Bright Future

Yuji Nimura (Joe Odagiri) and Mamoru Arita (Tadanobu Asano), two weary factory workers, are perpetually at odds with their tyrannical boss, Fujiwara (Takashi Sasano). In a surprising turn of events, Mamoru entrusts Nimura with his prized possession: a poisonous jellyfish he's been carefully cultivating in freshwater. This seemingly innocuous gesture sets the stage for a chain reaction of events that will forever alter the lives of those involved.

One fateful evening, Nimura pays a visit to Fujiwara's residence, intent on exacting revenge for their boss's relentless cruelty. However, he arrives to find that Mamoru has already taken matters into his own hands, brutally murdering Fujiwara and his wife. The consequences are dire: Mamoru is sentenced to death, but in a final act of defiance, he takes his own life on death row, leaving behind a cryptic message for Nimura to "proceed" with his own fate.

As the dust settles, Mamoru's estranged father, Shinichiro (Tatsuya Fuji), extends an olive branch to Nimura, taking him in and offering a chance at redemption. Nimura finds solace in helping Shinichiro with his electronics salvage business, but their differing visions for the future ultimately drive a wedge between them.

Seeking a fresh start, Nimura takes up residence at his sister's office, where he becomes embroiled with a group of restless youths. He uses his cunning to gain them after-hours access to the office, which they proceed to ransack and desecrate. The authorities apprehend the gang, but Nimura manages to slip through the cracks.

With nowhere else to turn, Nimura returns to Shinichiro's doorstep, where he finds a warm welcome and a chance for second chances. Later, as they stroll along the riverbank, they're treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle: a majestic school of jellyfish making their way to the open sea. Shinichiro, ever the enthusiast, can't resist the urge to wade into the water, only to be stung and left temporarily unconscious.

As the camera pans out, we follow the gang of youths as they meander aimlessly through the city streets, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake.