The World of Kanako
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The World of Kanako

"Say goodbye to reason."

2014 1h 58m ★ 6.5 (207 votes) Released

When Kanako, a model daughter and a brilliant student, disappears, her mother asks her ex-husband, a violent former policeman, to find her. As his investigation progresses, his idealized image of Kanako cracks: the girl hides a dark life that her father can not even imagine.

Director

Tetsuya Nakashima

Screenplay

Tetsuya Nakashima

Screenplay

Miako Tadano

Screenplay

Nobuhiro Monma

Rating
6.5
Runtime
118 min
Revenue
$6.5M

Production

GYAO GYAO
Licri
GAGA Corporation GAGA Corporation

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Audience Reviews

C
ColinJ
★ 8/10 Feb 16, 2017

A visual and emotional sledghammer of a movie.

A
Alunauwie
★ 9/10 Sep 23, 2025

The World of Kanako, adapted from Akio Fukamachi’s novel Endless Thirst, delivers a disturbing yet powerful portrayal of teenage darkness and broken families. With its non-linear narrative and intense visuals, the film demands full attention, as its fragmented structure gradually reveals the emotional depth behind Kanako’s seemingly perfect facade. Though some editing choices and plot logic feel inconsistent, the raw performances—especially by Nana Komatsu and Koji Yakusho—elevate the film into a gripping psychological experience that boldly exposes the dark undercurrents of modern youth. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)

Keywords

japandrug abuseobsessionyakuzabullyingdysfunctional familyalcoholismex-coppolice corruptionpsychological thrillersecret lifeex-husband ex-wife relationshipdark secretmissing daughterfather daughter relationshiprelationshipsformer detective

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