You are here:

Grasshopper

Name: Grasshopper
Director: Tomoyuki Takimoto
Released: 2015
Duration: 119 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2015

Director

Tomoyuki Takimoto

Runtime

119 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Grasshopper functions as a character study of professional criminality, adhering closely to traditional crime-thriller conventions. The narrative structure prioritizes individualistic masculine arcs and personal vengeance over the way different parts of someone's identity overlap. The film relies on established clichés, such as the 'lone wolf' and the 'avenger,' to drive its plot. While it explores psychological instability, it lacks a broader sociopolitical critique or a diverse range of identities. Ultimately, the work serves as a genre-focused drama rather than a vehicle for progressive social commentary or systemic deconstruction.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Grasshopper have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around a heterosexual romantic tragedy where the main female character dies. There is no representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or narratives that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Grasshopper portray gender?

Fair

The film focuses on male protagonists driven by vengeance and professional lethality. A female character provides emotional weight, but her role is defined by victimization rather than playing a significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Grasshopper?

Fair

As a Japanese production, the film features a predominantly homogenous cast. It maintains a standard demographic profile for a domestic crime thriller without utilizing diverse ethnic blending.

How does Grasshopper represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores the underground criminal world through the lens of personal vendettas. It prioritizes individual morality over an explicit critique of societal or institutional structures.

Does Grasshopper include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central character traits or elements of ability to act. There is no information available to assess this category.

Present on Screen

The film offers a deep psychological focus on individual character arcs within the crime genre.
It maintains cultural authenticity as a Japanese production without imposing Western casting norms.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on traditional masculine archetypes and male-driven plots.
Female characters lack ability to act, often serving only as emotional catalysts for male protagonists.
The story lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Movie contains the stories of three people: Suzuki (Toma Ikuta), Kujira (Tadanobu Asano) and Semi (Ryosuke Yamada). Suzuki is a former middle school teacher. His girlfriend was killed, which led him to quit his job and attempt to take revenge on her murderer. To do so, Suzuki has to infiltrate the underground world of criminals. Kujira is a contract killer for hire. He makes his targets fall into confusion and eventually commit suicide. Semi is a contract killer who uses the knife to take out his targets.

How are these scores produced? →