Ranmaru Kamino shita wo motsu otoko ( 2016 )

Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue - An In-Depth Analysis

Ranmaru Kamino shita wo motsu otoko (2016), internationally known as Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue, is a quirky and comedic Japanese mystery film directed by Yuichi Fukuda. Based on the drama series of the same name, the film follows Ranmaru Tomoyasu (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a bumbling but well-meaning onsen doctor blessed (or cursed) with the ability to discern the history of objects, places, and even people by licking them. This unusual talent lands him and his exasperated companions, Mitsuhiko Miyazaki (Takayuki Yamada) and Kanji Arima (Osamu Mukai), smack-dab in the middle of a bizarre and potentially deadly case.

Plot Synopsis

The film opens with Ranmaru, Mitsuhiko, and Kanji working at a remote onsen (hot spring resort). Ranmaru, while seemingly inept at traditional medical practices, is called upon to investigate strange occurrences at the resort. By licking various objects – teacups, walls, even suspicious stains – he uncovers hidden stories and clues, often much to the chagrin of Mitsuhiko and Kanji who are skeptical of his methods. Their initial skepticism soon turns to reluctant acceptance as Ranmaru's licking consistently leads them closer to solving mysteries.

The main plot of the film involves a series of seemingly unrelated disappearances and strange events centered around a wealthy and eccentric family and their ancestral mansion. A valuable family heirloom is missing, and a series of unsettling incidents plague the residents. Driven by his insatiable curiosity and a desire to help people, Ranmaru, with Mitsuhiko and Kanji reluctantly in tow, embarks on an investigation that takes them through a labyrinth of secret passages, hidden identities, and dark family secrets. The humor derives largely from Ranmaru's unconventional detective work, the comical interplay between the three leads, and the increasingly absurd situations they find themselves in.

As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a cast of colorful and suspicious characters, each with their own secrets and motives. Ranmaru's licking becomes instrumental in piecing together the puzzle, revealing a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and long-held grudges. The film culminates in a dramatic showdown where Ranmaru's unique ability is put to the ultimate test, forcing him to confront the truth behind the disappearances and expose the culprit. In the end, justice is served, and the bonds between Ranmaru, Mitsuhiko, and Kanji are strengthened through their shared experience, albeit in a highly unconventional and hilarious way.

Character Analysis

The film's strength lies in its well-developed and comedic characters:

• Ranmaru Tomoyasu (Hidetoshi Nishijima): Ranmaru is the heart of the film. Despite his bizarre habit of licking everything, he possesses a genuine desire to help people. He is portrayed as somewhat naive and oblivious to social norms, which adds to his comedic appeal. He uses his “God Tongue” to uncover hidden truths, making him an unconventional yet effective detective.
• Mitsuhiko Miyazaki (Takayuki Yamada): Mitsuhiko serves as the straight man to Ranmaru's eccentricity. He is often exasperated by Ranmaru's antics but is ultimately loyal to his friend. He provides the necessary pragmatism and common sense to balance Ranmaru's whimsical nature.
• Kanji Arima (Osamu Mukai): Kanji is another voice of reason within the trio. Like Mitsuhiko, he is initially skeptical of Ranmaru's abilities but gradually comes to appreciate his unique talent. He offers a more analytical approach to the investigations, complementing Ranmaru's intuitive style.

Character Summary Table

Themes and Motifs

Despite its comedic tone, Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue explores several underlying themes:

• The Power of Perception: The film emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface and considering alternative perspectives. Ranmaru's unconventional method of investigation highlights the idea that truth can be found in unexpected places.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Ranmaru, Mitsuhiko, and Kanji is a central theme. Despite their differences, they support each other through thick and thin, demonstrating the power of friendship and loyalty.
• Acceptance of the Unusual: The film encourages acceptance of those who are different or possess unique abilities. Ranmaru's God Tongue, though bizarre, is ultimately what allows him to solve the mysteries.
• The Hidden Past: The film repeatedly delves into the hidden histories of objects and places, revealing how the past can influence the present. This theme underscores the importance of understanding history to solve current problems.

Theme Summary Table

Directorial Style and Cinematography

Yuichi Fukuda's directorial style is characterized by its over-the-top humor, fast-paced editing, and use of slapstick comedy. The film embraces absurdity and relies heavily on visual gags and exaggerated performances. The cinematography is bright and colorful, reflecting the film's lighthearted tone. The film utilizes specific shots to emphasize the comedic nature of the scenes, often focusing on the characters' reactions to Ranmaru's licking.

