Movie Review: 'Gold Thief' - Rena Tanaka fully expresses the gloom of a housewife weary of life, showing her true colors as a comedienne

I really do love Rena Tanaka.

She's beautiful and has a great figure. Yet, it's a mystery how she manages to look like an ordinary, bored housewife you could find anywhere.

Mikako (Rena Tanaka) lives in Fukuoka with her husband, with no children. Once the housework is done, she just lounges in front of the TV. Her relationship with her husband (Yasuyoshi Asuwa) isn't bad, but they aren't exactly lovey-dovey either. In short, they've grown tired of each other, and the spark is gone.

One day, she wanders into a gold exhibition at a special department store event. And then, she actually steals an expensive gold 'orin' (a bowl-shaped Buddhist ritual object). Why? She can't even answer that herself. Before she knew it, she had shoved it into her eco-bag along with some deli food from the basement.

Rena Tanaka in recent years is so well-suited for this role of a housewife weary of life.

Her listless gloom is reflected in her vacant eyes. It feels incredibly realistic. The sense that 'people like this really exist' is amazing.

On top of that, what's wonderful about her is her talent as a comedienne. Laughter mixes with sadness, casting an indescribable spell. This blend of sorrow and humor is Rena Tanaka's true forte.

Mikako is caught easily and quickly. As a result, her good-natured husband gets dragged into the mess. But the counter-attack that follows is incredible. Her planned revenge drama on life is so ridiculous and thrilling that I found myself laughing out loud many times.

And then there's Win Morisaki as the jeweler Kaneshiro, her counterpart. This man's selling point is his friendly smile and refreshing demeanor. However, when taken too far, that turns into shadiness. In this film, he leans fully into that side, vividly playing a charming yet suspicious man.

Ah, how refreshing. Thanks to this, I'm having a wonderful Friday night. The ending is also the best. Recommended for those who want to feel invigorated.