A YAKUZA member who convinces a teenage choir leader to give him vocal lessons sounds like a fun movie. And 'Let's Go Karaoke!' proved to be entertaining fare.
Part of the Japanese Film Festival 2024 offerings screening at certain GSC cinemas, the movie stars well-known Go Ayano as Kyoji Narita, the yakuza who wants to win his gang's annual singing contest.
Why? The prize is that the worst singer has to have a tattoo done by the boss himself, a not-so-good tattooist, it seems.
Kyoji chances upon a serious Satomi Oka, played by Jun Saito, at a school choral competition in which the latter won third place. That's good enough for Kyoji.
He stalks the teenager, waits outside the school and even sings for him the X Japan hit 'Kurenai' (Crimson).
Even though Kyoji is told he's a terrible singer, Satomi reluctantly takes on the task, giving some interesting advice to all wannabe karaoke singers.
Soon, Kyoji brings along his gang members for the vocal lessons from his young sensei which gives the teenager some anxious moments!
Based on a manga series written and illustrated by Yama Wayama, Nobuhiro Yamashita's 'Let's Go Karaoke!' is a coming-of-age story that's funny and heartfelt.
Some may recall Go Ayano as the swashbuckling lead character Nyx Ulric in 2016's 'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV'. But 'Let's Go Karaoke!' shows off his comic talents.
Satomi has a caustic wit that covers his concern about his school choir days as his voice is breaking. Throw in teenage angst, and yakuza gangs, and from the pupa emerges a better person.
The scene where the yakuza members show off their karaoke skills is memorable, and when Satomi finally gets to the stage, it is a sweet gesture to his scary new friend.
There are plenty of laughs, and the all-Japanese soundtrack is good.
You'll leave the cinema with a smile and perhaps humming some new songs.
Catch the Japanese Film Festival 2024 movies at GSC, CityOne Megamall in Kuching, Sarawak, from Oct 10 to 13 and at GSC Suria Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from Oct 17 to 20.