Is Unification Of Japan 21 Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Unification Of Japan 21, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Action, Crime, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), wakagashira assistant of Kyowakai, and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) eliminate Fukumoto, chairman of the West Japan Mutsumikai, in a chaotic firefight. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Crime, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Himuro (Yasukaze Motomiya), wakagashira assistant of Kyowakai, and Tamura (Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi) eliminate Fukumoto, chairman of the West Japan Mutsumikai, in a chaotic firefight. Himuro’s nephew Sugaya is killed protecting him, leaving Himuro devastated. Taking responsibility for Zaizen’s assassination plot, Kudo retires. After absorbing the West Japan Mutsumikai, Kyowakai enters a new era under third chairman Kawatani (Hitoshi Ozawa). In the east, Takishima retires as Marugami-kai chairman and Mita becomes second chairman, leaving Kyowakai and Marugami-kai as the two dominant forces. Munakata (Takanori Kikuchi), assistant to the Marugami-kai chairman, is released from prison and reunited with Kawatani and Himuro, recalling their shared past. As Kyowakai restructures, Kawatani delivers a shocking message to Himuro."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Yasukaze Motomiya provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Nobu Hamamizu is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 82 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Unification Of Japan 21 truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Crime, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Unification Of Japan 21 explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Nobu Hamamizu respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Unification Of Japan 21 is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Yasukaze Motomiya or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Unification Of Japan 21 is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.