HE-LOW THE SECOND

Synopsis

HE-LOW THE SECOND (ヒーロゥ THE SECOND), released in 2019 and starring Takamasa Suga, is a dark, atmospheric Japanese thriller that continues the gripping saga of its titular mysterious hero. Set in an urban environment shadowed by crime and moral ambiguity, the film explores themes of justice, identity, and redemption through intense action sequences and psychological drama. Takamasa Suga delivers a compelling performance that captures the protagonist’s internal struggle and relentless pursuit of truth amid chaos. The narrative challenges viewers with its complex characters and a tightly paced storyline, standing out within the independent Japanese cinema scene for its gritty tone and unique vision.

Cast

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  Takamasa Suga

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  Takaya Aoyagi

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  Takeshi Yoshioka

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  Kenji Matsuda

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  Takashi Hagino

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  Kohji Moritsugu

Reviews

HE-LOW THE SECOND has received a mix of responses from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a moderate rating around 6.5/10, where viewers praise its stylistic approach and Takamasa Suga’s strong lead performance but point out occasional pacing issues. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a broad critic score available, largely due to limited international release and niche appeal. However, fans of Japanese thrillers appreciate its dark mood and sharp cinematography. Critics from Asian movie blogs highlighted the movie's engrossing atmosphere and character depth, while some noted that the film’s narrative could be challenging for viewers expecting a traditional heroic storyline. The film’s blend of action and psychological drama has been lauded as bold but divisive, with Metacritic not assigning a score due to limited mainstream reviews. Overall, HE-LOW THE SECOND is seen as a thought-provoking and visually striking entry within modern Japanese cinema, especially appealing to audiences who enjoy darker, more introspective thrillers.