‘Bad Lands’ (2023) Netflix Movie Review - Sakura Ando Shines in a Tale of Crime and Consequence

"Bad Lands" immerses its audience in a world where trust is a rare commodity, and survival demands constant vigilance. Neri and Jo, portrayed with fervor by Sakura Ando and Ryosuke Yamada, navigate this treacherous realm, their bond tested by the weight of their illicit actions. Their journey, fueled by a sudden windfall, ignites a chain reaction of pursuit, embroiling them in a gripping chase fraught with danger.

What sets this cinematic venture apart is its breakneck speed, a thrill-a-minute narrative that catapults viewers into the heart of duplicity. Harada's directorial finesse orchestrates an adrenaline-fueled journey, each twist and revelation propelling the story with relentless momentum. The sheer velocity of the plot, intertwined with moments of pulsating tension, keeps audiences perched on the edge, eagerly anticipating the next turn in this labyrinthine tale of deception.

Central to this gripping saga is Sakura Ando's performance as Neri. Her portrayal injects the character with a raw, captivating energy, evoking empathy and fascination in equal measure. Through Ando's nuanced portrayal, Neri's resilience and vulnerability resonate deeply, anchoring the audience amidst the chaos that envelops her world. Ando's magnetic presence elevates the charged atmosphere, infusing the narrative with an emotional depth that reverberates long after the credits roll.

In the tumultuous landscape of this crime thriller, the dynamics between the siblings offer a poignant exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the precariousness of familial bonds. Jo, played with impulsive fervor by Ryosuke Yamada, serves as a volatile counterpart to Neri's calculated demeanor. Their relationship, a fragile yet resilient alliance, forms the beating heart of the film, driving its emotional core amid the chaos and danger that surround them.

The prolonged duration of "Bad Lands," clocking in at 2 hours and 23 minutes, demands a committed investment from its audience. This extended timeframe might prove to be a double-edged sword, asking viewers to sustain their attention across a narrative that intricately weaves through a labyrinth of deceit and danger. While the deliberate pacing serves the purpose of unraveling the complex storyline, it inevitably tests the patience of those seeking a more concise, action-packed experience.

Moreover, the film's reliance on tried-and-tested elements within the crime thriller genre sets it on a somewhat predictable trajectory. It maneuvers through familiar landscapes, borrowing heavily from established tropes and themes that fans of the genre might easily recognize. While this can provide a comfortable and familiar framework for enthusiasts, it can also detract from the potential for innovation or the creation of a groundbreaking, wholly original narrative.

Harada's direction weaves a cool and calculated narrative, slowly unfurling the siblings' perilous journey, embedded within a marginalized but intricately interconnected community. The ensemble cast, including Katsuhisa Namase, Mitsuo Yoshihara, Yasumasa Oba, Yasushi Fuchigami, and Ryudo Uzaki, effectively breathe life into this gritty underworld, each character a cog in the machinery of deceit and criminality.

"Bad Lands" doesn't reinvent the wheel; instead, it dances along the edges of familiarity, providing a thrilling yet predictable escapade. It's a film that will resonate deeply with aficionados of the crime thriller genre, offering a tantalizing peek into a world where survival hinges on cunning and nerve. However, for those seeking innovation or brevity of runtime, this might not be the odyssey to embark upon.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times