MUSEUM (2016)

Genre: Thriller
Director: Keishi Otomo
Cast: Shun Oguri, Machiko Ono, Shuhei Nomura, Tomomi Maruyama, Tomoko Tabata, Mikako Ichikawa, Masatoh Ibu, Nao Omori, Yutaka Matsushige, Satoshi Tsumabuki
Runtime: 2 hrs 12 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Nudity)
Released By: Warner Bros
Official Website: www.museum-movie.jp

Opening Day: 8 December 2016

Synopsis: A body mauled to death by dogs is found and other heinous murders follow. Mysterious notes are left at the crime scenes, hinting the killings were done to punish each victim and the bodies presented in a way as though to be found. The killer only appears on rainy days and is witnessed wearing a frog mask. Police detective Sawamura (Shun Oguri) is on the case and to his surprise; he finds out the next target of the Frogman could be his beloved wife and child who have left him 2 weeks ago. As the investigation progresses, Sawamura learns that the Frogman stages the murders like works of art, calling himself an artist. Sawamura tries to corner Frogman from the clues, but is devastated to find that all was a trap. Will Sawamura survive the deadly scheme of Frogman and save his family?

Movie Review:

Museum is the latest Japanese movie adaptation from a 4-volume manga series of the same name. This suspense horror has piqued quite an interest in Japan, and was also rewritten as a novel, released just a month before the theatrical opening of the movie. Although the movie may not have widespread popularity and was ranked second on the movie's opening weekend, it definitely has a unique charm and appeal.

The story centres around the violent and grotesque killings linked to the Frogman (played by Tsumabuki Satoshi). Police investigator, Sawamura (played by Oguri Shun) then learns through the development of the case that his family's lives are endangered as well. Sawamura was subsequently dropped from the case, but he continues to pursue the killer with his own ways and lands himself in yet another puzzle to unravel.

The box office sales in Japan for museum may appear to be less than promising, but it's important to note that it was against strong competition, i.e. Your Name (aka Kimi no Na wa) - the number 1 for many consecutive weeks. The movie has a lineup of great actors who helmed and complemented the story really well. Prior to this movie, Oguri Shun was also cast for a similar role, a police investigator officer in BORDER (a 2014 Japanese suspense mystery TV drama). Over these years, Oguri has achieved a breakthrough in acting, graduating from the past 'two-dimensional' kind of acting. With these prior experiences as well as the excellent backing by supporting actor Tsumabuki Satoshi, there was depth in the character development which puts flesh to the movie. Notably, Tsumabuki nabbed a prize for his supporting role in this movie.

The director of the movie, Otomo Keishi, is also a veteran in his own right. He first made his debut as a director in the 90s, and have bagged several awards for his films. He has definitely developed his own style from similar works such as Himitsu - Top Secret (2016) and Platinum Data (2013). Other than developing and strengthening his own style, Otomo also made stark improvement in terms of the pacing. Museum, unlike some of his previous works, was more engaging and did not bore at all even though the film duration was a bit long, going slightly over 2 hours. The atmosphere was held up well and only intensifies as the mystery unravels. The only complaint is that the ending appeared too deliberate and intentional, giving it an underwhelming resolution.

The movie attempts to explore many themes and issues (e.g. childhood trauma, judicial system, etc.), but it's a pity many of those barely scratched the surface. However, this was compensated with a very original story which intertwines all these together and is intriguing, packed with suspense. To not go on too much and spoil the story, the narrative is undeniably the key hook of the movie. If you're looking for a new stimulating, horror suspense experience, look no further than Museum. 

Movie Rating:

(A horror suspense without any respite. Exciting and unprecedented development that will keep you at the edge of your seat!)

Review by Tho Shu Ling