Miike Takashi's 'Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo' swaps Catholic guilt for Japanese nature worship
Director Miike Takashi has revealed his take on the 'Bad Lieutenant' series will explore redemption through Japanese spirituality rather than a Christian God. His film, 'Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo', world premieres at the Toronto Film Festival, per Variety.
Miike explained that in Japan, while monotheism isn't common, a spiritual reverence for elements like nature provides a moral framework. He said this shapes the corruption of his detective, Lieutenant Yabuki, played by Oguri Shun.
The director described the character as representative of certain Japanese men, absorbing a kind of moral stench. He argued that policing inevitably dirties those who must infiltrate criminal worlds, which is the lieutenant's path.
For the lead, Miike chose Oguri Shun, an actor he says enjoys defying audience expectations. The film also stars Lily James as an FBI agent, a casting brought by co-financier Neon. Miike noted James adapted diligently to the Japanese set.
While known for violent films, Miike told Variety his aim isn't to depict violence but the psychology of those committing it. His new film uses a different spiritual lens to ask what happens to a corrupt man with no traditional God to save him.
