Here on our side of the world we often hear a proverb: men plan, the gods laugh. In far away Japan they say: If you talk about next year's plans, the devil will laugh!

Kazuma (profoundly remarkable Shuhei Handa) has a big heart. He is forced to live in the self-support probation facility for one bloody irreversible decision. He goes to work at a scrap factory, aims to get a qualification, search for a normal job and study in the university. Currently Kazuma must remain patient and prove that he is capable of returning to regular life even if he repeatedly hears “Mr. Murderer” instead of his name and receives insulting messages.

Naive idealist committed a heinous crime just to protect his mother Yukiko and younger sister Madoka from abusive domestic violence. There is no other path than endure harsh challenges of sacrifice, atonement, guilt, retribution and burden of blame in an unforgiving abusive society of haters, egoists and harassers. Luckily Kazuma finds a sincere soulmate in a disturbing non-stop fight against the bitterness of life.

This is a tale of modern day samurai. Intense heartbreaking drama about frantical struggles for survival with dignity and unfading optimism. One of the most unexpected and overlooked discoveries of independent Asian cinema. Despite the success of their self-distributed debut film “Rojin Farm” in Japan productive brothers Ryuichi (director) and Kazuhiko (screenwriter) are not known in Europe. Deeply touching psychological drama will convince to recognise Mino Bros. without any pact with the devil. Strikingly shocking ending will stay with you for long after the closing credits.

Edvinas Pukšta