Dare to watch or read Into the White Night before dawn, and it will be sending chills down your spine. At least, for the first few moments. You’ll need a box of tissue afterwards.
The story follows veteran detective Mr. Junjo Sasagaki investigating a case about a murdered pawnshop owner in Osaka. A lack of evidence prompted the police to close the probe, with the main suspect—a widowed housewife living in a shanty from an impoverished village—allegedly committing suicide.
Sasagaki, however, cannot leave behind the thought of a chanced encounter with the main suspect's daughter, Yukiho Karasawa and the deceased victim's son, Ryoji Kirihara, both cute and innocent doe-eyed ten-year-olds in elementary school at the time of the investigation.
Years passed, but Sagasaki still cannot move on from from the unsolved case. As if by chance, the seasoned sleuth, now nearing his retirement, revisited the case in a happenstance as one incident occurred involving Karasawa.
Not only mystery
Into the White Night is adapted from one of the creations of mystery novelist Keigo Higashino. A recipient of major literary awards in Japan, Higashino is a masterful mystery writer. More than 15 of his works were adapted into film and drama series, including this riveting masterpiece. His style is very evocative yet mind-challenging. Rather than spotlighting on the mystery itself, the story's linchpin is divided into the philosophical and humanistic angles, as it tackles the gray areas of morality.
Into the White Night’s original Japanese title is Byakuyakou (白夜行), and it is translated “The Journey Under the Midnight Sun” as the official English novel title. Both meanings can be interpreted as its Japanese counterpart albeit its differences in definition. Technically, white night refers to the festivals celebrated around the world in relation to the midnight sun phenomenon. The midnight sun, on the other hand, is a phenomenon wherein the sun is visible for 24 hours or longer.
The scientific phenomenon and the international festival is, therefore, used interchangeably in the movie, drama, and film, as these terms have a profound artistic connotations embedded in the very fabric of the story. This makes even watching the movie or drama— and even reading the novel itself—totally worth it.
In fact, there will be parts of the hour-long movie that viewers would not feel that they are headed for a crime story, and instead, would be absorbed with the viewpoints of the main characters. The drama adaptation is among the very few that have equaled to the original material, or maybe, even surpassed its presentation.
At one point, viewers will be able to empathize, and probably, even justify the actions of the characters because they were brilliantly fleshed out. Some, such as the detective Sasagaki, even break the perceived notion of his profession: He is portrayed not to be an analytical and antagonistic law enforcer all the time, but also a compassionate and fatherly protector despite his sworn duty.
Viewer recommendations
Prospective viewers are advised to start in the 2010 movie version first, which top-billed by Maki Horikita and Kengo Kora. It follows the chronological order of the novel, the story is grasped easily, and Sasagaki’s portrayal here is a befitting standard despite the oddity.
Next in line is the drama adaptation in 2006, which tells the story from the final moments while using flashbacks as a device to narrate. The ten-episode series, led by Takayuki Yamada and Haruka Ayase, provide more details from the novel than what was shown the film. Needless to say, it is a laudable thriller-drama binge-watch, just prepare your eyes from getting swollen.
Lastly for K-drama fanatics, Byakuyako was also adapted as a Korean movie White Night in 2009 starring Son Ye-jin and Go Soo. But this version changed a lot of essential ingredients in the novel, most of which make Byakukayo appetizing in the literary palate, and such altered nuances in this version are unpalatable.
This is unfortunate because the actors were on par with their contemporaries from the other adaptations. If they used the unchanged story, this version would be on equal footing.
Despite this, the most commendable aspect of this movie adaptation is the poster concept. It captures the essence of the main characters with minimalist design and simple hues. Moreover, it surpasses the aesthetic interpretations of its two Japanese counterparts.
The best reference of all is still the novel that Higashino wrote. Book purists might be intrigued by his style, so it is highly advised to read the original material. The narrative is succinct, resonating, and fast-paced.
Byakuyako’s over-all premise and story is compelling. It provides mystery and crime enthusiasts a fresh perspective, worthy of a 9.5 out of 10 stars either for film, movie, or book.
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