Showing @ Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Mon 15 Oct only

Takashi Miike / Japan / 2012 / 135 min

Young and inexperienced attorney Phoenix Wright finds himself defending his arch rival and unravelling a tale of ghosts, murder and suspense in this live-action adaptation of the DS game by prolific Japanese director Takashi Miike. From the eye-popping opening sequence, we find ourselves embroiled in an outlandish courtroom drama, brimming with an array of over-the-top characters.

But Ace Attorney is unlike any other you’ve seen. The film has a feel of a dreamy live-action anime, complete with ridiculously perfect hair and slapstick action. Perhaps what is most surprising is that at its heart is a meaty and engaging detective story. Miiki is a director with a reputation for rather uncompromising and controversial themes – ‘Audition’, ‘Ichi the Killer’ and ‘Visitor Q’ to name but a few – but yet again demonstrates a talent of being able to turn his hand (and eye) to almost any genre. While dedicated fans of Miike’s work will perhaps recognise the hints of darker themes, we’re strictly in family-friendly territory here. Whether you have played the DS games or not, Ace Attorney is a fun ride with a little more meat on its bones than the average anime or game adaptation.

Showing as part of Scotland Loves Animation 2012.