Review for ‘‘Death Parity’’ by Tomoyoshi Sugiura

What happens when a society’s deep economic inequalities lead to social isolation and violence? Can we truly blame individuals for crimes, or are they merely products of a broken system? Death Parity, a thought-provoking short film by Tomoyoshi Sugiura, raises these questions with an eerie, poetic, and gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a crumbling Tokyo.

The story follows a journalist who witnesses a murder and becomes embroiled in a psychological and moral battle with the socially vulnerable culprit. What starts as a search for answers spirals into a much larger threat: Tokyo’s fate hanging in the balance. It's a powerful commentary on how desperation can manifest when people are pushed to their limits.

Sugiura’s direction creates a haunting atmosphere, with his script expertly weaving past, present, and future together in a tight 30-minute frame. The pacing is masterful, using the short runtime to its fullest, giving the audience just enough to piece together the characters' inner struggles. The poetic elements of the dialogue and music—particularly the cello echoes of Faure’s elegy—resonate deeply, amplifying the emotional weight of the characters’ plight.

The casting is another strength. The actors embody their roles well, particularly the lead journalist, whose internal conflict feels authentic.

However, despite the dark themes and moody settings, the polished faces, makeup, and costume design feel at odds with the gritty reality the film attempts to portray. The lighting also feels a bit flat at times, which dulls some of the film’s more intense moments. Coupled with occasionally choppy editing, this breaks some of the tension that could have been more impactful.

Nonetheless,it excels in offering a chilling portrait of a society on the brink. It confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths about the failures of capitalism and the human cost of inequality.

While some technical aspects might need refining, Tomoyoshi Sugiura’s storytelling instincts and his ability to craft layered, reflective narratives shine through. Unafraid to tackle challenging subjects and willing to leave space for the audience to wrestle with their thoughts as the credits roll.