Review: Retribution (Japan)

Retribution is a slow-burning crime investigation story with a subtle ghost twist by writer/director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse) starring Koji Yakusho (Babel, Pulse). It is released in Australia through Madman Entertainment.

Retribution is a subtle character drama that promises much but delivers little. With an intriguing set up, a detective (Yakusho) investigating a mysterious murder of a woman drowned in a pool of shallow water discovers all evidence points to him as the killer even though he’s never met the woman before, the film works early by beginning as a straight crime drama before slowly introducing a supernatural element with a series of well-placed, unnerving scenes. But by the end of the first act, with the ghostly presence established the film begins to falter.

Yakusho tries hard as the tortured soul being forced to confront a forgotten tragedy, but as the narrative twists unravel it’s a case of “we’ve seen it all before” for the viewer. The films surprises are signposted far too early and the eventual reveal is so tired by the time we arrive that it only fuels our frustrations.

On the DVD cover Kurosawa mentions that regards ghosts as figments of our past that we are afraid to face and wanted to explore that on film. By this definition he succeeds, but it’s just a shame that he chose such an uninspiring narrative in which to explore his idea. Others may find more to admire about this effort, but for most you’ll probably be disappointed.

The DVD release includes an alternative ending, director interview, trailers and a still gallery.