This production is not something I would typically choose to watch on my own. I tend to watch a variety of genres, as I’m not the one who makes the decision, but I must admit that in this case, I’ll need to rethink my future choices to avoid limiting myself to one genre. “PLATINUM DATA” doesn’t fit into any particular genre; rather, it falls under a type of futuristic thriller drama that blends action, suspense, and a complex story behind it.
While it may be somewhat predictable at times, it generally surprises with a chain of events that initially set up a completely different scenario than the one that unfolds.
The Theme of Surveillance and Privacy
The film takes the issue of continuous surveillance by public agencies to the extreme. This theme has been explored before in movies, but in today’s reality, at least in our country, it makes us question it more closely. We’re prompted to reflect on how much control we truly have over our privacy and how the power of existing technology enhances the control that authorities have over us.
A Technically Realistic Approach
Also, it’s important to note that everything proposed from a technical standpoint in the film refers to mechanisms that already exist. Viewed this way, it’s not that far-fetched to think that something like this could happen.
Plot Overview
Japan’s National Security Agency has developed a system that allows them to create a complete profile of a criminal from a DNA sample. What’s unique about this case is that the information is specific and provides details that were previously impossible to obtain, such as weight, height, physical features including facial characteristics, and even a simulation of the person’s walking style. This might initially sound like a fantastic idea, and its creator, Ryuhei Kagura, played by Kazunari Ninomiya (Gantz, The Lady Shogun and Her Men, Freeter), claims that DNA is the future and there is no room for error.
Detective Reiji Asama’s Investigation
Detective Reiji Asama, portrayed by Etsushi Toyokawa (Beautiful Rain, A Good Husband, Post Card), thinks differently and is tasked with proving Kagura’s theory wrong when Kagura is accused of murdering his colleagues, who were the system’s programmers.
A Constant Pursuit
From that moment, the plot turns into a constant chase. It reminded me of the recently finished Two Weeks, although in this case, we don’t have the advantage of knowing what has happened to place the protagonist in his current situation. Instead, we must pay attention to the details to uncover the answers.
A Parallel Drama
While the story seems to hold an action thriller, there’s a parallel drama behind it, with Ryuhei at its center. The movie may feel somewhat slow at times, but it’s impossible to take your eyes off the screen to find out what happens next. Without a doubt, within its genre, which has some unfortunate references, it’s an excellent production. Highly recommended! 🙂