Director: Itaru Mizuno Cast: Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida, Mai Shiraishi, Sosuke Ikematsu, Akihiro Kikuta Rating: PG │Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Mystery – Thriller, Comedy │Run Time: 1h 54min UNIQUE AND ALMOST HILARIOUS “Three words. Live action manga.” Two under paid cleaning ladies and an accomplice (Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida) decide to break into their boss’ house after suspecting her of tax fraud. Their actions soon come into collision with other individuals in a crazy and comedic twist. Trespassers put a spin on the daily lives of Japan’s cleaning ladies making them multifaceted individuals instead of just quiet, submissive hard workers. In the film, employees are stressed out about their wages – a living reality for many workers. Despite being exaggerated, giving these characters a realistic goal for robbing their boss makes them relatable as human beings. How the film’s narrative portrayed is also interesting as it utilizes the criteria of a typical Japanese manga. Unlike regular films which consists of the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action, Trespassers combines both simultaneously, which includes, each character introducing themselves followed by each person narrating their point of views in the background. Oftentimes it feels like a live action comic rather than a film. The shift in atmosphere in Trespassers is demonstrated through its settings. In the beginning, the film is quite somber and drab, emphasizing the harsh reality of the workers' lives. The scenery is urban Japan and also includes sneak peeks into the lives of the thieves. When the scene changes to the boss’ house, the atmosphere immediately shifts to one of fun and frivolity as the new surrounding is characterized by wealth and the color pink symbolizing feminine power. One of the shortfalls of the film is the stereotype of the perverted older man. Trespassers is no different. The character Mouri Takahiro (Akihiro Kikuta) is a creepy pervert obsessed with the young boss who used to work as a bikini model. Although the film minimizes the character’s inappropriate behavior, the stereotype remains – communicating a harmful message towards its audiences. In spite of the film’s flaws, Trespassers does have its unique charm. The comedic delivery of lines and crazy storyline is refreshing. Final Verdict: Trespassers is not for all audiences; however, it is entertaining to movie buffs and those looking for something distinctive. Rating: ★★★★ (7/10) Best enjoyed with snacks and zero expectations.