Movie No. 65 (2018): THE THIRD MURDER

The Third Murder (2017)
Director: Horikazu Kore-eda
Cast: Masaharu Fukuyama, Koji Yakusho, Suzu Hiroshi
In Japanese, with English subtitles

The story is not about whether the accused is guilty or not. The story, that's far more interesting, is the enigma and slippery truth of the murder itself and the people who may or may not be associated with it. This is how the Kore-eda style of smooth but, sometimes, patience-challenging storytelling comes into play. It always works. What seems to be simple can be complex and ugly, after all. Kore-eda avoids being assertive in providing clues that make the narrative flow forward, so audience needs to pay attention. 

The movie revolves about the supposed third murder committed by a an ex-convict (Misumi). It is suggested that he has confessed to the crime. He later recants the testimony as some witnesses tell their own stories. His lawyers get tangled into the web of lies and ugly truths they discover. In the end, The Third Murder gives a satisfying show.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: October 7, 2018