Japan
2018 94 mins OV Japanese Subtitles : English
The Meiji Restoration has come to Japan and with it, foreign wonders, novel ideas, and much unrest and resentment. Keepers of their family shrine and firm enforcers of the law in their district, the three Kumo brothers also stand watch against the return of the mythical dragon Orochi. Blessed with easygoing charm and impeccable martial-arts skills, Tenka, the eldest, must also act as guardian to his younger siblings Soramaru and Chutaro, following the murder of their parents by the sinister Fuma ninja clan. The Kumos alliance with the government's elite Yamainu security squad is fraught with distrust, but one thing is certain the Fuma ninjas must not accomplish their plan to unleash Orochi and overthrow the new order!
Director Katsuyuki Motohiro proved his knack for live-action manga adaptations with AJIN: DEMI-HUMAN and PSYCHO-PASS, and delivers again with his take on Karakara-Kemuri's popular Restoration-era action fantasy LAUGHING UNDER THE CLOUDS. As Tenka Kumo, rising star Sota Fukushi (a veteran of Takashi Miike and Shinsuke Sato films) is the charismatic centerpiece of one of the prettiest casts of late. If you enjoyed the RUROUNI KENSHIN recipe of poignant drama and swashbuckling adventure at a moment of great change for Japan, taking certain liberties with regards to historical accuracy but compensating with whirlwind thrills and eye-popping art direction, this one will grab you right from the opening tracking shot, a wild chase through a village festival in full swing! Rupert Bottenberg
