Sushi Girl

Sushi Girl is a distinctive, thrilling, and deceptively brutal movie which hit the screens in 2012. Directed by Kern Saxton and produced by Neal Fischer, the film stars an ensemble cast led by Tony Todd, Cortney Palm, and Mark Hamill.

The plot of the movie is centred around the fate of a tight-knit group of criminals following a diamond heist gone wrong. When a member of the gang named Fish (played by Noah Hathaway) gets released from prison six years after the botched heist, he finds himself greeted as the guest of honor at a special celebratory dinner. The rest of the gang, including charismatic enforcer Duke (played by Tony Todd), deranged former TV actor Crow (portrayed by Mark Hamill), lethal hand-to-hand combat expert Max (played by Andy Mackenzie), and sadistic torturer Francis (interpreted by James Duval) are all in attendance.

As the main centerpiece of the gathering, a mysterious and seemingly innocent Sushi Girl (Cortney Palm) is lying naked on the table, covered with an array of sushi delicacies. Throughout the entire meal, she maintains an eerie stillness, leading to a palpable sense of unease and suspense.

As the dinner progresses, past tensions and resentments among the gang members begin to bubble to the surface. Inevitably, the night turns violent as the gang members, one by one, start to suspect each other of betrayal over the lost loot from the ill-fated heist. This setup takes the viewers on a roller-coaster ride of suspense, violence, and ultimately, revenge.

The direction by Kern Saxton is noteworthy, adeptly weaving different timelines and perspectives. The movie fluidly transitions from the unfolding dinner scene to various flashbacks, providing context to the relationships of the gang members and shedding light on the events that led up to the disastrous heist. Yet, Saxton ensures that the audience is kept in the dark until the very end, making for an engaging and suspenseful viewing experience.

In terms of performances, Tony Todd delivers an unforgettable performance as Duke, brilliantly capturing the intense and menacing character of the diamond heist leader. Mark Hamill, in a departure from his classic Star Wars role, offers a disturbing and captivating performance as the unhinged and unstable Crow. Cortney Palm is equally memorable as the Sushi Girl herself, who despite being silent and immobile for most of the film, manages to convey a wide range of intense emotions through her expressive facial reactions.

The movie's striking visual aesthetics cannot be ignored either. Combining elements of noir and kitsch, the film presents a stylistic callback to distinctive crime classics. It features some visually shocking and unsettling scenes, in combination with a unique soundtrack that accompanies and enhances the suspense that saturally blends with the plot sequences.

Sushi Girl also features a standout supporting performance by Sonny Chiba, a globally renowned martial arts film actor. The stellar casting further helps in creating an undercurrent of tension throughout the movie and hold the audience’s attention until the very end.

On the whole, Sushi Girl is a subversive masterpiece that harks back to the grit and style of cult crime classics, while also offering something unique and fresh. Its brilliantly orchestrated suspense, standout performances, and stylish direction make it a must-watch for lover of crime thrillers. With its intriguing plot and grisly suspense, it’s a narrative that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, right until the final scene.