Impulse

About This Movie

Impulse (2021) takes a gritty look at life on the fringes of Tokyo's Shibuya district through the eyes of Hachi, a boy grappling with the scars of his past. Fleeing Fukushima, he becomes an unlikely drug dealer, navigating the shadows of society. The film has a raw, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, immersing you in the pulse of urban isolation. It’s not flashy with effects, but the practical elements and performances are gritty and real, adding to the tension. The pacing might feel uneven at times, but that oddly mirrors Hachi's chaotic existence. Themes of survival and the haunting weight of one's past resonate here, making it a distinct experience in the landscape of modern Japanese cinema.

Urban setting adds to the film's atmosphereExplores themes of isolation and survivalStrong performances despite lesser-known director