40
The New York Times by Dave Kehr
A mildly amusing Japanese appropriation of 1950's American detective movies.
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What are critics saying?
80
At heart, a work of infectious, unironic affection.
75
San Francisco Chronicle by Edward Guthmann
Segues confidently from broad humor to tense drama.
75
San Francisco Examiner by G. Allen Johnson
Kaizo Hayashi's homage to noir B movies, both Japanese and American, is successful as a true labor of love.
38
New York Post by Jonathan Foreman
Mostly an unfunny, rather dull affair.
80
A wildly entertaining detective thriller that succeeds entirely on its own terms.
91
Portland Oregonian by Kim Morgan
Beautifully acted, the film is touchingly human and, thankfully, devoid of any vapid, ironic kitsch.
50
Chicago Reader by Lisa Alspector
The gangster-movie plot, themes, and allusions aren't nearly as intriguing as the earnestly kitschy black-and-white wide-screen images or the mesmerizing, minimalist sound effects.