Takashi Miike's Sham Explores Justice and Society's Biases in a True Crime Courtroom Drama

Takashi Miike's latest film, "Sham," is a compelling courtroom drama inspired by a real 2003 case involving allegations of severe abuse by a teacher towards a young student. The film opens with a harrowing recounting from the boy's mother, depicting a racist teacher who physically assaulted the child over minor infractions and later attempted to persuade him to jump off a building. The initial 20 minutes evoke horror film tension, with shadowed visuals and unsettling imagery. The narrative then shifts to the teacher's perspective, portraying him as a caring family man loved by his students, offering a stark contrast to the earlier account. The film culminates in a trial that explores these conflicting versions, adopting a structure reminiscent of Rashomon. Unlike Kurosawa's philosophical inquiry into truth and perception, Miike's focus is on the societal tendency to dismiss or doubt abuse accusations, highlighting the challenges in establishing justice. Amid ongoing #MeToo revelations within the Japanese film industry, "Sham" raises questions about believing victims and the societal biases that influence perceptions of guilt. While the film is expertly crafted and showcases Miike...