When the wealthy Inugami patriarch dies leaving a huge estate, their lawyer hires detective Kindaichi as a series of mysterious murders befalls the family - from attempted drownings, poisonings, to beheadings. A web of deceit, adultery and greed is revealed as the family gathers for the reading of the will, and the race for the inheritance turns even deadlier.
The film is based on the bestselling novel by Seishi Yokomizo, which has been made into three films and five TV series. This is also the final film in the prolific career of Japanese film director Kon Ichikawa.
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In case i'm being accused of being a spoiler, the above synopsis is from Yahoo Movies :)
FYI, this movie was first filmed in 1976 and this is a remake.
I shall declare again that - Japs are really very good filmmakers!
Yes, this movie wow me again.
I won't say it's a movie for everyone.
If you are a hardcore blockbuster with fantastic CGs and effects movie-watcher, you'll probably feel like walking out of the hall halfway through.
Settings of this film is in 1940s.
It won't take you long to realize that this movie is in a league of its own.
It's definitely not something usual that you'll see now.
Filming direction is very 'retro' and not what you'll expect from this era.
I'm really amazed by how they integrate all elements.
Yet, the story is well-plotted and it's not crap!
Mystery / Humour / Drama / Gore / Horror / Nudity / War etc...
You name it, they have it - Simply amazing.
My fave Jap actress, Nanako Matsushima is one of the main lead.
She reminds me of the days that i was crazy over Jap drama :)
Her role is nothing to wow about but seeing her in the movie is like a bonus.
I shall stop here so i won't be accused of revealing too much. Keke..