Re:Born

Re:Born is a 2016 Japanese action thriller directed by Yuji Shimomura. The movie marks the comeback of acclaimed action star Tak Sakaguchi after his brief hiatus from the film industry. Known for his roles in cult classics like Versus and Death Trance, Sakaguchi delivers a captivating performance that reinvents his status in the industry and lives up to the movie’s title. This movie also features stellar performances from Yura Kondo and Takumi Saitoh. Renowned fight choreographer Yoshitaka Inagawa, a former combat instructor for U.S. Special Forces, adds an extra dimension to the movie using his own devised combat style, the Zero Range Combat System.

The plot of Re:Born revolves around the character of Toshiro (played by Tak Sakaguchi), a seemingly ordinary convenience store clerk leading a quiet life in a rural town. Toshiro, however, harbors a shadowy past and a set of lethal combat skills. The narrative of the film traces Toshiro's quest to lead a peaceful life despite his dark past that continues to haunt him.

Tak Sakaguchi’s portrayal of Toshiro is layered with complexity, providing a window into the life of a man equally adept at serving customers in a convenience store and dispatching attackers with deadly precision. The audience gets to see a solitary figure trying to leave his violent past behind only to find that doing so is not as easy as he had hoped.

His past comes charging back into his life as an unidentified group of mercenaries launches an attack aimed towards him. His only option now is to fight back for survival. Toshiro employs his specialized combat techniques which he has carefully honed to protect himself and his loved ones from the impending danger. The movie also introduces us to his adoptive niece, Sachi (Yura Kondo), who becomes embroiled in the battle that Toshiro must fight. Their dynamic relationship adds an emotional layer to the movie's high-octane action.

Re:Born offers gripping and relentless action sequences, effectively juxtaposing moments of exhilarating combat with quieter moments of introspection, giving the movie a unique rhythm. Yoshiro's combat style, featuring close-quarter knife fights and bare-handed combat, is particularly noteworthy.

The combat style showcased in the film, the Zero Range Combat System is deftly used throughout the various action sequences. This fighting style is characterized by its close range and swift moves making it a visceral and intense experience for viewers. The combat scenes in Re:Born are skillfully choreographed, presenting a relentless and thrilling spectacle that sets the film apart in the action genre.

The cinematography in Re:Born effectively captures both the serene beauty of the rural setting and the intense chaos of the combat. This contrast provides an intriguing backdrop to the unfolding narrative. Additionally, the sound design coupled with the film’s score adds energy to the combat scenes, augmenting the overall intensity of the drama.

In terms of its characters, Re:Born provides an interesting mix. While Tak Sakaguchi's stellar performance essentially carries the film, he is supported by an equally capable cast. Yura Kondo’s performance as Sachi creates a compelling contrast to Sakaguchi's Toshiro. Their relationship brings balance to the largely action-packed film, lending depth to the characters and the plot.

Supporting actor, Takumi Saitoh, playing the character known as "Abyss Walker," portrays a menacing antagonist. He brings a level of intensity to the screen that matches that of Sakaguchi’s Toshiro, making their inevitable confrontations all the more gripping.

Re:Born is a movie that showcases its lead actor's, Tak Sakaguchi, action prowess and charismatic presence on screen. It is a testament to his versatility as an actor, effectively portraying a character struggling with his lethal past while attempting to live an ordinary life. The film cleverly uses its rural setting and expertly choreographed action sequences to create a thrilling narrative. With its captivating performances, intense action scenes, and compelling storyline, Re:Born is a must-watch for action movie enthusiasts.