Thriller

The Scythian Lamb

羊の木

Directed by: Daihachi Yoshida
2018 / 126 minutes / Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult

One sleepy village. Six convicted murderers...

Screened as part of the JFF 2018.

Uobuka is a small coastal city just like countless others that dot the Japanese coastline: the people are nice and the seafood is great. It does have its own peculiar festival—one to dispel Nororo, a mythical sea monster, but more concerning for the local government is its shrinking population.

To tackle the population decline, Uobuka city hall partakes in a confidential trial, wherein six convicts are given an early release on pseudo-parole in the city. They are provided housing and employment assistance, with locals oblivious to their criminal history.

Civil servant Hajime Tsukisue (Ryo Nishikido) is tasked with resettling the newcomers and checking on their welfare. Though immediately unsettled by their eccentricities, he nonetheless becomes acquainted with them in wary and often strenuous relationships. It doesn’t take long for other residents to realise something isn’t quite right, and suspicions are further heightened when a body is found along the water, amid a series of unusual events surrounding the annual Nororo festival.

22nd Busan International Film Festival – Kim Jiseok Award Winner