Program Note
Emi is a third-rate lawyer who fails at every case she takes on. Unlike her father, who was a competent lawyer, her future seems bleak until she takes on a bizarre murder case. The man accused of killing his wife claims he was paralyzed by sleep paralysis in a rural inn at the time of the crime. The only alibi he has is a samurai ghost who sat on his chest and caused the paralysis. When Emi encounters the ghost of the samurai, who died 421 years ago at the inn, she decides to bring the ghost to court as a witness.
As seen in the setup of having a ghost testify in court, director Mitani Koki’s comedy always begins with inventive imagination. While there is a case leading to the trial, the main focus of this courtroom comedy is not the identity of the culprit or the details of the crime. Instead, the appearance of the ghost leads to the growth of all the characters, bringing forth warm smiles characteristic of Mitani’s world. The delightful nightmare that masterfully combines courtroom drama and comedy will leave a lasting impression on the audience. (Martin LEE)