In 1924, ex-spy Yuri, a former assassin and an orphan possessing intel about missing imperial Japanese army funds, is pursued by soldiers as they seek the money while trying to survive.
“Revolver Lily” is set in Tokyo during 1924, following the story of Yuri (Haruka Ayase), a former spy and assassin who has tried to leave her violent history behind. Now, the discreet madam of a brothel, Yuri, goes out of her way to avoid conflict. Her quiet life is disrupted after a chance encounter with Shinta (Jinsei Hamura), a young orphan pursued by dangerous men. Initially determined to stay uninvolved, Yuri is drawn in when the situation turns deadly. She intervenes, subduing the attackers, and the two escape by leaping from the train. When she later questions the boy, she realizes his family’s recent, much-publicized murder is still fresh in her memory.
Seeking answers, Yuri turns to her friend Iwami (Hiroki Hasegawa), a man with ties to the government, to verify Shinta’s story. It soon emerges that, before his father’s death, Shinta was entrusted with a key that granted access to secret bank accounts worth millions. Now, powerful factions—the Imperial Army, the Imperial Navy, and the Department of Internal Affairs—are all hunting for the boy and the fortune. The primary antagonist is an old rival of Yuri’s, whose ruthless determination threatens anyone standing in his way.
Despite her reluctance, Yuri’s sense of responsibility compels her to help Shinta. Their objective is to reach Isoroku Yamamoto (Sadao Abe), a Captain in the Imperial Navy, who also seeks the money but approaches the matter with a degree of civility. Yamamoto promises them protection—if they can reach the Yokosuka Naval District—warning that their safety is guaranteed only upon arrival. Thus, Yuri and Shinta must traverse Tokyo’s perilous streets, constantly pursued by assassins and soldiers.
The film unfolds with a measured, deliberate pace that never lapses into tedium. Each new twist keeps viewers thoroughly engaged. Keisuke Imamura’s sumptuous cinematography delivers one breathtaking composition after another: the camera is unhurried, yet always in motion, filling every frame with striking widescreen imagery. Rather than relying on frenetic camera work to create tension or realism, the film trusts in its actors and its visuals to accomplish this effect. It stands out as one of the most visually remarkable films in recent memory.
The performances are largely restrained, with Haruka Ayase shouldering the emotional core of the narrative. The audience learns about her past and personal losses, which lend depth to her character and strengthen the connection between her journey and Shinta’s. Her evolution from hardened assassin to reluctant protector is both poignant and compelling.
At two hours and twenty minutes, “Revolver Lily” is undeniably lengthy, but the strength of the performances and the film’s visual artistry ensures the audience’s attention is held until the very end.
Available on Digital January 27th, and on Blu-ray™
and DVD exclusively through Amazon® on February 10th
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