Plot: Nine disparate criminals break out of prison and seek a stashed fortune, hidden away by a tenth soul left behind in prison.

Review: NINE SOULS is a film about the funny and sometimes heartbreaking journey of 9 prison escapees. As the director has admitted, the idea of following 9 escapees come from the American film GREAT ESCAPE and actual events that took place in Texas. But it is hard to imagine this film is inspired by American culture. 

The men the film follows have actually committed their crimes (if this had been an American film, at least one of them would be wrongfully accused). To make things even more interesting, the crimes they have committed range from drug dealing, counterfeiting, to one who murdered his own son. Interestingly enough, the film treats and handles these felonies with tremendous humor. Also by structuring the film in two parts (first is the physical journey and second is mental journey), the film feels as if it is taking unexpected turns in every other scene.

“Physical Journey” is the first part of the film. It basically fleshes out these characters and much of the comedy of the film is packed in the first part. They disguise themselves as women to have a meal in a restaurant, stop by a friend’s place to find him married to a mail order bride, stop at peep show where one of escapees ex-patients is stripping. The comedy in these scenes is heightened mostly by the situations they are in which are odd but very funny. The second half of the film runs in direction of a more stereotypical escape film. They all have to face consequences. This is where the background stories of the nine escapees come and some of them are very intimate and heartbreaking. A few of the backstories get get cut short because of running time limitations. Overall, their resolution and longing for their previous lives is very sentimental and it is worth the wait to take this mental journey. 

This nicely mixed comedic and sentimental journey is well worth a viewing. While it is not for everyone, those that watch it, will certainly find it unique enough to watch it again.

DVD DETAILS

Video: presented in anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio 1.85:1, transfer of this film looks very good. It is sharp and clear image with a little grain to be seen. A fine job done by Artsmagic DVD.

Audio: This disc supports the Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 with optional English subtitles and its mix sounds good. The film is dialogue driven and usage of rear channels are very minimum but all the dialogue is centered clearly and distinctly.

Special Features

Audio Commentary by Tom Mes: a Japanese Cinema expert on Nine Souls.

Interview with director part 1: his dryness makes it not very interesting to watch.

Interview with director part 2: again, his dryness and lack of his enthusiastic makes it boring to watch.

Original Theatrical Trailer

Promotional Material: images of promotional pamphlet booklet

Biography: biographies of director and main cast