Masquerade Hotel is a stupendous crime/mystery movie based on the novel by Keigo Higashino!

 

There are times when you just choose to watch a movie that seems appealing based on what you read about it such as the synopsis or reviews online. Other times, you just watch an interesting trailer or see that one of your favourite actors is involved. Well, the subject of today's blog post is a combination of all of the above and left me smiling after viewing. Masquerade Hotel is a murder mystery movie based on a 2011 novel by Keigo Higashino. 

Masquerade Hotel is set in a lavish hotel in Tokyo. Unfortunately for the poor hotel staff as well as regular guests staying there, a murder is apparently going to happen. This is based on a code found at a previous crime scene, as it revealed the co-ordinates of the posh hotel. Now, the previous crime scene was linked to another due to similar codes being found that revealed the next murder locations. This being the case, the police launch an undercover operation in co-operation with the staff at the hotel. The movie's main protagonist, Detective Kosuke Nitta, is stationed at the front desk and tasked with trying to identify the suspect. Supervising him is the competent Head Desk Clerk, Naomi Yamagishi. Nitta and Yamagishi are complete opposites and clash several times, but co-operate as the net of suspicion widens throughout the operation. 

The movie may be a classic whodunit style mystery, but director Masayuki Suzuki blends the dark twists and turns of the genre with comedic character interactions. A lot of the comedic moments stem from the clashes between Nitta and Yamagishi. From the very start of their collaboration, Yamagishi scolds Nitta for his attitude towards guests and even his haircut. As for the darker side of the mystery, the movie does a good job of leaving nobody absolutely above suspicion and I believe that the plot unfolds quite seamlessly. 

One of the key elements of Masquerade Hotel is it's setting. The lavish environment of the Cortesia Tokyo Hotel is simply stunning. Shoji Ehara's cinematography really does a splendid job at capturing the beauty and scale of the magnificent structure. The very dynamic, fluid camera work really adds to the bustling atmosphere of the location and some of the fantastic panning shots showcasing the scale of the place had me smiling in awe. We also get a glimpse at what it'd be like working in such a hotel with various sub-stories that also serve as red-herrings for the main mystery. 

Naomi Sato's soundtrack suits the mystery genre to a tee and is quite delightful if somewhat understated. The biggest criticism I have is perhaps the fact that it isn't very memorable. 

What really makes Masquerade Hotel work is the performances of its talented cast. The central relationship between Nitta and Yamagishi is delightful to witness unfold. Their progression from the constant bickering and initial dislike for one another to amicable colleagues and friends is a joy to behold. It certainly helps that Kimura Takuya and Masami Nagasawa showcase a beautiful on-screen chemistry and that really elevates the movie. Both seem to have great fun in their perspective roles and they're joined by a delightful supporting cast that includes some quite big names such as Atsuko Maeda, Nanao and Ryo Ishibashi. Takako Matsu was a stand out in her role as Yoko Katagiri. Everyone delivered from top to bottom. 

All in all, Masquerade Hotel is an entertaining murder mystery that is carried mostly by the chemistry between the central cast members and their spirited performances. The story and premise are also full of intrigue and make a mundane setting such as a hotel in this case, come to life with inventive writing that keeps the viewer guessing. The cinematography is top notch and that alone could easily earn my recommendation to watch.