The film's visual style complements the narrative, creating a playful and engaging viewing experience. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the audience is constantly entertained by the comedic antics of the characters. Fukuda successfully blends mystery and comedy, creating a unique and enjoyable film.

Critical Reception

Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue received mixed reviews. While some critics praised the film's humor and unique premise, others found it to be overly silly and lacking in substance. However, the film resonated with audiences who appreciated its lighthearted tone and quirky characters. The performances of the actors, particularly Hidetoshi Nishijima, were generally well-received. The film's success can be attributed to its ability to deliver consistent comedic moments and its willingness to embrace its own absurdity.

Impact and Legacy

The film solidified the popularity of the Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue franchise. The original drama series gained a cult following, and the film served as a continuation of the story, further expanding the characters' adventures. The film's success also contributed to the popularity of Hidetoshi Nishijima, who became known for his comedic roles. While not a critical darling, the film remains a beloved piece of Japanese comedic cinema, remembered for its unique premise and unforgettable characters.

Detailed Scene Analysis: The Licking Scenes

The core of Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue lies in its signature licking scenes. These are not merely random acts of licking; they are meticulously choreographed and dramatically heightened to maximize comedic impact. Each lick is accompanied by a series of visual and auditory cues that amplify the absurdity.

First, there's the anticipation. The camera often focuses on Ranmaru's eyes, which widen with a mixture of curiosity and determination. Then comes the careful approach. Ranmaru examines the object of his affection (or investigation) with a studious gaze, as if preparing for a culinary masterpiece. The actual lick is usually executed with a flourish, often accompanied by exaggerated facial expressions and sound effects – slurps, smacks, and groans that convey the supposed taste of the object.

Following the lick, Ranmaru enters a trance-like state. Flashes of imagery flood the screen – memories, visions, fragments of the past. These are presented in a rapid-fire montage, often employing surreal and dreamlike visuals. The audience is given a glimpse into the history that Ranmaru is experiencing, albeit through a highly stylized and comedic lens.

The reactions of Mitsuhiko and Kanji are crucial to the success of these scenes. Their expressions of disgust, disbelief, and reluctant acceptance provide a constant source of humor. They serve as the audience's surrogate, reacting to Ranmaru's bizarre behavior with the appropriate mix of horror and amusement.

These scenes are not just comedic; they also serve a narrative function. They are the primary means by which Ranmaru uncovers clues and pieces together the mystery. The licking scenes are a clever device that allows the filmmakers to blend humor with detective work, creating a truly unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Symbolism and Visual Motifs

While predominantly a comedy, Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue subtly employs symbolism and visual motifs to enhance the storytelling. The onsen itself serves as a symbol of cleansing and healing, both physically and emotionally. The hot springs represent a space where people can relax, unwind, and potentially confront their inner demons. The water motif recurs throughout the film, often associated with purification and renewal.

The ancestral mansion, the central location of the main mystery, is a visual representation of the past. Its labyrinthine corridors and hidden rooms symbolize the secrets and complexities that lie buried within the family's history. The mansion's architecture and décor reflect the wealth and power of the family, but also hint at the decay and corruption that lurk beneath the surface.

Objects, too, are imbued with symbolic meaning. The missing heirloom, for instance, represents the family's legacy and the conflict over their inheritance. The various artifacts that Ranmaru licks each tell a story, revealing the hidden histories and motivations of the characters involved. These visual cues add depth and complexity to the film, enriching the viewing experience for those who pay close attention.

Comparison to Other Works

Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue shares similarities with other comedic mystery films, but its unique premise sets it apart. It draws inspiration from classic detective stories, such as those by Agatha Christie, but subverts the genre with its absurdist humor and unconventional protagonist. The film also echoes elements of Japanese folklore and mythology, particularly in its portrayal of Ranmaru's God Tongue, which can be seen as a supernatural ability rooted in traditional beliefs.

In terms of tone and style, the film is reminiscent of other works by director Yuichi Fukuda, known for his over-the-top comedies and quirky characters. It also shares similarities with other Japanese comedic dramas, such as those featuring eccentric detectives or investigators with unusual methods. However, Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue distinguishes itself through its commitment to its bizarre premise and its willingness to push the boundaries of comedy.

Conclusion

Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue is a unique and entertaining film that blends mystery and comedy in a truly unforgettable way. While its humor may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate its absurdity will find it to be a delightful and quirky experience. The film's well-developed characters, engaging plot, and distinctive visual style make it a standout in the genre of comedic mystery. Its exploration of themes such as perception, friendship, and acceptance adds depth to its comedic surface. Ranmaru: The Man with the God Tongue is a testament to the power of Japanese comedy and a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional methods can lead to the most surprising discoveries.