Vigilante

In the gripping drama Vigilante, directed by Irie Yu in 2017, the complexities of familial bonds are put to the ultimate test against the backdrop of a provincial city grappling with its own moral decay. The story revolves around three brothers—Ichiro, Jiro, and Saburo—whose lives have diverged dramatically since their youth. Ichiro, the eldest, fled their troubled home as a young man, seeking freedom but leaving behind a legacy of unresolved issues. Jiro, the middle brother, has climbed the political ladder as a city councilman, yet his success is tainted by the weight of family expectations. Meanwhile, Saburo, the youngest, finds himself entrenched in the seedy underbelly of society, managing a call girl service that reflects the desperation of their circumstances.

As their father's death summons them back to their childhood home, the brothers are forced to confront not only their estranged relationships but also the inescapable patterns that bind them. Vigilante explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the struggle for identity amidst familial chaos. The film deftly portrays how the choices made by each brother reverberate through their lives, leading to a powerful climax that underscores the idea that one’s past is never truly left behind. With a hauntingly poignant narrative and compelling character arcs, this film invites audiences to reflect on the nature of responsibility and the haunting pull of family ties, making it a thought-provoking watch for those intrigued by the darker aspects of human relationships.