If you've
seen any of the previous "Negotiator Mashita Masayoshi" films,
then you have an idea of what to expect here. But familiarity is not a
prerequisite for this movie. Most Japanese critics (and audiences) agree
that this one is the very best of the batch... and a terrific starting
place in the series.
Masayoshi
(played by deadpan comedian Yusuke Santamaria) is a police negotiator
- the first of his kind - working with the Tokyo special division unit.
His job is taken seriously by virtually no one; he's treated with the
respect of an in-house psychic. For this story, on Xmas eve a subway train
seems to have taken on a life of its own, no longer making stops and zooming
down tunnels that put other trains in harm's way. Soon a cryptic message
reaches the Masayoshi; he is invited to join "the Phantom" on
a subway ride together....
A Japanese
import; widescreen (2.35:1), uncut (109 min.) version in DVD encoded
for ALL REGIONS, playable on any American DVD machine; in Japanese language
with removable English subtitles as an option.
Violence/Adult
Material/Tension:
Viewer discretion is advised.
