9 Souls (2003)
Directed by Toshiaki Toyoda
Starring: Ryuhei Matsuda, Yoshio Harada, Koji Chihara
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 123mins

Rating:

After brutally murdering his father, Michiru (Ryuhei Matsuda) is sentanced to 14 years in prison. No sooner is he introduced to his 9 inmates in a crowded prison cell that one of them Shiratori (a professional escapist played by Blue Spring actor Mame Yamada) follows the path of an intruding mouse to lead both he and his inmates free, on the run together a band of convicts in search of their past wrongs to make right what could not be done behind bars. What follows is a journey of redemption, re-discovery and understanding.

I first came to know Toshiaki Toyoda through his debut film "PORNOSTAR" (which blew me away by the sheer raw energy of its director matched by the recklessness of Koji Chihara's performance) but then came BLUE SPRING which while it showed a growth and control in Toyoda lacked the punch of his fierce debut.

With 9 SOULS however, Toshiaki Toyoda has produced a truly stunning movie. Simple as that - after what is admittedly a rather conventional "escaped convicts on the run" opening, the film finds its pace and effortlessly glides through each character in what amounts to an emotional exploration of these criminals not as the prisoners/menaces to society as they are presented by the media but as human beings who for all their flaws are still part of our world.

It's an astounding achievement and feels light years ahead of his previous work with Toyoda showing great maturity in the handling of it's subject matter. Again the signature style is present (yes there are some moments where Toyoda's love of music and choreographed poses intrude) however, here it is used more as an extension of the characters as opposed to just a stylistic choice.

The film is abound with stunning cinematography and some truly heart breaking moments. One in particular involving Shiratori (a doctor who was sentanced to prison for assisting a suicide) reuniting with the recipient of a kidney he donated due to his undying love of her. Regardless of it's location (at a lap dance club of all places) the scene transforms immediately into something so beautiful that you would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved. The sense of longing, loss and tragic despair is a strong factor in Toyoda's film and it is this theme that gives the film an emotional gravitas forcing intense turns from the extremely talented cast including many big name actors.

Toyoda simply pushes all the right buttons adding a rich, multi-faceted texture to the film. The performances are all excellent with each actor slowly developing his character throughout - these criminals thrown together get to know each other as much as we do, and it is that communal feeling that makes it such a rich film experience. The fact is that all the way through you get the feeling that you will undoubtedly re-visit this film again and again discovering a new nuance in each of the performances, or a symbolic shot that had passed you by. The stature of this film is incredible - even moreso considering what could have become of its run of the mill initial premise. But what sets apart Toyoda's film is it's heart and the amount of compassion he shows for his characters.

With plenty of humour, sadness, emotion and at times somewhat brutal violence 9 SOULS is a highly recommended film. If I see one film this year to surpass it, it will be a great year for cinema.