Shield of Straw ( 2013 )

Shield of Straw (2013): A Detailed Analysis

Takashi Miike's 2013 film, Shield of Straw (Japanese: 藁の楯, Hepburn: Wara no Tate), is a gripping thriller that explores complex themes of justice, morality, and the value of human life within the framework of the Japanese legal system. Based on the novel of the same name by Kazuhiro Kiuchi, the film depicts the high-stakes journey of five police officers tasked with transporting a notorious child killer across Japan to face trial. This seemingly straightforward mission quickly devolves into a desperate fight for survival as a massive bounty is placed on the killer's head, turning the entire nation against them.

Synopsis

The story begins with the brutal murder of a young girl, allegedly by Kunihide Kiyomaru, a man with a history of violent crimes. Kiyomaru, now living in Fukuoka, is apprehended by the police, who believe they have a strong case against him. However, due to insufficient evidence, securing a conviction proves difficult. In a dramatic turn of events, the girl's powerful and wealthy grandfather, Ninagawa Takao, a prominent businessman, takes matters into his own hands. Ninagawa offers a staggering reward – one billion yen – to anyone who kills Kiyomaru. This announcement sparks a nationwide manhunt, with citizens across Japan eager to claim the bounty, regardless of the moral or legal implications.

Faced with a public outcry and the imminent threat of vigilante justice, the police decide to transport Kiyomaru to Tokyo for a fair trial. Five officers – Mekari Kazuki, Shiraiwa Atsuko, Sekiya Keisuke, Tamura Naoki and Harada Yasuhiro – are assigned to the perilous mission. Mekari and Shiraiwa, the protagonists, represent contrasting perspectives on the situation. Mekari, a seasoned detective, is focused on duty and justice, while Shiraiwa, a younger officer, grapples with the ethical dilemma of protecting a man accused of such a heinous crime. The transport team uses a variety of methods, including bullet trains and helicopters, to evade the relentless pursuers. As the journey progresses, they face constant threats, betrayals, and moral challenges, forcing them to question their own beliefs and the true meaning of justice.

Characters

The film features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the narrative's complexity.

Themes

Shield of Straw delves into several profound themes, making it more than just a simple action thriller.

• Justice vs. Revenge: The film explores the fundamental conflict between justice, which seeks to punish wrongdoers through legal means, and revenge, which seeks to inflict harm in response to a perceived injustice. Ninagawa's actions represent a desire for personal revenge, while the police officers are tasked with upholding the law, even when it seems morally reprehensible.
• The Value of Human Life: The film questions the inherent value of human life, particularly when the individual in question is accused of a heinous crime. The bounty placed on Kiyomaru's head effectively dehumanizes him, reducing him to a target for profit. The officers must grapple with the ethical implications of protecting someone deemed unworthy of life by many.
• Moral Ambiguity: Shield of Straw avoids simplistic good vs. evil narratives, presenting characters with complex motivations and moral dilemmas. The officers struggle with their consciences, questioning whether they are doing the right thing by protecting Kiyomaru. Even Ninagawa, driven by grief and anger, is portrayed as a sympathetic figure to some extent.
• The Power of Money: The film highlights the corrupting influence of money and its ability to distort people's moral compass. The one billion yen bounty motivates ordinary citizens to commit violence, demonstrating the allure of wealth and its potential to override ethical considerations.
• Duty vs. Belief: The officers are bound by their duty to uphold the law, even when it conflicts with their personal beliefs. Mekari, in particular, embodies this conflict, as he remains steadfast in his commitment to the law, despite his personal feelings about Kiyomaru. Shiraiwa's struggles show the personal turmoil that can arise when duty clashes with one's moral compass.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

The film's narrative structure is a fast-paced and suspenseful journey. The bounty announcement quickly escalates the stakes, creating a sense of urgency and constant danger. The transport team's journey across Japan provides a dynamic backdrop for the unfolding events, with each new location presenting fresh challenges and threats. The narrative is punctuated by intense action sequences, moments of quiet reflection, and dramatic confrontations, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The pacing is deliberately relentless, mirroring the constant pressure faced by the officers. The film rarely allows for moments of respite, maintaining a high level of tension and suspense. This pacing effectively conveys the precariousness of the situation and the ever-present danger surrounding the transport team.

