The film ‘Grasshopper’ follows Suzuki, a former teacher pulled into the underworld by vengeance after his lover’s death.
Here, secret organizations and troubled hitmen intersect, and their goals clash in complex ways.
Many felt that the adaptation missed Isaka Kotaro’s distinct hitman world, instead becoming a shallow suspense. This critique forms the central argument: the film failed to deliver the distinctive appeal of the original novel, which is crucial to its success. In essence, by neglecting to capture the unique ‘Isaka world,’ the film could not reproduce the novel’s original charm and depth.
The original story is a lively ensemble drama, and each character’s actions have their own strange charm.
“Grasshopper” is based on Kōtarō Isaka’s 2004 novel, praised by the author and nominated for the Naoki Prize. It was later released by Kadokawa Shoten’s Bunko imprint.
Kōtarō Isaka is also the original author of the novel “Bullet Train.”
Told from Suzuki, Kujira, and Semi’s perspectives, the parallel narratives converge into a dramatic climax.The work stands out for its distinct world-building and memorable characters.
The story unfolds quickly and intensifies as the various plotlines converge.The fast pace makes it feel like you’re rushing through the story all at once, much like a grasshopper’s quick jump.Each character is both fragile and charming in their own way, which makes them stand out and easy to like.
A Star-Studded Cast and Distinctive Characters Bringing the Story to Life
What makes the film most interesting is its exciting story and strong characters—especially Suzuki’s quest for revenge, Kujira’s mind games, and Semi’s unpredictable nature. Their struggles add depth to the film’s world.
If you haven’t seen the film yet, it helps to examine the three main characters who shape the story and understand what motivates them.
Suzuki: The Audience’s “Voice of Emotion”
Suzuki is a regular former teacher out for revenge. He’s easy to relate to and gives us a main point of view as the tension builds.
Kujira: The “Suicide Agent” Who Manipulates Death
Kujira is a hitman who employs unusual, mind-bending tactics to create tension. As the story unfolds, we gradually see a more complex side to him.
Cicada: The Unpredictable “Knife Master”
Cicada, a lighthearted and masterful knife-wielder, shifts from comedic relief to fierce combatant, creating an intriguing duality.
“Grasshopper” delivers a distinct experience as Suzuki’s perspective on vengeance, Kujira’s unsettling presence, and Semi’s madness intersect, presenting their clashing intentions. This convergence, while complex, remains at the heart of the narrative.
Comparing the Film and Original Work: Script Issues
Reviewers say the novel goes much deeper into the characters’ minds than the film does.
The director brings the story to the screen and keeps the original setting, but people have mixed feelings about how the characters and plot are handled.
Three Points of Dissatisfaction Raised by Original Work Fans
Many fans of the book think the movie misses what made the novel special. Here are some of their main complaints:
- The film omits parts of the novel, making the story feel simpler and less cohesive.
- The movie doesn’t go as deep into the characters’ ideas, humor, or madness as the book does.
- Suzuki in the book is a bit of a loser, but he’s also carefree and likable. In the movie, he just comes across as a loser.
- Cicada: Opinions suggest that the “manic laughter” and emotional expressions in the film version differ from the original’s portrayal of a cool, knife-wielding character.
- Some viewers thought Kujira, who is supposed to be a unique ‘suicide broker,’ was actually boring in the film. Others felt the actor didn’t fit the role, and some even said the way he spoke didn’t sound natural.
- The film emphasizes suspense over the “Isaka World” humor and dryness found in the original, losing its unique flavor.
The combination of praise and criticism illustrates that the film provokes debate and reflection. Audiences are invited to judge for themselves the value of “Grasshopper,” a film that attempts to transcend entertainment by exploring humanity’s darker complexities.
Summary: A Work That Didn’t Resonate with the Author
Fans didn’t like that big parts of the story were cut or that characters were changed, and some even felt the movie was a completely different story.
When the hitman finished his job early, the suspense dropped, and I felt less involved. Some of the CGI was distracting, and the mix of real city scenes with fake-looking villain hideouts didn’t fit together well. This style, which I’ve seen before in ‘The Brain Man,’ just isn’t for me.