Cinema Society

KEY OF LIFE

Average
Rating

3.7

Tuesday, November 19, 2013, ArcLight La Jolla

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

ArcLight La Jolla (Auditoriums 4 & 5)

Cinema Chat and Introduction begins 15 minutes prior to screenings

Discussion follows screenings

KEY OF LIFE (“KAGI-DOROBO NO MESODDO”)

A case of stolen identity and one determined bride-to-be intersect in this comedic escapade from famed Japanese filmmaker Kenji Uchida. Struggling actor Sakurai is out of work, out of luck and can't even succeed at taking his own life. When a mysterious man slips and falls at the bathhouse, Sakurai switches locker keys and identities with the man, who turns out to be a hit man named Kondo. His memory lost in the fall, Kondo begins piecing 'his' life as Sakurai back together with the help of Kanae, a young woman he meets in the hospital, who is determined to find a husband. Meanwhile, Sakurai, posing as Kondo, incurs the wrath of ornery gangsters. As the truth about Kondo and Sakurai comes to light, they must scramble to resolve the chaos of this topsy turvy chain of events.

Running Time: 128 Minutes. Not Rated

PLEASE NOTE: KEY OF LIFE is in Japanese with English Subtitles

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22-Nov-13: Mroe - Rating: 3

Well it’s nice to know that other countries can make silly, overacted/animated, forgettable movies too. Sakai Masato's “acting” was a bit much for me, not sure if he was being a “character(s)” to practice his craft or he’s just a bad actor (in real life or for the role..???)…and there are always cultural differences we sometimes run into with foreign films that sometimes hinder our ability to fully understand the story.

I thought there were little gems in the movie that could possibly make for an interesting storyline, in fact I might have preferred the entire film be about the professional killer, Kondo and Kanae’s quest to find a husband (to coincide with her wedding day ;o)

21-Nov-13: Steve Altman - Rating: 4

It was so good to see an Asian film in a contemporary setting—thanks for making this one available to us, Andy. We enjoyed it, with excellent acting, a slice of Asian culture, and a cute story. Its twists and turns kept us engaged, and the development of the characters was another treat.

It is a far better offering than the historical pageants or kung fu type mayhem normally typical in Asian film releases. Thanks again for this little treat of a film.

20-Nov-13: pb - Rating: 4

What a delightful off beat film. Actors were terrific. Loved the twists and turns and the comedy was right on. A gem of a film. Thanks Andy.

20-Nov-13: Alice - Rating: 4

What a great film! This is what the cinema society is all about. Funny, insightful to the human condition, quirky. Ahh that Japanese humor. Very engaging from start to finish.

Kondo's demeanor changed so dramatically when he remembered who he was. What a scary look! Lots of different angles on love, personality traits. I'm not sure an American version will translate well. Nice ending in the middle of the credits.