The Third Murder

Writer and director Kore-eda Hirokazu follows last year’s domestically set After the Storm with a complicated legal procedural that threatens to engage but just manages to keep full interest at bay.

Defence attorney Shigemori (Fukuyama Masaharu) takes on what appears to be a routine case of murder and robbery. It’s a low risk in that nothing is expected from him; there’s little chance of winning as Misumi (Yakusho Koji) his client has admitted his guilt seemingly without any fear of the death penalty. However, as he starts to investigate deeper, questioning Misumi’s family and the suspect, issues start to come to light that cast doubt on the entire case, with resonances to Shigemori’s own domestic issues.

The procedural element is intriguing but then goes on to hang a number of other issues off that, which are pursued or dropped as seen fit. It does however return to the basics morals and ethics of the situation. It poses questions of truth, should it be shunted for another cause and moral case, even if it breaks the law and rights wrongs? Or does it? An act once committed can never be undone?

It’s glacially slow as the details of the case and the philosophical elements are revealed, together with a highly literate script that requires some attention on the part of the viewer. At two hours plus, it’s an ask on the viewer and the reward is debatable.

Nevertheless, although Hirokazu generally keeps a tight control of the players and the scenes, he’s allows a good-natured rapport to develop between the defence team. But it is with the scenes in the prison between Shigemoni and Misumi that the intensity is ratchet up, as they get to the core of their relationship and the case. Hirozaku, who is also the editor, visualises this using the separating glass panel, reflecting their faces bringing them closer and closer as the conversation deepens. It’s highly technical though chillingly, relentlessly draws the viewer into the scene and the dialogue.

There’s are many very good scenes throughout the film especially as we get in to the arena of the court, and Misumi takes the stand. The performers are fine it just doesn’t quite gel plus it is and feels far too long. If nothing else The Third Murder serves as a comprehensive insight in to the Japanese legal system.