Sushi Girl Movie Review

Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival was the home to the world premiere of “Sushi Girl”, a suspense/action with a tremendous cast in a gangster Tarantino-ish movie.

Having spent the last 6 years in jail, today is the day that Fish is finally released. He had been imprisoned concerning a theft of diamonds with his new associates, but thanks to him not ratting out on them, they were spared from going to jail. However, in the midst of the crime, the diamonds went missing, which is why Duke organizes a delicious sushi banquet, served on the body of a naked woman, to reunite the men who had been part of the theft and to clarify where the diamonds have gone, because every man wants his share…

The cast ensemble is absolutely fantastic. In the role of Duke, Tony Todd (Candyman, Night of the Living Dead (1990 remake), Final Destination) plays the leader of the gang with an imposing posture as he always does, in addition to his great delivery of speech, with the right tones and the right accents. Mark Hamill (made a series of little movies… don’t know if you know them… played the role of some guy named “Luke Skywalker” in… Star Wars, I think it was called?) plays a sadistic, sarcastic, yet polite sadist in a role that will make you forget Luke Skywalker altogether.

James Duval (Gone in 60 Seconds, Independence Day) plays the guy with the conscience of the group, yet still has demons to battle himself. With surprise cameos from Jeff Fahey (Planet Terror, the “Lost” TV series), Danny Trejo (Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn) and Michael Biehn (The Terminator, Planet Terror), the movie gets exceptional performances, from the smallest characters to the most important ones.

There are many memorable scenes, like the ones involving Mark Hamill and his thug counterpart, played by Andy Mackenzie, every scene Tony Todd is in, the flashback scenes of the theft, and the original plot twist at the end of the movie. The scenes of violence, intertwined with graphic images and teeth-grinding sound effects, really get to you, despite all violent movies you may have seen before. There are more violent films out there, and although this movie isn’t based on or centers around violence, the scenes where it is present are memorable.

Although it seems to be very much in the style of Quentin Tarantino, the movie succeeds in surprising us with events that we didn’t expect, and that’s what adds to the appreciation of the film.

The entire cast of the movie (including Tony Todd and Mark Hamill themselves) were present for the premiere of the movie, in addition to the producer and director. All got a huge standing ovation before answering questions from the audience, after the screening, for a good 30-40 minutes. A superb, sold-out event that I was proud and excited to be a part of!