Kôshônin: Mashita Masayoshi

A mad bomber is threatening the Tokyo subway system using a high tech train presumably carrying an explosive device. Negotiator of the title is called upon to solve the situation before disaster strikes.

This is a spin-off from the TV-series "Bayside Shakedown" which in turn spawned two big budget movies (hugh successes in its native Japan). I haven't seen the TV-series in question, but "Kôshônin Mashita Masayoshi" is a far better movie than the two films that followed the series. "Bayside Shakedown" 1 and 2 are very preachy and melodramatic (especially part 2) and with very little entertainment value. The main focus seems to be on the hierarchy within the Japanese police force in those movies, and the action and the storytelling becomes somewhat secondary. It is very different here; Kôshônin Mashita Masayoshi is a tight and exciting action film without the unnecessary and exaggerated social commentary. Only the ending seems a bit incomplete. Overall, an entertaining and fast-paced film.

Santamaria's Mashita was a minor but beloved character in the Odoru tv series and movies, but comes into his own here, as he finally gets to unveil all the skills he has acquired as a police negotiator. A mysterious assailant has seized control of a gleaming high tech self-driving train, and is steering it around the secret tunnels and byways of the sprawling Tokyo subway system. He has also planted a few bombs around the city, and detonates them to prove he is serious. He has a grudge against Mashita in particular, and seeks to best him in a battle of wits. Mashita has grown quite confident though, and rises to the occasion, exploiting every clue in his pursuit of this vicious adversary. Great stuff.