Draft:Top Knot Detective (2017 film)
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| Top Knot Detective | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Aaron McCann Dominic Pearce |
| Written by | Aaron McCann Dominic Pearce |
| Produced by | Lauren Brunswick |
| Starring | Toshi Okuzaki
Masa Yamaguchi Mayu Iwasaki |
| Cinematography | A.J. Coultier |
| Edited by | Steve Huges |
| Music by | Jima Kazara |
| Distributed by | Umbrella Entertainment & Third Window Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Languages | Japanese, English |
Top Knot Detective is a 2017 mockumentary film directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce. It humorously chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional Japanese samurai/detective series, known in Japan as Ronin Suiri Tentai and in the West as Top Knot Detective.
Plot[edit]
The series follows Sheimasu Tantei, an Edo-era police officer turned ronin/private detective on a never-ending road to vengeance after being framed for the murder of his Master. The show features a variety of adversaries including ninjas, samurai, yakuza, aliens, monsters, demons, robots, time-traveling baseball players, and go-go dancers[1][2].
Production[edit]
Originally shot as a short film for Australian broadcaster SBS in 2014, the film was later greenlit in late 2015 and shot in 2016 in the Australian cities of Perth and Sydney, and also the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. To achieve the authentic look of an "archival documentary" the filmmakers dumped all of the 4K footage to VHS before recapturing the media and presenting it as if it was "uncovered" archival tapes.[3].
Reception[edit]
Top Knot Detective has been recognized for its unique blend of comedy and drama, earning a cult following. It has received a rating of 3.4/5 on Letterboxd and has won several awards and nominations[4].
Cast and Crew[edit]
- Toshi Okuzaki as Takashi Takamoto
- Masa Yamaguchi as Haruto Kioke
- Mayu Iwasaki as Mia Matsumoto
- Written & Directed by Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce
- Produced by Lauren Brunswick
Release[edit]
The film premiered in 2017 and has been featured in various international film festivals, including the Sitges International Fantasy and Horror Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, and the International Film Festival Rotterdam.[5]
Critical Analysis[edit]
Critics have praised Top Knot Detective for its anarchic comedy and deep understanding of Japanese pop culture. The film is seen as a riotous deconstruction of genre tropes, pushing the boundaries of absurdity while maintaining an emotional resonance that captures the audience.
Cultural Impact[edit]
The film covers a wide range of Asian pop culture, predominantly Japanese, and the skewed Western perception and fascination with it. It has been described as a bewildering mix of samurai, ninjas, robots, robot ninjas, game shows, J-pop, demons, and more, reflecting the consuming fascination with pulp shows.
Awards and Nominations[edit]
Top Knot Detective has received critical acclaim, winning awards and nominations for its originality and comedic approach to the mockumentary genre.
References[edit]
- ^ "Top Knot Detective (2017) - Vinegar Syndrome".
- ^ "Top Knot Detective (Telemovie) (2016) - Screen Australia".
- ^ "Fantastic Fest 2017 Review: TOP KNOT DETECTIVE, Japan's Greatest TV Show That Never Existed". 10 October 2017.
- ^ "Top Knot Detective (letterboxd)".
- ^ "Top Knot Detective finds 2017 absurdity in '90s TV's samurai crossover hits (Ars Technica)". 4 November 2017.