The Fable (2019)

High Stakes, Personal Action, the Epitome of its Genre

Tough hero in casual setting has always been a favorite premise of mine, and this is a near perfect execution of that concept. A mostly solemn, sometimes goofy, but undeniably awesome protagonists propels this show through past-paced action, charming slice of life scenes, and tense yakuza politics. All of it's wrapped up into a neat and satisfying plot which is simple but never boring. And, while acting occasionally suffers due to classic Japanese exaggeration, it isn't enough to subtract from tight, sometimes even beautiful dialogue. The screenplay manages to deepen the background of the characters without becoming too preachy or exposition heavy. The production, sound design, OST, cinematography, and special effects are at a level where they fade into the background, elevating immersion and suspension of disbelief. The action is honestly quite incredible, and supports the premise of the movie very well. They also managed to strike the perfect balance between characters of varying personalities, and between moods of solemnity and levity. I strongly recommend this movie.

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1st review here! Just an opinion from someone who had already read a part of the manga, but focusing as much possible on the movie.

- Action scenes, as also the cinematographic are so good. Perhaps certain fights, as well effects are forgettable, but I think they fit very well for the atmosphere of the movie.
- Despiting the cold and quiet assassin archetype Fable representsand, I think he is a very interesting character, and his relationship with Misaki, besides to being cute, gives a good contribution in knowing that human side he has, and more with the memories of all the things he experienced since he was a kid. But outside of that, I don't have much to say about the rest of the characters, especially the antagonist, who is a one-dimensional psychopath, and with a disappointing death.
- Casting is decent, im not so convinced with the actor for Fable, but his performances are not bad. Other actors did a good job, for example Kimura Fumino as Yoko, but as I see, many of they are so secondary, that with the limited time they appear in the movie, i can't say much for it either.
- Some of the most notorious jokes seemed cleverly good to me, taking into account that good part movie is based on parodying the archetype of assassin that represents Fable, while other jokes are so out of place that i think these should have stayed only in the manga, but I think its ok for a film adaptation.

Overall: For me, I would tell you that the 1st you most should give a chance to is the manga, in case it catches your attention. However, its a good movie, with interesting things within the plot and the characters that could be polished better, and with a humor which will not be for everyone, but that gives a good result in what it promises.

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