(Jdrama) Rakujitsu (2023)

 

Adapted from a novel by Minato Kanae

Original title: (落日)

English title: Sunset

4 episodes

The Plot

Hasebe Kaori is a rookie movie director. She consults with new screenwriter Kai Chihiro about her movie's screenplay. The script is based on the Sasazukacho Family Murder Case that occurred 15 years ago. That murder case involved a hikikomori man who murdered his younger sister at their home and then set their home on fire. The fire also killed his parents. The town where the murder took place is also the hometown of Kai Chihiro. Both Hasebe Kaori and Kai Chihiro have secrets related to the family murder case. While Hasebe Kaori and Kai Chihiro look into this murder case for their movie, a shocking truth is uncovered.

I have never watched a film by Minato Kanae before, even though I have read some of her books that were later adapted into movies, like Confession. Maybe it is because I don't want my imagination from the book to change in the form of a film. Watching this drama, I didn't even know it was a work by Minato Kanae, originally titled The Setting Sun. Hmm, turns out watching it without reading the book is enjoyable too.

The topic is about a film director named Hasebe Kaori who wants to create a film based on a murder that happened approximately 15 years ago. Hasebe contacts Mahiro, a novice screenwriter, to write the script for the movie. Hasebe's reason for choosing Mahiro is that a scene in a drama Mahiro previously wrote was set in a location that Hasebe finds familiar.

They both meet and discuss their script writing plans, reaching out to individuals who have information about the murder case involving Rikito Tateishi as the perpetrator. Their investigation takes them to unforeseen realities: Hasebe, with childhood memories of enduring mistreatment from her mother, and Mahiro, with memories of her musically gifted sister. All the previously disparate threads intertwine and come together through the presence of Sara Tateishi.

It sounds like the 4-episode drama is quite intense and emotionally challenging. The themes of bullying, toxic parents, domestic violence, and betrayal can certainly evoke strong emotions. The explicit murder scenes may be disturbing, leading you to look away at times. The lack of clear visual differentiation in flashback scenes can sometimes make it confusing to distinguish between the past and the present. However, it seems that all of these elements are compensated by the compelling storytelling, the performances of the actors, and the revelations that unfold regarding the 15-year-old murder case.

Overall, it's a short thrilling mind blowing drama. If you are into mysterious but heartwarming drama, this is for you. 

Casts: 

Keiko Kitagawa as Hasebe Kaori

Yoshioka Riho as Kai Mahiro

Takeuchi Ryoma as Tateishi Rikito 

Kubo Shiori as Tateishi Sara

My rating:

Story: 10/10

Casts/ Acting: 10/10

Music: 7/10

Re-watch value: 7/10

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