Anzai Takashi (Koichi Iwaki), the leader of the Anzai-gumi, enjoys poker at the Kishochokai’s underground casino. Meanwhile, a heated poker duel unfolds between female gambler Himiko (Sayaka Tsuruta) and university student Kota Katori (Shota Haruta). Kota loses, wiping out ¥2 million. Tokunaga (Masami Tate), a half-gangster, schemes to clear his ¥5 million debt by using Kota in a rigged game but gets caught, increasing his debt to ¥7 million. The next day, Tokunaga disappears, leaving Kota to shoulder the debt. Desperate, Kota’s girlfriend, Anna (Mari Yamaji), returns to her family home and explains the situation to her mother, Reiko. Seeking help, Reiko turns to her husband, who is none other than Kawabe Akira (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi), the Anzai-gumi’s second-in-command.
The re-living of this historic trial through this film is relevant to current politics and disturbingly enjoyable to watch due to the excellent performances from the ensemble cast. If you like a juicy courtroom drama, this film will definitely scratch that itch in a really chilling manner.
Complex relationships between mothers and daughters are far from a new concept, whether the strain comes from abandonment, beliefs, or trauma. In My Only Wish, an Incluvie Film Festival submission, Brenda Gutierrez’s take on her character’s maternal divide comes in the form of abandonment.
Desi’s “straight man” to Lucy’s playful exuberance subverted people’s expectations of what a Latino man could be and added respect and nuance to the way onscreen marriages between men and women were portrayed.
This 2023 film serves as the final chapter of the Indiana Jones franchise.
This surprisingly clever romantic comedy perfectly balances genuine heart with wild reality television chaos. It is an uplifting and funny reminder that second chances and real community can show up exactly when you stop looking for them.
