DVD Review: K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces

K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces

(Viz Media, 137 minutes)

http://www.viz-pictures.com/in_theatres/k20.html

In 1949, World War II has been avoided; as a result Japan’s class system has undergone a severe metamorphosis with nobility once again ruling over the commoners, restricting the two from interacting with each other to preserve the new social order. In the nation’s capital of Teito, the skyline is a vibrant mix of towering Manhattan style skyscrapers and dilapidated homes. However, the upper classes find themselves being terrorized by a mysterious yet charismatic criminal dubbed K: 20 by the public, whose daring robberies and impossible escapes make him powerful enemy to the elite and a hero amongst the serfs.

Endo Heikichi is a humble circus acrobat, doing his best to draw money to keep the circus running and pay for the ring master’s health bills. Though destitute, his life is everything he could imagine, as he has developed a family among those living in the circus and enjoys the opportunity to perform in front of others. His extraordinary skills draw the attention of a tabloid editor who hires Endo to snap some exclusive pictures a celebrity wedding between the police Chief Kogoro Akechi and the princess Yoko Hashiba. At the same time, K-20 has also publically marked the wedding as his next site of attack, putting the authorities on high alert.

Through a series of incidents, Endo is mistakenly captured and declared K-20. After being tortured and interrogated, Endo finds himself rescued by the society of thieves who also happen to be led by one of his former circus compatriots. Unfortunately for the hapless Endo, everything he held dear is gone, as the circus he once valued has been set ablaze and its performers separated. Unwilling to let things stand as they are, he resolves to train himself using the same techniques K-20 employs in order to capture the master thief and clear his name.

Originally based on a novel by Soh Kitamura, K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces is a mixture of pulp tropes and high adventure with hints of steampunk thrown throughout.

Unlike most superhero films today, the tone is kept light hearted while still showing its influence from the likes of Batman and Zorro. While Endo does occasionally display angst, his character later on becomes optimistic, showing off a renewed sense of hope as he effortlessly dives from building to building. The characters themselves are cheerful, occasionally reminding each other to say “thank you” after every rescue.

There are moments that offer laughs sprinkled within that for the most part are genuinely funny. The characters themselves are a treat to watch, as they are exposed to one situation after the next and react accordingly. Most are wide-eyed and enthusiastic, especially the ditzy Yoko, whose character evolves from a restrained melancholic princess to an adventure craving do-gooder. Unfortunately, one key scene meant to be used for comedic effect backfires and goes a long way in revealing K-20’s true identity.

Extras are virtually non-existent. Only trailers are included here, even lacking a dub which isn’t surprising given Viz’s recent releases but would be appreciated.

Every actor turns in a noteworthy performance, adding to the overall charm of the film. Everyone puts their best foot forward, displaying unparalleled charisma and confidence.
Honestly, K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the super hero films presented in the US in which the worst of mankind is on constant display, K-20 treats everything as an adventure. While it takes the subjects of a divided class structure and social poverty seriously, it refuses to sink to the depths of despair, rather maintaining a constant sense of optimism, reminding us that the super hero genre is meant to be boisterous fun.

K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces - A