Program Note
Kanji, a college student and aspiring YouTuber, lives with his grandmother while working part-time at an internet café. One day, while cleaning, he stumbles upon a suspicious bag containing 100 million yen. Unable to resist temptation, Kanji ultimately takes the bag—setting off a chain of events far beyond his control. Soon, a corrupt detective named Ryosuke, the dangerously seductive Shina, and a host of other figures become entangled in the search for the missing fortune, as a high-stakes game of betrayal, deception, and desire unfolds. Based on the novel by Sone Keisuke, the film offers a witty yet incisive look at human nature under the influence of money. Previously adapted into a Korean feature film, the story now returns to Japan for a fresh reimagining. With updated characters and a contemporary setting, this version departs from the weightier tone of the source material, skillfully blending comedy, crime, and drama into an accessible and entertaining package. Fueled by greed, escalating misunderstandings, and an unpredictable series of twists, the film maintains a brisk, propulsive pace throughout. Making its world premiere at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, it also invites audiences to compare its approach with the earlier Korean adaptation. (Martin LEE)