October 2008, the Movie Review Squad has watched the first installment of this trilogy, of this perhaps the most expensive Japanese film ever made. I wonder why there is a 6 months delay before part 2 arrives in [a tiny theater in] Singapore (compare to a 2 months gap for part 1). And I look forward to a part 3 that will be released this August in Singapore. So it says on the big screen at the end of the trailer, at the end of the 142 minutes movie.
142 minute?!
Part 2 is just as lengthy as part 1. To recap, “20th Century Boys” is our friend TK’s baby. He got us into this. Friend! And surprisingly, Cynthia loves the part 1 too. I found the first part a bit lengthy, a bit confusing, and kind of lacking in the eye candy factor. Men! I know.
Comes part 2, titled “The Last Hope”. Although it is still a bit lengthy, because the plot doesn’t go back and forth in time that often like part 1, it is much easier to follow. The story is still as confusing as ever partly because I am – or we are – overwhelmed by the sheer number of key characters with names in Japanese (of course). And honestly speaking, our recollection of the plot thus far was very minimal. If you recall, part 1 is about this Book of Prophesy, whereby the future plays out exactly as what was ‘predicted’. Part 2 is about this New Book of Prophesy, that is even more absurdly bizarre. I said it many times, Japanese imagination knows no bound. The entire story of “20th Century Boys” and the concept created is just, strange. But I am liking it.
The year is 2015 and the heroine Kanna has grown up. I am not 100% sure if the 24 years old actress Airi Taira can act that well. But she is one eye candy for sure. I love her hairstyle in the show (shallow I so am!). Deep inside, I was – or we were – hoping that Kanna would play a much bigger role in the overall plot. But I was mildly disappointed. Perhaps part 2 has this mid episode syndrome and is sandwiched between two episodes with a scale of total world destruction, Kanna can only do what Kanna has done.
I have absolutely no idea how the part 3 is going to play out of course. Maybe Kanna will save the world. Maybe somebody else does (the title does imply that the heroes belong to the male species though). Or maybe the world will be destroyed for good. Personally I enjoy part 2 more than part 1. The filmmakers have done a great job in delivering us a powerful ending for “The Last Hope”. And I find myself cracking into laughter here and there amazed by the super dramatized acting and over the top production. In preparing ourselves for the finale, I think the Movie Review Squad needs to spend some time and watch the first two installments again in order to get a better grasp on what the story is about. I may even need to dig up some “20th Century Boys” manga online!