Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free is the third installment in the popular Japanese police drama-comedy film series Bayside Shakedown. Directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro and released in 2010, the movie continued the franchise’s tradition of mixing humor, police procedural drama, and social commentary. The Bayside Shakedown series is known for its unique take on Japan’s law enforcement, focusing more on the bureaucratic side of the police force, which is often portrayed in a comedic light.
Overview of Bayside Shakedown Series
Before diving into the specifics of Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3, let’s take a look at the Bayside Shakedown series as a whole. Originally a TV drama series, Bayside Shakedown became widely popular due to its clever writing, engaging characters, and refreshing portrayal of police work. The show follows Aoshima Shunsaku, a former salesman who becomes a detective. Unlike most crime dramas that focus on high-octane action, Bayside Shakedown emphasizes the internal struggles of the police force, particularly the challenges posed by bureaucracy and office politics.
The success of the drama led to a series of films, starting with Bayside Shakedown The Movie (1998), followed by Bayside Shakedown The Movie 2 (2003), and eventually the third installment in 2010, Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free.
Plot Summary of Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3
In Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free, the story picks up with familiar protagonist Aoshima Shunsaku (played by Yuji Oda) as he continues his work as a detective. The plot centers around a kidnapping case, but true to the series’ roots, the focus is just as much on the challenges posed by the rigid and often inefficient police bureaucracy as it is on solving the crime. Aoshima must navigate through a maze of red tape while trying to ensure justice is served.
The movie combines moments of humor with serious commentary on the state of law enforcement in Japan, tackling issues like power struggles within the police department and the tension between field officers and bureaucrats. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of familiar characters and the continuation of long-running story arcs, while new viewers will find the film’s mix of humor and drama compelling.
Cast of Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free!
Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free features an ensemble cast, many of whom are returning actors from the earlier films and TV series. Let’s take a look at the key players:
Yuji Oda as Aoshima Shunsaku
Yuji Oda reprises his role as Aoshima Shunsaku, the determined and sometimes unconventional detective who often finds himself at odds with the system. Oda’s portrayal of Aoshima has become iconic in Japanese pop culture, and his performance in the third movie continues to deliver the same level of charm, wit, and resolve that fans have come to expect.
Kyoko Koizumi as Shinjo Keiko
Kyoko Koizumi plays Shinjo Keiko, a high-ranking officer who often works alongside Aoshima. Koizumi’s character brings a level-headed perspective to the film, balancing Aoshima’s impulsiveness with strategic thinking. As one of the few female leads in the film, Shinjo Keiko is a strong and capable officer, and Koizumi’s portrayal is both powerful and nuanced.
Toshirō Yanagiba as Waku Heihachiro
Toshirō Yanagiba returns as Waku Heihachiro, Aoshima’s senior and mentor. Waku plays a critical role in the development of Aoshima’s character, and his calm demeanor contrasts well with Aoshima’s more energetic approach. His presence in the third movie adds emotional depth and continuity to the story.
Supporting Cast
- Aoshima Shunsaku’s police team features other notable characters such as Kengo Nakamura and Mashita, who continue to provide comic relief and support in solving cases.
- Yusuke Santamaria plays Mashita Bungo, a tech-savvy officer who often deals with the digital aspects of police work.
The chemistry between the ensemble cast is one of the reasons why the Bayside Shakedown series has remained so beloved, with each actor contributing to the dynamic and multi-faceted storytelling.
Themes in Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3
Bureaucracy vs. Field Work
A recurring theme throughout the Bayside Shakedown series is the tension between the field officers who want to solve crimes and the higher-ups who are more concerned with maintaining the status quo. This theme is especially prevalent in Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free, where Aoshima must continuously fight against bureaucracy to do his job. The film highlights the inefficiencies and frustrations that arise when office politics take precedence over actual police work.
Humor and Drama
One of the defining characteristics of the Bayside Shakedown series is its ability to balance humor with drama. The third movie continues this tradition, with moments of light-hearted banter between characters, juxtaposed with serious crime-solving and emotional beats. The humor often comes from the absurdity of the bureaucratic procedures the detectives have to deal with, as well as from the quirky personalities of the supporting cast.
Justice and Freedom
The subtitle “Set Them Free” refers not only to the literal kidnapping case at the heart of the plot but also to the broader theme of justice. Aoshima and his team struggle to “set free” the police force from the shackles of unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy. The film asks important questions about what it means to serve justice in a system that often seems more focused on appearances than on solving crimes.
Bayside Shakedown Movie List
If you’re looking to explore the full Bayside Shakedown experience, here’s a chronological list of the TV drama and movies in the series:
- Bayside Shakedown (TV series, 1997)
- Bayside Shakedown The Movie (1998)
- Bayside Shakedown The Movie 2 (2003)
- Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free (2010)
- Bayside Shakedown 4: The Final (2012)
Bayside Shakedown’s Cultural Impact
The Bayside Shakedown series has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Its mix of humor, drama, and social commentary resonates with audiences, particularly because it offers a more grounded and often comedic look at police work. Whereas most crime dramas focus on the action-packed side of law enforcement, Bayside Shakedown explores the day-to-day realities, the frustrations, and the humor found in the more mundane aspects of the job.
Aoshima: A Relatable Hero
Aoshima’s character, played by Yuji Oda, is one of the key reasons for the series’ enduring popularity. Unlike typical action heroes, Aoshima is not particularly physically imposing or overly heroic. Instead, he is relatable—a regular guy trying to do his job in the face of constant bureaucratic obstacles. His perseverance and wit make him an appealing protagonist for viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling.
Conclusion
Bayside Shakedown The Movie 3: Set Them Free is a worthy continuation of the beloved franchise. With a stellar cast, sharp writing, and a perfect balance of humor and drama, it continues the tradition of exploring the challenges of police work in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and new viewers will find plenty to enjoy in this engaging film. The Bayside Shakedown series remains a cornerstone of Japanese police drama, and the third movie, Set Them Free, is a testament to its lasting appeal.