As a fan of the series, I would prefer an older Sato, but that won't stop me from falling in love with the series once again. Unless you're expecting a 100 percent faithful adaptation of the manga, AJIN: Demi-Human should find a place in your movie schedule this October.
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AJIN: Demi-Human is a Japanese live movie adaptation of Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gamon Sakurai. AJIN follows the ordeal of medical student Nagai Kei (Takeru Satoh) when he is held captive as an Ajin by the government. Ajins (demi-human) are immortal and are considered dangerous by humans. As a captive Ajin, Nagai is held in custody in a government controlled research facility where he undergoes cruel inhumane experiments.
The movie runs for 109 min. and is filled with beautifully choreographed fight scenes between the anti-hero Sato (Gau Ayano) and security forces. The film dives head first into the areas where Sato rescues Kei from an Ajin research facility. The flow of the movie feels urgent and fast-paced with action at every turn. The small break in a rustic Japanese village gives the chance to explore the humanity within every Ajin and difference between Nagai and Sato.
AJIN: Demi-Human is filled with extremely complex characters, making it hard for audiences separate who is the villain in the film. The characters are extremely well written with personalities that rally others to their cause. Is Sato, who champions for Ajin rights a freedom fighter or terrorist? Is Tosaki (Tamayama Tetsuji), an authoritarian government bureaucrat inhumanely suppressing demi-humans, or an Ajin sympathizer with Shimomura (Kawaei Rina, ex-member of AKB 48's Team A) as his sectary? Like us, Nagai must choose who to trust.
The movie adaptation of AJIN is not 100 percent faithful to the original manga series by Gamon Sakurai with an alternate ending. Still, the story managed to connect the important scenes seamlessly and remain mostly faithful to the original story till the final showdown between Nagai and Sato. The film restores scenes that were altered in the anime, like Sato's assault on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's building where he used a plane to bring down the entire building. The ensuing fight scene between Sato and members of the elite Metropolitan Police Assault Team is also one of the most exhilarating scenes that also demonstrated how powerful he and twisted he was.
Our Verdict
As a fan of the series, I would prefer an older Sato, but that won't stop me from falling in love with the series once again. Unless you're expecting a 100 percent faithful adaptation of the manga, AJIN: Demi-Human should find a place in your movie schedule this October. Especially, if you love Japanese action movies with a strong cast of Ikemen and easter eggs.
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