Prior Convictions (2022)

Would I be able to see the person behind the crime?

It took me 3 days to finish this movie, it simply made me uncomfortable - not because of the content presented, but rather my thoughts, ideas and values. It made me think about a lot of issues and reexamine some of my opinions.

Many of us like to pretend the rehabilitation of the criminals is the goal, that the justice system should strive to make sure they can reenter society and live normal lives. At the same time, we don’t really treat said people in the way that would support what we think. The punishment for their crimes does not really end with their release from prison - they only face obstacles after obstacles even after regaining even partial freedom. How can they start living like humans, when they are not treated as such?

And that’s what the movie focuses on. What is more important - punishment or rehabilitation? How long should criminals pay for their crimes? Agawa Kayo tries to see the best in people, she believes people deserve 2nd chances and that they need support to live an honest life. And that’s what she strives to do working as a probation officer - be that one person support system. We observe her interaction with different parolees, how these interactions change both her and the people around her.

Arimura Kasumi and Morita Go delivered amazing performances that could break one's heart. The amount of pain, fear, but also hope - all so natural and clearly visible through their acting.

Overall, it’s not an easy watch if you watch it while reflecting on your ideas and values.

Read More

I want more

Arimura Kasumi is really becoming my favorite actress with roles like this and in Chihiro-san. In this film she takes on another role that goes beyond the usual surface level female protagonists that we often get. Its an exploration of the different ways that people deal with trauma and shows hope that you can make something positive out of it.

This film challenges prenotions about criminals by giving us a protagonist who has gone through something traumatic yet decided to do her best in seeing the good in people. All that while not portraying her as naive or guillable but as a woman who has her head straight on, is quick witted and unafraid. But she is also not shown to be perfect as she still struggles and has still some more work to do on herself to overcome unresolved struggles. I definitely wanted to root for her all the way through and really wish I could see more of her in action, be it in drama format or a sequel movie.

This film also tackles a topic I have never before seen, giving an interesting insight in the probation system in Japan. I would have never guessed that probation officers are unpaid civilians (please pay these people omg). Based on that alone I already recommend it.

My only problem was the romance aspect, if one can even call it that. I definitely could have done without a romance backstory between her and the officer. In general I think the police officer should have shown more remorse in how he had treated her. Again, this IS an exploration of how everyone deals with their individual trauma but I wish his had been tackled and worked through some more like hers was. Of course that is hard to do in a movie format so it is totally fine.

Overall its a film with an interesting topic, amazing acting and thoughtful intend.

Read More