Movie Review Bad Lands (2023)

 

Bad Lands | 2023 | 2h 23m 
Genre: Crime/Thriller | Country: Japan
Director: Masato Harada | Writers: Masato Harada, Hiroyuki Kurokawa
Cast: Sakura Andô, Ryosuke Yamada, Ryudo Uzaki, etc.
IMDb: 6.0
My Rate: 9/10

Jo, trying to pay off his debts, accidentally involves Neri in a robbery at his workplace, leading them both into a bigger mess.

Warning:

Contains strong language, violence, murder, and nudity.

 

Synopsis Bad Lands:

Neri (Sakura Ando) works for a group of scammers who cheat people over the phone. She lost hearing in one ear due to violence at her previous job, so she decided to go back to her father.  Even though her father sold her and her mother to someone else in the past.

Her father runs a phone scam organization. But their latest victim finds out about the scam and works with the police. However, Neri is more observant and realizes the police are following them, helping them escape

Neri doesn't know that this scam organization is big and has powerful people protecting it, including the Yakuza. Besides Neri, her brother Jo (Ryosuke Yamada) is also part of the organization, although the boss hasn't trusted him enough to join the scams yet. Jo also works as a hitman, which Neri doesn't know.

Jo is in debt after losing a gambling game and failing his mission. He's confused, especially after one of his friends is killed during a mission. Jo has a crazy idea to rob the scam organization to get money to pay his debts.

Neri is shocked to catch Jo robbing the place. But when Jo's life is threatened by his father, Neri chooses to save Jo and kills her father. They don't realize that the large amount of money from the robbery will lead them into even bigger trouble.

Will Neri and Jo manage to escape with the money?

 

Review Bad Lands:

Bad Lands is based on the novel "Keisou" by Hiroyuki Kurokawa. The story is well-structured and easy to follow. However, it keeps you guessing with its unpredictable plot twists.

The cinematography, music and sound effects, lighting, and other details are all very well done. The makeup and looks used fit each character well. Everything comes together to make the movie enjoyable, even with its long runtime.

The acting is top-notch. The acting feels natural and flows well. The chemistry between the characters is great. Both the main and supporting actors deliver impressive performances and do their parts well.

Overall, this movie is perfect for those who enjoy Yakuza-themed films. There are some action scenes that get your adrenaline pumping. The ending is well-presented, a bit sad, but you could say it's a happy ending for the main characters.

 

Memorable Scene:

Mandala, a former Yakuza, teaches Jo about shooting distances. On the other hand, Neri is in a situation that visually represents what Mandala taught her, using the same shooting distance to throw alcohol on her opponent, setting them on fire.

These two scenes are presented very well, with the theory being visualized in different places and situations, as if they are connected.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"Everything has a risk. It's do or die."

 

Ending:

Kinda sad but happy ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)