Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2013

As with many Japanese blockbusters, this thriller has had a long gestation period in other formats. Originally a novel of the same name by Tetsuya Honda, this tale is part of his series based on fictional female detective Reiko Himekawa. The Strawberry Night story was so popular, Fuji TV turned it into a television special in 2010 and then into a series in 2012. Now, we have a major motion picture put out by industry leader Toho, with Yuko Takeuchi reprising her role as the young but clever and tough sleuth.

The mystery revolves around a series of murders the cops think are gang related. Himekawa’s investigation is going nowhere, until the department receives a tip, which her boss tells her not to follow up. Naturally, she does anyway. The subsequent investigation leads her to gang leader Makita (Takao Osawa), and an illicit attraction ensues. Though somewhat overblown, and with the trademark Japanese overacting, this taut thriller has enough twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. (127 min)