Visual Style and Cinematography

Shield of Straw employs a visually striking style that enhances the film's themes and atmosphere. The cinematography captures the beauty and diversity of the Japanese landscape, contrasting it with the violence and desperation that permeate the story. The film makes effective use of close-ups to convey the characters' emotions and inner struggles. The action sequences are dynamic and visceral, immersing the viewer in the chaos and danger of the situation.

The use of color is also significant. The film often employs muted tones to create a sense of realism and grittiness, while flashes of vibrant color punctuate moments of intense emotion or violence. The overall visual style contributes to the film's sense of unease and moral ambiguity.

Directorial Style

Takashi Miike, known for his eclectic and often controversial filmography, brings his signature style to Shield of Straw. While the film is more restrained than some of his earlier works, it still bears his hallmarks of intense violence, dark humor, and moral complexity. Miike masterfully balances the action and suspense with moments of character development and thematic exploration, creating a film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Miike's direction emphasizes the human element of the story. He focuses on the emotional toll that the mission takes on the officers, highlighting their vulnerabilities and moral struggles. He also avoids sensationalizing the violence, instead using it to underscore the desperation and moral decay that pervade the film's world.

Reception and Criticism

Shield of Straw received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes. Others criticized it for its occasional lapses in logic, excessive violence, and reliance on clichés. However, the film was generally considered to be a well-crafted and engaging thriller.

One common criticism was the film's depiction of the Japanese public as easily swayed by the bounty and willing to commit violence for money. Some viewers found this portrayal to be unrealistic and overly cynical. However, others argued that it served as a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and the corrupting influence of wealth.

Despite the mixed reviews, Shield of Straw was a commercial success in Japan, grossing over 1.8 billion yen at the box office. The film also received international recognition, being nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Impact and Legacy

Shield of Straw has had a lasting impact on the thriller genre, inspiring other films and television shows that explore similar themes of justice, morality, and the value of human life. The film's portrayal of a society gripped by fear and greed remains relevant in today's world, where misinformation and social media can easily incite violence and hatred.

The film's exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers also resonates with contemporary debates about police brutality and accountability. Shield of Straw serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law, even when it is difficult or unpopular, and of the need for constant vigilance against the erosion of moral values.

Detailed Scene Analysis (Examples)

Scene 1: The Bounty Announcement: This scene is crucial as it establishes the central conflict. Ninagawa's press conference, broadcast nationally, is a masterful stroke of public manipulation. The camera focuses on his grief-stricken face, eliciting sympathy from the audience. The announcement of the billion-yen bounty is delivered with chilling calmness, instantly transforming Kiyomaru from a suspected murderer into a national target. The scene highlights the power of wealth and the ease with which public opinion can be swayed.

Scene 2: The Bullet Train Ambush: This sequence is a masterclass in suspense. The confined space of the bullet train amplifies the sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. The attackers, disguised as ordinary passengers, represent the pervasive threat facing the officers. The fight choreography is brutal and realistic, emphasizing the desperate struggle for survival. This scene showcases Miike's ability to create intense action sequences that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Scene 3: Sekiya's Betrayal: This scene is a turning point in the narrative. Sekiya's decision to betray his comrades is driven by greed and a desire to escape his own financial troubles. The scene highlights the corrupting influence of money and the lengths to which people will go to achieve wealth. Sekiya's betrayal also underscores the theme of trust and loyalty, which are constantly tested throughout the film.

Comparison with the Novel

While Shield of Straw is based on Kazuhiro Kiuchi's novel, there are several key differences between the two works. The film condenses the novel's plot, streamlining the narrative and focusing on the most essential elements. The film also alters some of the characters' motivations and backstories, in order to create a more compelling cinematic experience.

One significant difference is the film's emphasis on action and suspense. The novel is more introspective, delving deeper into the characters' psychological states and moral dilemmas. The film, on the other hand, prioritizes pacing and visual spectacle, creating a more visceral and engaging experience for the viewer. However, both the novel and the film share a common theme: the exploration of justice, morality, and the value of human life in a society teetering on the brink of chaos.

Conclusion

Shield of Straw is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that explores complex themes of justice, morality, and the value of human life. Takashi Miike's direction, combined with strong performances from the cast, creates a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. While the film has its flaws, it remains a powerful and relevant commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and the challenges of upholding the law in a society driven by fear and greed. Whether viewed as a pure action thriller or a deeper exploration of societal issues, Shield of Straw offers a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.