Review "Tokyo Ghoul": winning challenge for a beautiful live film!

After our opinion on the live adaptation of Assassination Classroom, we looked at another highly anticipated hit license. That of mangaka Ishida Sui, I named Tokyo Ghoul.One of the most anticipated feature films of 2017. We give you our opinion on this adaptation. Successful or not? 

It was impossible for us to miss this promising production that made a lot of noise! For these reasons, discover without delay what we thought of the live film. What if we had been conquered?

Tokyo Ghoul

Original title: 東京喰種

Alternative title: Tokyo Ghoul

Genre: action – fantasy – horror

Country: Japan

Release date: July 29, 2017

Director: Kentaro Hagiwara (Uso Nante Hitotsu mo nai no)

Scriptwriter: Ichiro Kusuno (The Big Bee)

Original manga: Ishida Sui

Synopsis

In Tokyo, lives another species called ghoul, which feeds on human flesh. These creatures have a human appearance that allows them to blend in. However, they are hunted down by the Ghoul Control Center (GCC), an organization created to exterminate them. 

Ken Kaneki is a shy student, interested in Rize. But on his first date with her, he discovers that she is a ghoul, wanting to make him his meal. Mortally wounded, Ken miraculously survives by undergoing a transplant of her organs. It is then that his life turns upside down and becomes a nightmare. Now unable to eat like a human being and torn by impulses that push him to attack his peers, he will have to survive and face the evidence… Heis no longer who he used to be, but a half-human, half-ghoul hybrid…

Main cast

This review contains important elements from the film and may therefore contain spoilers. To be read at your own risk. 

Two worlds

The plot of the live action film introduces us to the world of ghouls through Ken, a young human man. At least… At first. The choice of script pays off, allowing neophytes and fans of the series to fully immerse themselves in Tokyo Ghoul. Indeed, we expected a lot and were very surprised and impressed by a realization keeping its promises and offering a very good adaptation. Thus, from the first minutes, we are completely absorbed by the atmosphere; With nevertheless some explanations on the context, so as not to get lost. Not to mention that the film was able to dose the different elements, little by little, while easily integrating them into its unusual story.

If the world of ghouls intrigues us and makes us curious about their way of life alongside men, it is above all Ken, central character and antihero who challenges us. In addition, the context is of great importance, as there is a struggle in the shadows between the GCC members and the ghouls.

In the end, two camps that oppose each other in the way of "good" and "evil", leading us to certain reflections on our daily lives. The many fights between the ghouls and the CCG inspectors make the pitch very interesting. But we do not forget theintense and emotional moments that dot the film. A happy medium that allows the film to progress and not lose its audience along the way!

Second skin

If the film was able to take advantage of the manga, it is also thanks to the actors, interpreting their roles with accuracy and feelings. And to lead the boat, the actor Masataka KUBOTA, well known to playwrights. He was able to bluff us in his approach to the character, sublimated by his acting and his natural expressions. Moreover, it is impossible not to take him in sympathy and pity especially during some difficult scenes for the entrails …

Another important character, that of Fumika SHIMIZU who embodies Toka and brings the feminine touch in this male world with her talent as a fighter. Moreover, she will help Ken with the members of the café l'Antique (Kuzen, Yomo …) to become aware of his new status, training him to fight for his survival.

The same goes for Hiyori SAKURADA, who offers us a fragile and shy Hinami, living a family drama while facing her nature. Also the relationship that animates these three and the united has a strong impact on the plot, making it touching.

However, the GCC inspectors are not left out, since Nobuyuki SUZUKI in the role of Kotaro also offers us a beautiful performance, in addition to an undeniable charm. His partner Yo OIZUMI, aka Kureo seemed rejuvenated. Nevertheless, he plays a character devoid of feeling and cruel faithfully. However, we regret that the gourmet is not present.

Winning challenge

The live-action film adaptation of the Tokyo Ghoul license was far from being won at the beginning because few are successful. However, the director and screenwriter obviously made a good choice. As a result, this feature film fulfills its mission hands down, because yes, it is a superb revisit. Especially since the film still lasts almost two hours and we do not see the time pass.

However, we wanted to address one last point, on the technical side of the kagune (the power conferred on ghouls) as well as on the choreographed scenes. But what about the appearance of the kagune? Well, we found them rather successful, which was not a foregone conclusion since complex to illustrate on screen. All the same, although they are sometimes pixelated and not very conspicuous in the darkness of the scenes, we enjoyed and saw much worse. Finally, we greatly appreciated the choreography during the fights. These are very well filmed, taking us into scenes of intense confrontations between ghouls and GCC inspector. The movements of the kagune are fluid, while we can clearly see the power of the qinque (weapons carried by the GCC inspectors).

In conclusion, we found very few false notes.This adaptation has been able to do well through its plot, its characters and its rhythm. Therefore, we highly recommend the live action movie, whether or not you know the original manga. And that's if you like science fiction, action and violence!

Tokyo Ghoul is a live-action film that brings the ghoul myth back to life, exploiting it brilliantly in an original plot. It is thus a real favorite for the editorial staff and which, we hope will conquer you too!

Trailer de Tokyo Ghoul