Keiho (1999)
A tense Japanese legal drama that dissects criminal responsibility, mental illness, and the chilling possibility that justice itself can be gamed.
Keiho - Movie Information
- Original Title: 39 刑法第三十九条
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Yoshimitsu Morita
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 17, 1999 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Article 39 (JP)
- Production Companies: Kouwa International, Shochiku
- Production Countries: Japan
Keiho - Plot
The psychiatric evaluation of a young actor arrested for a brutal double murder concludes he may be unfit for trial. Further investigation, however, reveals the crime was a well-planned statement against the section of Japan's criminal code granting diminished responsibility to the mentally impaired.
Keiho - Trailer
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Keiho - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yoshimitsu Morita
Main Cast
- Kyoka Suzuki
- Shinichi Tsutsumi
- Ittoku Kishibe
- Hideko Yoshida
- Mirai Yamamoto
- Masanobu Katsumura
- Takashi Sasano
- Takatoshi Takeda
- Masato Irie
- Misayo Haruki
Writers
- Sumio Ōmori
Keiho - FAQs
What is Keiho about?
Keiho follows the psychiatric evaluation of a young actor charged with a brutal double murder who may be deemed unfit for trial. As investigators dig deeper, they uncover that the killings were a deliberate, calculated protest against Article 39 of Japan's criminal code, which grants reduced culpability to the mentally impaired.
What is Article 39 and why does it matter in Keiho?
Article 39 of Japan's Penal Code exempts or reduces punishment for individuals deemed mentally incompetent at the time of a crime. In Keiho, the accused appears to have engineered his entire defense around this provision, turning the murders into a chilling legal and philosophical statement about justice and accountability.
Who are the main actors in Keiho?
The film stars Kyoka Suzuki as forensic psychiatrist Kafuka Ogawa and Shinichi Tsutsumi as the enigmatic suspect Masaki Shibata. The supporting cast includes Ittoku Kishibe, Hideko Yoshida, Mirai Yamamoto, Kirin Kiki, and Tohru Emori, all delivering compelling performances in this tense legal drama.
Did Keiho spark debate about Japan's insanity defense?
Yes, Keiho arrived at a time of genuine public debate in Japan over Article 39. The film's central premise — that a calculating criminal could exploit the insanity defense to escape punishment — resonated deeply with audiences and critics, fueling wider societal discussion about the fairness and vulnerabilities of Japan's legal system.
Who directed Keiho?
Keiho was directed by Yoshimitsu Morita, a versatile Japanese filmmaker known for his ability to blend psychological tension with social commentary. The film is based on a screenplay by Sumio Omori and was produced by Kouwa International and Shochiku, releasing in Japan on February 17, 1999.
How long is Keiho?
Keiho runs for 133 minutes, or just over two hours. The film takes its time building psychological tension, carefully unraveling the layers of the suspect's mental state and the legal machinery surrounding him, making every minute feel purposeful and tightly constructed.
What are some movies similar to Keiho?
If Keiho gripped you, you might enjoy Saint Omer (2022), A Sun (2019), Joji (2021), The Inner Cage (2021), An Ordinary Case (2024), and The Unforgivable (2021). These films share Keiho's interest in moral ambiguity, criminal justice, and the psychological complexity of guilt and responsibility.
Is Keiho based on a true story?
Keiho is not based on a single real case, but it draws its power from genuine legal and social anxieties surrounding Article 39 of Japan's Penal Code. The film reflects real public concern about the potential for the insanity defense to be manipulated, giving its fictional premise a deeply unsettling plausibility.
More About Keiho
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