Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects 1989
Directed by
J. Lee Thompson
Made by
Cineplex Odeon Films
Plot Summary
In the midst of a tumultuous marriage, Japanese entrepreneur Hiroshi Hada’s attention is drawn to a woman in the chaotic environment of Tokyo’s subway system. Her silent yet involuntary climaxes starkly contrast with the violent assault happening nearby. Intrigued by this odd phenomenon, his curiosity deepens when he observes a similar occurrence during a bus ride home. Attempting to replicate the situation himself, Hada’s actions provoke a drastically different response from his Caucasian victim, leading to dire consequences: he faces a brutal robbery and assault by a mugger.
As the repercussions of Hada’s reckless behavior spiral out of control, several innocent Asian men fall prey to violence, mistakenly identified as the perpetrator and subjected to savage beatings by bystanders. Meanwhile, Hada’s daughter, Fumiko, finds herself ensnared in a harrowing child prostitution ring controlled by the notorious “Pimp King,” Duke.
In this intricate web of misfortune, Lt. Crowe, father to Rita, a victim of Hada’s previous misconduct on the bus, dedicates himself to finding Fumiko. Initially harboring a strong bias against all things Japanese, his perspective shifts dramatically as he witnesses the unwavering love and commitment the Hada family displays for their daughter—a bond that rivals his own protective instincts as a father.
Eventually, the unlikely pair of Crowe and his partner Eddie Rios successfully locate Fumiko, bringing her nightmare to an end, although the psychological scars from her experiences remain haunted and deep. The vicious leader of the gang, Duke, meets a violent fate at the hands of law enforcement, yet his sinister accomplices manage to escape, leaving behind the chilling knowledge that their malevolent actions will have enduring repercussions.
Later, as the Hadas express their gratitude with gifts at Crowe’s home, a heavy unease cloaks the atmosphere between Hiroshi and Rita—two lives that intersected under tragic circumstances. The fragile hope for closure is brutally shattered when Fumiko tragically succumbs to an overdose, a poignant reminder that the trauma she endured will forever haunt her soul.
As dusk descends over the serene harbor, Crowe and Rios embark on a reckless journey to hunt down the infamous Duke, ultimately discovering him aboard a vessel in the vibrant marina. The confrontation escalates swiftly, resulting in Rios’s brutal demise at the hands of Duke and his remaining gang. However, in a twist of fate, Duke finds himself plunged into the harbor’s depths, struggling against the oppressive pressure of his own fate. With a calculated calmness, Crowe offers Duke a chilling ultimatum: succumb to the merciless tides or risk being rescued by his nemesis. Surprisingly, Crowe opts for the latter, only to intensify Duke’s despair by condemning him to a maximum-security prison known for its depravity and aggressive inmates.
As the cell door slams shut behind him, Duke is faced with a horrific reality: the sickening whispers and dark intentions of his cellmate trap him in a waking nightmare, forcing him to confront the looming threat of sexual assault in a hell imagined by the darkest of minds. As Crowe departs, a sardonic satisfaction mark his face, as if he is relishing the bitter taste of poetic justice that unfolds before him.
Timeline
Hiroshi Hada's Troubled Marriage
Hiroshi Hada, a Japanese entrepreneur, grapples with the complexities of his tumultuous marriage. As tensions rise, he seeks distraction in the chaotic ambiance of Tokyo's subway system, leading him to make unexpected observations.
Intriguing Encounter
While riding the subway, Hiroshi is captivated by a woman experiencing silent climaxes, an unsettling yet intriguing phenomenon amid the violent chaos surrounding them. This encounter becomes a pivotal moment, piquing his curiosity and setting the stage for future events.
Attempt to Replicate
Determined to explore this unusual situation, Hiroshi attempts to replicate it during a bus ride home. However, his actions have terrifying consequences when he violently assaults a Caucasian woman, provoking a severe backlash that culminates in his own brutal mugging.
Innocent Victims
In the aftermath of Hiroshi's reckless behavior, a series of violent incidents occur when several innocent Asian men are mistakenly identified as the assailant. This misunderstanding leads to savage beatings by bystanders, showcasing the chaos and prejudice that arise from the situation.
Fumiko's Abduction
Amidst the turmoil, Hiroshi's daughter, Fumiko, finds herself ensnared in a harrowing child prostitution ring run by the notorious Pimp King, Duke. Her abduction marks a tragic escalation in the family's misfortune, as they desperately seek to rescue her.
