This movie is like Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr. Ripley) crossed with Agatha Christie with a little Nancy Drew thrown in. Some of it reminded me of Chinatown and The Big Sleep. This highly complex whodunnit/neo-cinema noire requires strict attention to the screen as the plot twists are many and varied. And the gorgeous cinematography reveals San Francisco as a character in its own right. The gravelly voiced Pepe Serna's intrepid sheriff is a fully formed admirable character. In a film where personal identity is an issue, Serna's Paul has been fully integrated into American life whereas Aki (Steven Seagal's daughter, Ayako Fujitani) who is evading her past life is yet to find hers. The mysterious man from Reno (Kazuki Kitamura) is another piece of a puzzle involving personal identity. The dazzling ending suggests there is much to clear up and a sequel is begging to be made. This is fine film making from a director who has spent time with the Japanese and is fascinated by Japanese culture.
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