Signal the Movie[2] is a 2021 Japanese police procedural thriller drama film directed by Hajime Hashimoto, co-written by Kōsuke Nishi and Hiroshi Hayashi, distributed by Toho, and stars Kentaro Sakaguchi, Michiko Kichise, and Kazuki Kitamura. The film was released in Japan on April 2, 2021.
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| Japanese | 劇場版シグナル 長期未解決事件捜査班 |
| Hepburn | Gekijōban Shigunaru: Chōki Mikaiketsujiken Sōsahan |
| Literally | Signal The Movie Long-Term Unsolved Case Investigation Team |
| Directed by | Hajime Hashimoto |
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| Starring | see below |
| Cinematography | Hiroo Yanagida |
| Edited by | Shinya Tadano |
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| Distributed by | Toho Co., Ltd. |
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Running time | 122 minutes[1] |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
The film is based on a television series with a same name, which itself is a remake of a South Korean television series with a same name, and continues where the television series left off with a brand new story.
"In 2021, a limousine taxi driver causes an accident on a highway and a high-level government official dies in the accident. Cold case investigation team, including Kento Saegusa and team leader Misaki Sakurai, have doubts about the case.
Meanwhile, in 2009, administrative officers die consecutively in car accidents. The police announce these deaths as accidents. Takeshi Ooyama believes that these deaths were not the product of simple accidents. At 11:23 PM, a walkie-talkie turns on and makes a connection between the future and past. Kento Saegusa and Takeshi Ooyama face the threat of bioterrorism."
In January 2020, it was announced that Signal television series would receive a film adaptation, and Hajime Hashimoto would direct the film.[3] The film featured a brand new story that was not present in the South Korean television series or any adaptations prior.[4] Cast members from the television series reprised their respective roles for the film.[3] The principal photography took place from January to February 2020.[4]
Yuki Hayashi and Asami Tachibana returned to co-compose the music for the film. South Korean boy band BTS also returned to provide the theme song for the film, titled "Film Out".[5]
The film was released in Japan on April 2, 2021.
James Marsh from South China Morning Post gave a mixed review, stating "Existing fans of the television show will doubtless already have their tickets booked for this frantic and fitfully entertaining continuation, but curious parties approaching Signal the Movie for the first time will be better served seeking out the small screen series first – or even the superior Korean incarnation, both of which are streaming on Netflix."[6]
Mark Schilling from The Japan Times praised the action sequences, stating "This cop thriller based on a 2018 Fuji TV series may be gimmicky, but it delivers in the action department."[7]
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