same way it was not apparent that Japan film industry is able to produce high-quality action movies.

To make the movie possible three industry power-players were involved. Nogi Akiko, a great scriptwriter who would later pen Unnatural and Nigeru wa Haji, adapted the cult series of books written by Arikawa Hiro (both these women are also behind the popular tv drama Soratobu Kouhoushitsu that starred Aragaki Yui and Ayano Gou). Sato Shinsuke who by that time already had made his name with Gantz (and now has the Japan Academy Awards nomination for Kingdom) took the director chair.

The result of their work was fast-paced sleek action movie with impressive action sequences, charismatic characters, strong message, and just the right amount of humour and romance.

Kashara Iku played by Eikura Nana is instantly likeable as a gangly 'country-hick' girl who is so used to rough-housing with her three older brothers she doesn't hesitate to drop-kick her instructor at the smallest provocation. She is also loud, earnest, and awkward and serves as the perfect foil to the aforementioned instructor Dojo played by Okada Junichi.

Dojo is stoic and strict and always berates Iku for her brashness and idealism. He may be a lot shorter than towering Iku but his fighting prowess is unmatched by her. At the same time, his tsundere attitude can not hide the fact that he is just as brash and idealistic as Iku. Together, they form a couple that is unbelievably fun to watch, and their subtle romance is both hilarious and heart-warming.

Japanese storytelling is one of the best when it comes to the inspiring stories about dedicated team of like-minded people fighting for what they believe in. Library Wars is exactly such a story and it hits all the right notes.

The pacing deserves a special mention since the movie doesn't waste a single minute on unnecessary fanservice. It's swift and to the point.

Finally, supporting characters are played by the number of famous actors. Tanaka Kei may not be a perfect actor for his character but his comedy timing is spot-on. Fun fact: he was inspired during the shooting to follow Okada's tough training regime and, as a result, acquired his 'hot bod' which since became his trademark. Kuriyama Chiaki infuses her character with charisma and charm, while Fukushi Sota does what he does best and looks gorgeous.

All in all, this is a fun and uplifting action movie which will leave you feeling happy and content with the world.