Watch Top Knot Detective

Top Knot Detective is a mockumentary film that depicts the life and times of a fictional Japanese TV series called Ronin Suiri Tentai (roughly translating to "Detective with a Samurai Topknot"). It follows the life and work of the show's creator, director and actor, Takashi Tawagoto (Toshi Okuzaki) who is known for his eccentric personality and his unique approach to martial arts.

As the documentary begins, we are introduced to Tawagoto who narrates the story of his rise to fame in the late 80s and early 90s with the creation of the Ronin Suiri Tentai show, which he claims was a cultural phenomenon in Japan. The show is characterized by its over-the-top action sequences, bizarre plotlines, and comedic elements. The documentary also features interviews with other actors from the series, such as Masaharu Morimoto (Masa Yamaguchi) and his love interest Miho Tsumiki (Mayu Iwasaki), who share their experiences of working on the show.

However, as the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything about the show was as it seemed. The interviews with the actors reveal that the production was often chaotic and disorganized, with Tawagoto constantly changing the script and improvising scenes on the set. Moreover, his unorthodox methods of filming often resulted in injuries to the actors, who would be forced to continue working despite being in pain.

As the documentary progresses, we learn that Tawagoto's career came to an abrupt end after the Ronin Suiri Tentai show was canceled following accusations of plagiarism from a foreign film studio. Tawagoto is forced to leave Japan and becomes a recluse, devoting his time to creating new sword-fighting techniques and strategies that he believes will revolutionize the martial arts world.

However, the documentary takes a dramatic turn as Tawagoto is suddenly accused of a heinous crime, thrusting him back into the public eye. The documentary team has to navigate the complicated legal system of Japan to uncover the truth behind the allegations and try to create a winning defense for their subject.

Through this meandering storyline, the film satirizes a range of themes, including the cult of celebrity, the nature of fandom, the truth and lies of the entertainment industry, and the fraught dynamics of political correctness and cultural appropriation. The quirky, off-beat tone of the mockumentary is infused with a healthy dose of irony and self-deprecation, in keeping with the spirit of the original Top Knot Detective TV series.

Overall, Top Knot Detective is a highly entertaining and self-aware parody of the Japanese entertainment world. The film manages to walk a fine line between being reverential and respectful to its subject while also poking fun at the many eccentricities and absurdities of the Japanese film industry. With its unique mix of humor, satire, and social commentary, Top Knot Detective delivers a wry and witty take on the world of television that is sure to appeal to fans of off-beat humor and devoted fandom alike.

Top Knot Detective is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.