Lt. Crowe's Quest
Lt. Crowe, father to Rita, a previous victim of Hada's misconduct, embarks on a mission to locate Fumiko. Initially, he harbors a strong bias against all things Japanese but soon begins to see the Hada family's dedication to their daughter's safety.
Finding Fumiko
Lt. Crowe and his partner, Eddie Rios, successfully discover Fumiko, bringing her nightmarish experience to an end. While the family's reunion brings temporary relief, Fumiko’s psychological scars from her experiences are expected to linger long after.
Duke's Downfall
Duke, the ruthless leader of the child prostitution ring, meets a violent fate at the hands of law enforcement. Although Duke is apprehended, some of his accomplices manage to escape, leaving the lingering threat of their malevolence.
A Tense Reunion
The Hada family expresses their gratitude to Lt. Crowe, presenting him with gifts at his home. However, the atmosphere remains heavy with unease, particularly between Hiroshi and Rita, as they confront the tragic ties that entwine them.
Fumiko's Tragic Demise
The fragile hope for healing is brutally shattered when Fumiko succumbs to an overdose, a tragic reminder of the deep trauma caused by her experiences. This event creates a monumental impact on the Hada family, leaving them forever haunted by her loss.
Crowe's Reckless Hunt
As dusk settles over the harbor, Lt. Crowe and Rios embark on a reckless mission to hunt down Duke. Their pursuit leads them to a confrontation aboard a vessel, escalating the tension as they close in on their target.
Rios's Fatal Encounter
The confrontation takes a deadly turn when Rios is brutally killed by Duke and his gang. This shocking event sends Crowe into a spiral of vengeance as he grapples with the loss of his partner amidst the chaos.
Duke's Ultimate Choice
In a climactic moment, Crowe confronts Duke and offers him a sinister ultimatum: to succumb to the unforgiving tides or risk being rescued. Crowe chooses to let Duke face his fate, symbolizing a desire for poetic justice.
Duke's Prison Nightmare
Following his capture, Duke is imprisoned in a maximum-security facility notorious for its brutality. Faced with the horrifying reality of his new environment, he encounters the dark intentions of his cellmate, thrusting him into a waking nightmare.
Crowe's Satisfaction
As Crowe departs from Duke’s prison cell, a sardonic smile marks his face, revealing his bittersweet satisfaction in the poetic justice that has unfolded. This moment encapsulates the struggle between vengeance and justice throughout the tumultuous story.
Characters
Hiroshi Hada
Hiroshi is a conflicted Japanese entrepreneur caught in a tumultuous marriage. His curiosity and reckless actions set off a chain of tragic events, driving him to a desperate quest to protect his daughter from the ugliest corners of society.
Fumiko Hada
Fumiko, the daughter of Hiroshi, finds herself ensnared in a harrowing child prostitution ring. Her trauma and struggle for survival depict the darker realities of exploitation faced by vulnerable young individuals in society.
Lt. Crowe
Lt. Crowe begins with a strong bias against Japanese people but evolves through his experiences while searching for Fumiko. His character reflects the complexities of racism, love, and duty as a father, leading to a nuanced understanding of human connection.
Duke
Duke, known as the 'Pimp King,' is a sinister figure who perpetuates the exploitation of young girls. His violent and ruthless behavior ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the consequences of a life defined by cruelty.
Eddie Rios
Eddie Rios serves as Lt. Crowe's partner, supporting his quest for justice. His dedication and bravery in confronting danger shine throughout their intense pursuit of the nefarious Duke.
Setting
Time period
The movie's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as crime and the struggle against child exploitation. This time period showcases the complexities of urban life and the darker facets of human behavior in a bustling metropolis.
Location
Tokyo, Marina
Tokyo serves as a vibrant yet chaotic backdrop, known for its bustling subway system where much of the story unfolds. The marina later becomes a key setting for the dramatic confrontation, highlighting the stark contrast between serene waters and the violence that lurks beneath.
Themes
⚖️
Justice
The theme of justice is intricately woven throughout the narrative, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Lt. Crowe’s journey reflects the quest for retribution, while the harsh consequences faced by Duke serve to illustrate the suspenseful pursuit of accountability.
💔
Trauma
Trauma serves as a persistent theme, deeply affecting the characters and their relationships. Fumiko's experiences with violence and exploitation reveal the lasting effects of trauma, not only on her but also on her family, creating enduring scars that haunt them.
💔
Parental Love
The bond between parents and their children highlights the theme of unconditional love. Lt. Crowe’s dedication to his daughter and Hiroshi Hada's desperate attempts to protect Fumiko showcase the lengths to which parents will go to save their children.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.