Title: The Handsome Suit
Genre: Comedy
Director: Hanabusa Tsutomu
Format: Movie; 115 minutes.
Dates: 1 Nov 2008

Synopsis: Takuro Ohki (Tsukaji Muga) is in his thirties, alone and for lack of a better word, downright ugly. Being the butt of many jokes and being turned down by the girl of his dreams (Kitagawa Keiko) are just some of the crises he faces that send him into a deep malaise. Most of these social dilemmas stem from his unattractiveness. As a result, Takuro yearns for nothing more but to be physically attractive. True enough, his pleas are answered when he comes across the “Handsome Suit”, a revolutionary invention that alters one’s appearance for the better. With this suit, he is transformed into the suave and dashing Annin Tsukiyama (Tanihara Shosuke). Is this the answer to all his problems?

The Highlights
Plot: Light-hearted and humorous but clichéd nonetheless.
Tanihara Shosuke: Very impressive despite this being his first leading role in a major movie.
Kitagawa Keiko: Wooden.
Supporting Cast: The various archetypes liven the movie but don’t add much substance to it.
In a nutshell: Not a movie that should be taken very seriously, but provides entertainment nonetheless.

As vanity proliferates in society and external appearances become increasingly important, the quest for achieving beauty has become the very meaning of life for many. Director Hanabusa Tsutomu utilizes this ever-expanding social dilemma as a platform to create The Handsome Suit.

In essence, the movie’s plot paints a caricature of how good looks lend us the proverbial helping hand in life. Modern day Japan is depicted as a nation that thrives on superficialism. Humorous overtones pervade the movie throughout, but are particularly evident (and hilarious) in the beginning. This humour stems from Takuro’s constant lapse into his old personality and habits. Here, the comedy is genuine and well executed albeit a tad over the top.

As his character gradually comes to terms with the absurd situations he finds himself involved in, Tanihara Shosuke exhibits his talents as an actor and comedian by showcasing a wide array of animated expressions. He nails his character’s quirky habits, which include the insertion of his index finger into one or more nostrils during moments of intense thinking. On the other hand, Kitagawa Keiko is about as expressive as a wooden plank. Her repertoire includes not more than two discernable expressions namely elation and what can only be perceived as constipation-induced frustration. Not much can be said about the supporting cast. Ranging from an amorous ice queen to a spurned, disillusioned model, the various archetypes don’t add much depth but certainly add colour to the film.

As a standalone comedy, this movie succeeds. However, as a piece of satire, the movie doesn’t quite deliver. The Handsome Suit relies too heavily on recurring gags and slapstick to deliver the laughs instead of wit or razor sharp commentary. Because of this, the attempted parody falls short of the mark, leaving no lasting impression. In addition, the several attempts to sell the message “stop and smell the roses” are weak and come off as obnoxious and contrived. If those weren’t bad enough, the movie has to rely on a deux ex machina in the form of a certain overweight friend in order for Takuro to “come to his senses” and bring the 2-hour long movie to a halt.

The Handsome Suit fairs slightly better than the average slapstick comedy, but in the end, it is still formulaic and shallow. If you are looking for a quick laugh to brighten your day, this is the movie to watch. Just don’t expect much from it.

The Rating: 5

Reviewed by: Fuu