The Third Murder is not quite the kind of mystery film you would expect. Rather, the movie can send you down different paths of thoughts. At the end of the day, you would be left questioning which is the real truth, or is there one to begin with.
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The Third Murder explores the motive of the suspect Misumi, portrayed by veteran actor Koji Yakusho, and how lawyer Shigemori, portrayed by Masaharu Fukuyama, tries to argue the case for the best interests of his client. However, Misumi frequently changes his story, which caused Shigemori to develop interest in finding out the ultimate truth, rather than just the “truth” that can help Misumi avoid the death sentence.
The Good
Throughout the movie, different variations of the truth were presented, each highly plausible with supporting evidence. The plot has been crafted in such a way that when one variation sinks into your mind, leading you to believe that must be it, another variation pops up and challenges it. In the film, there was an analogy about blind monks, each touching a part of an elephant, describing and arguing their “truth”. Perhaps, all of the variations of the story behind the murder are true. But no one can know for sure.
The Third Murder is Kore-Eda’s attempt at throwing light on how people tend to view courtroom as a place where the truth is revealed, contrasting it with how lawyers may twist facts for the benefit of their clients, and how justice may be served not because it is well-deserved but because of selfish reasons and majority’s opinions.
The film is also thought-provoking, highlighting philosophical questions like how a murder is less sinful hence a lighter punishment will be given, if the murderer was provoked into committing the act, as compared to intentional killing for egotistic purposes like money. But a murder is still a precious life lost regardless of the reasons behind it.
The (Not That) Bad
People who are looking for a good conclusion to the murder case may be disappointed. Coupled with Yakusho’s brilliant acting, you may end up feeling exasperated and wanting to know the truth badly.
And The Summary
The Third Murder is not quite the kind of mystery film you would expect. Rather, the movie can send you down different paths of thoughts. At the end of the day, you would be left questioning which is the real truth, or is there one to begin with.
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