K-20: Legend Of The Mask (2009) - Movie
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Movie Plot |
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In the fictional capital of Teito, there are rumours about a mysterious thief known as K-20 who only steals from the rich and aids the poor. Heikichi Endo (Takeshi Kaneshiro), a circus acrobat was conned and mistaken as K-20 and is subsequently arrested by Akechi Kogoro (Toru Nakamura), a famous detective who once arrested K-20 himself. In the midst of clearing his name, he must escape from jail and track down the real thief with the help of a beautiful police detective who is being targeted by the real K-20. In the non-stop battle with K-20, the true identity of the thief may finally be revealed.
User's Review and Ratings |
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Overlong Flick Lacks Heart & Soul
What I loved most: Effects and set design
What I really hated: Over-complicated plot, poor pacing and overlong runtime
I was hoping for an enjoyable, rollicking time. Instead, I got lots of pointless plot twists and exposition. It's got the flashy effects (the set design is gorgeous) and the outward form of a good adventure flick, but it's missing the heart and soul of it. With its poor pacing in the second act and overlong running time, it doesn't endear itself very much.
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CO's Review |
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First and foremost, "K-20" is not a sequel to Jim Carrey's "The Mask" nor a remake of any other similar title. Instead, "K-20: Legend of the Mask" is a rather amusing and entertaining superhero movie for the family to watch. It's like "K-20" is the Japanese alternate to the usual American Marvel superhero.
No doubt "K-20" will work to some extent because of Takeshi Kaneshiro's watchable performance. This is also where the movie finds it comfortable footing and manages to spill some fun in between scenes. The movie is very much surrounded by Takeshi's ridiculous, yet sad and passionate vibe, which quickly imbues a live-action plus anime feel to it.
Actions aside, the humour is sometimes flat on delivery. Often, it looks like the actors are trying too hard to please the crowd. While trying hard to deliver her storyline, director Shimako Sato hits a few suspensions on the way and the movie muddles itself up into a confusing plot.
The theme in "K-20" is about society and class division. Set in 1949, the story assumes that World War II never happened and the thing that bothers society is good and evil. If not because of Yoko's (Takako Matsu) corny and straightforward well-meaning dialogue, this movie would be even more confusing.
All in all "K-20" can be anyone's general favourite, which means the story is somewhat expected and felt a little less challenging. Cynical audiences on the other hand, should at least give this movie a try. Even if "K-20" faces a hard buy from cynical moviegoers, it's actually quite easy to like.
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