I recently viewed the Japanese 🇯🇵 thriller World of Kanako (2014) on Prime. The storyline follows a single father detective whose daughter mysteriously disappears. As he delves into her disappearance, he uncovers a strange world she inhabits, attracting those enticed by a very different lifestyle. The question lingers: How did his daughter become entangled in this lifestyle, and where did it take her?
This picture is directed by Tetsuya Nakashima (Kamikaze Girls) and stars Yakusho Koji (13 Assassins), Komatsu Nana (Destruction Babies), Satoshi Tsumabuki (The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift) and Jun Kunimura (Kill Bill).
The movie employs a slow build-up to establish circumstances, gradually unraveling clues leading to the disappearance. The interrogation scenes are excellent, and the brilliantly written dialogue elicits a mix of laughter and cringing. Highlighted by outstanding torture scenes, especially towards the end, the film also features a gripping pool fight and an awesome LSD sequence with a standout background song. The ultimate reveal is clever, and the concluding fight scene is adored.
In conclusion, World of Kanako is another worthwhile Japanese thriller that's an absolute must-see. I would score it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.
