The Third Murder review: A compelling examination of truth and justice

The only challenge for defence attorney Shigemori (Fukuyama Masaharu) is to devise a narrative to save his client from the death penalty.

Were there extenuating circumstances? An ulterior motive?

When evidence is taken and witnesses are interrogated, what had seemed crystal clear grows murky and uncertain.

Memories are contradictory, testimony lacks the ring of truth.

Shigemori claims: “You don’t need empathy or understanding to defend a client.”

The claim returns to haunt him when the investigation reveals personal connections to Misumi including the fact that Shigemori’s father, a retired judge, showed leniency to Misumi in a similar case 30 years earlier and saved him from the death penalty.

Shigemori feels a sense of responsibility about the fact that Misumi was free to strike again.

The Third Murder grows into a compelling examination of truth and justice and asks whether any of us have the right to judge the actions of a fellow human.

A sombre, thought-provoking film.