Everyone wants to be, or be with, James Bond. He’s a man of action, pure muscle poured into a tux, a super-spy saving the world. But there’s also something to be said for a very different archetype: a man of intellect, sarcasm laced into his words, a detective unravelling seemingly unsolvable mysteries. On this count, the world has long been fascinated by the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Courtesy of novelist Tokuya Higashigawa, crime-solving butler Kageyama has joined their ranks, so popular that he’s made that leap from page to screen – first in a wildly popular television series, now in a feature film.
An extension rather than a reboot of the television show, The After-Dinner Mysteries sees Kageyama (Sho Sakurai) accompany his heiress mistress Reiko (Keiko Kitagawa) on board her family’s luxury cruise liner on its final voyage. Kitagawa just wants to take a vacation from her day job as a cop, when her bumbling, pompous boss Kazmatsuri (Kippei Shiina) turns up with a special ‘K Lion’ statue intended as a gift to Singapore, the final destination of the cruise. Reiko and Kageyama are busily acquainting themselves with their fellow passengers, including the scoundrels with an eye on the treasures on board, when a prominent businessman is murdered in a highly irregular way.
More murders and mayhem ensue, all wrapped up in a slick, tongue-in-cheek package that will no doubt delight fans of the novel and television series. It’s easy to see why Kageyama – in the form of enormously adored boy-band member Sakurai – has won the hearts of so many. He’s on brilliant form in the film, verbally abusing Reiko for her inadequacies as a sleuth, even while protecting her with every resource at his disposal. The rest of the cast is clearly having a ball too: Kitagawa plays Reiko’s frustration with both her butler and boss in completely charming fashion, while Shiina struts through the film, merrily stealing every scene he’s in.
For neophytes, the film is a pleasing detective story, packed with twists and turns that are ably deciphered by the end – in full-disclosure, Agatha Christie style – by Kageyama. Some elements of the whole enterprise might grate rather than amuse: say, the hopelessly over-the-top cat burglars intent on stealing the K Lion, or the stream of revelations that go on almost a little too long. The ending might prove surprisingly emotional for some, and grossly manipulative to others.
Still, it’s hard to really resent a film that’s so cheerful, cheeky and intent on entertaining fans and newbies alike. Even if you find the mystery derivative, it’s hard to resist the fun, silly chemistry and sparkle of the leads, all summed up in one word: Titanic. It’s also great fun to see Singapore filtered through a decidely cinematic lens; the Superstar Virgo and skyline over Marina Bay Sands have never looked classier. For an after-dinner digestif, you could do worse.
Summary: Fun, silly mystery with a hint of romance and emotion. Add a star (or more) if you’re a fan, subtract half a star if you’re not.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Shawne Wang