Movie Revie: Silent parade(2022)

Silent Parade takes us on a captivating journey of mystery and detection, based on the renowned Japanese detective novelist Keigo Higashino's gripping novel. With the brilliant Masaharu Fukuyama stepping into the shoes of Professor Manabu Yukawa, this cinematic masterpiece reunites the talented Ko Shibasaki as Detective Kaoru Utsumi and Kazuki Kitamura, portraying the role of Detective Shunpei Kusanagi.

Under the expert direction of Hiroshi Nishitani, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed 'Suspect X' and 'Summer Equation,' Silent Parade brings the third installment of this mesmerizing series to the silver screen.

In this tale set amidst the enchanting backdrop of cherry blossoms, the enigmatic Yukawa gained prominence through the widely acclaimed J-Drama series "Galileo," where he was masterfully portrayed by Masaharu Fukuyama. Yukawa, a brilliant physicist whose life revolves around delving into the mysteries of the physical realm, is not only known for his genius but also for his eccentric and socially awkward demeanor. Alongside the determined Detective Kaoru Utsumi, the duo fearlessly tackles seemingly insurmountable crimes.

The narrative unfolds when a girl, missing for years, is tragically discovered lifeless. Detective Utsumi, entrusted with unraveling this perplexing crime, identifies a man as the primary suspect. Upon further investigation, it is revealed that this man was also implicated in the murder of another girl, yet he was released due to insufficient evidence.

When the male suspect is found dead on the day of the vibrant summer festival, Utsumi turns to Yukawa for assistance. United with their esteemed colleague, Kusanagi, the trio embarks on a thrilling quest to apprehend the murderer while unraveling the secrets of the previous unsolved case.

Unlike the previous entries in the "Galileo" series, Silent Parade ventures into the realm of supernatural and unexplained phenomena. The story sheds light on a flawed judicial system that often fails to bring criminals to justice. In a society where suspects can be released despite circumstantial evidence, the second release of Kanichi Hasunuma sparks righteous indignation. The Namiki family, who tragically lost their daughter Saori, become prime suspects when Hasunuma is discovered dead.

In typical murder mystery fashion, Silent Parade masterfully weaves an intricate web of mysteries and questions during its gripping first half, each resolved with impeccable precision as the story progresses. Minimal action sequences take a backseat, allowing rich dialogue exchanges between the characters, interspersed with poignant flashbacks.

Yukawa, utilizing his unparalleled brilliance, employs unconventional experiments to unravel the truth behind Hasunuma's murder. Guided by the scientific method, he assists the police in unearthing crucial evidence. Remarkably, this evidence could have been discovered through conventional forensic procedures typically undertaken by law enforcement.

Kazuki Kitamura delivers a mesmerizing performance as Kusanagi, showcasing a range of emotions as a rising detective burdened by guilt for failing to bring Hasunuma to justice, ultimately leading to Saori Namiki's tragic demise. Kusanagi grapples with a complex mix of regret, anger, hatred, and disappointment, making for a riveting character study.

The on-screen chemistry between Yukawa, Kusanagi, and Utsumi is both genuine and heartwarming, owing to their long-standing relationship forged through the previous installments of the series. However, despite its many strengths, the climax of Silent Parade falls somewhat short. Astute viewers may find it relatively easy to discern the identity of the killer, but the journey remains an enthralling experience nonetheless.

Silent Parade, with its unique style and cinematic flair, immerses viewers in a world of intrigue and intellect.