The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill is a movie adapted from the Katsuhisa Minami’s manga series, The Fable, which was published in 2014. The manga won the Kodansha Manga Award in 2017. The movie, directed by Kan Eguchi, is a sequel to the 2019 live-action film, The Fable. The movie focuses on a different aspect of the previous film, wherein the main character Fable is tasked to live a normal life without killing. But will Fable be able to stick to it? The following is a synopsis and review of the movie.
The film is an action-comedy set in the world of assassins. Fable (played by Junichi Okada) is an infamous hitman who works for the organization “The Syndicate.” Four years ago, he committed a murder and has since been living a regular life hiding his true identity. He lives with his younger sister, Yoko (Fumino Kimura), and works as a graphic designer in a small company owned by Takoda (Jiro Sato).
One day, Fable sees a girl struggling to stand up from a wheelchair. From afar, he encourages her that she will walk again someday, but it will take time. Later, he finds out that the girl is Saba Hinako, whom he had seen four years ago when he killed her brother, Utsubo (Shinichi Tsutsumi).
Meanwhile, Utsubo is now a businessman in a company that provides support for children. But behind the facade lies his criminal activities, aided by his henchmen Hinako and Suzuki (Masanobu Ando). Fable’s constant observation of Hinako in the park while she practices standing up again irritates her, and she tells Suzuki.
The next day, Fable is beaten up by Suzuki after waiting for Hinako’s arrival. Fable is then asked to create a design for a company that has subscribed to his office. When he hands it over, Takoda and Misaki (Mizuki Yamamoto) burst into laughter at the design and comments of Fable. Takoda then instructs Fable to distribute flyers to their clients, not knowing that Hinako had ordered them.
Utsubo is unaware that Fable is the one he has been looking for to avenge his brother’s death. After Hinako reveals it to him, they team up to trap Fable, who is known as a legendary hitman that can paralyze his enemies within six seconds. Utsubo calls Fable to his office, and Yoko, prohibited Fable from going alone, accompanies him.
Soon, Fable realizes that it is a trap, and his chased by Utsubo’s hitmen. A fight ensues, and Yoko is held hostage. Hinako is ordered to kill Yoko, but she shoots Utsubo instead, betrayed by him for sexual favors. Hinako then reveals how Utsubo killed her parents, making her kill him.
The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill is a gripping movie that blends action, humor, and mystery flawlessly. It provides a unique insight into the life of an assassin and his struggle to live a normal life. The movie is well directed, and the actors deliver excellent performances, particularly Junichi Okada, who portrays the conflicted character of Fable brilliantly. The action scenes are thrilling and well choreographed. Overall, The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill is a must-watch movie for fans of action and comedy genres.
In conclusion, The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill is a movie that sets a high bar for other action-comedy films to follow. It has a well-crafted plot, excellent performances, and impressive action scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie provides a unique perspective into the life of an assassin, making it a must-watch for audiences worldwide.
