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Returner

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Returner (2002)

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Reviews Counted:10

Fresh:4

Rotten:6

Average Rating:4.1/10

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for violence

Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins

Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy

Theatrical Release:Oct 17, 2003 Limited

Synopsis: The "Returner," Miyamoto, acting on tip-offs from his clients, infiltrates deep into the recesses of the black market, steals big scores of nontraceable cash, then as quickly as he gets in, hands... The "Returner," Miyamoto, acting on tip-offs from his clients, infiltrates deep into the recesses of the black market, steals big scores of nontraceable cash, then as quickly as he gets in, hands the money on to his clients. He is unbeatable in combat but his past harbors a darkness; as a young orphan, his bosom buddy was murdered by persons unknown. While working as the "Returner" his heart is sworn to revenge and the quest for the murderers of his friend is never far from his mind. Yokohama, Bayside. On one of his trips to the underworld, he comes across a man who controls the entire black market. This is Mizoguchi, (Goro Kishitani), unforgettable to Miyamoto, as the man who killed his best friend. Boiling with fury, he lets loose his anger and takes on Mizoguchi. In the furious combat that follows, Mizoguchi manages to give Miyamoto the slip. As the smoke clears, it is apparent that Miyamoto has mistakenly shot an innocent young girl, mixed up in the crossfire. Fortunately, her life is not in danger and "Milly" as she is know, turns out to be a potential client looking to engage Miyamoto for a very special job indeed. "We've only got two days left. Something is going to happen to ruin the world as we know it. I've got to stop it. That's why I've journeyed here from the distant future." Surprised by her sudden outburst, Miyamoto doesn't know what to make of Milly. That is, until she demonstrates an inexplicable power brought with her from the future, right in front of his eyes. He chooses to listen to her and little by little comes to understand her story. Also, he begins to recognize something in her wild eyes that reminds him of himself and the pain of his own past. He takes it upon himself to protect this girl. In turn, Milly senses the decency behind Miyamoto's exterior and they start to bond. Now, with only days in which to turn certain despair into a future of hope, they set out on their quest. However, Mizoguchi, their arch-rival is moving one step ahead of them and lies in wait. Just what is it he plans? Miyamoto is sworn to revenge. Milly is committed to the future. These various threads come together in an unforeseeable way as events unfold with blinding speed and their three intertwined fates reveal the true meaning of "Returner." -- © Sony Pictures [More]

Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Anne Suzuki, Goro Kishitani, Kirin Kiki

Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro, Anne Suzuki, Goro Kishitani, Kirin Kiki, Akhiko Matsumoto

Director: Takashi Yamazaki

Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Screenwriter: Takashi Yamazaki, Kenya Hirata
Producer: Akfumi Takuma, Toru Horibe, Chikahiro Ando
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

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Release:

Aug 19, 2003

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Reviews for Returner

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Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
06/27/08
Derek Elley
Derek Elley
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

With little room for new ideas, the film must rely on the strength of its actors, and they're excellent across the board.

Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | comment Comment
10/17/03
Peter Hartlaub
Peter Hartlaub
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Returner was a huge hit in Japan, but this would- be sci-fi epic is soporific, shamelessly derivative and barely coherent by American standards.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
10/17/03
Lou Lumenick
Lou Lumenick
New York Post
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This Japanese sci-fi actioner copies so many Hollywood hits that it should win an award from the Xerox Corp.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
10/17/03
Richard James Havis
Richard James Havis
Hollywood Reporter
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The real reason to see this film is the scrappy rapport between Kaneshiro and Suzuki. They are so good together, you won't know whether to cheer or cry.

Full Review Source: San Jose Mercury News | comment Comment
10/16/03
Glenn Lovell
Glenn Lovell
San Jose Mercury News
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Returner is a smorgasbord that seems to have been picked out of a Dumpster.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
10/16/03
Elvis Mitchell
Elvis Mitchell
New York Times
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Returner goes on far longer than such a derivative movie has a right to, but it maintains enough of a balance between its human elements and its propulsive action sequences to keep us going.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
10/16/03
Jan Stuart
Jan Stuart
Newsday
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Like all good B-movies, Returner comes loaded with enough eccentric touches to give the recycling a whiff of freshness.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
10/16/03
Manohla Dargis
Manohla Dargis
Los Angeles Times
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While watching the movie, you may also feel like you've traveled back in time -- to the plots of any number of better films.

Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
10/16/03
Bruce Fretts
Bruce Fretts
Entertainment Weekly
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A sprawling, deformed, undisciplined piece of cinema that hobbles along on weak, genre-splicing tactics.

Full Review Source: Chicago Tribune | comment Comment
10/16/03
Robert K. Elder
Robert K. Elder
Chicago Tribune
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Returner might work best if one could sub its soundtrack of r&b vamps and 'I've Got the Power'-style beats for a steady stream of MST3K chatter.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
10/14/03
Ed Park
Ed Park
Village Voice
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