K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces

About the Book

The film "K-20: Legend of the Mask" is based on the novel "The Fiend with Twenty Faces" by the Japanese author Edogawa Rampo. The book is a part of a series featuring the master detective Kogoro Akechi and his encounters with the elusive and cunning criminal known as the Fiend with Twenty Faces.

About the Author

Edogawa Rampo, whose real name was Tarō Hirai, was a prominent Japanese author and critic, known for his significant contributions to the genre of mystery and detective fiction in Japan. His works often feature elements of the bizarre and the macabre, and he is considered a pioneer in the Japanese mystery genre.

Film Adaptation

The film "K-20: Legend of the Mask" takes inspiration from Rampo's novel but introduces several changes to fit the cinematic format. While the core concept of a master of disguise and a battle of wits remains, the film incorporates new characters and plot elements to create a unique narrative that diverges from the original book.

Key Characters in the Film

• Takeshi Kaneshiro as Heikichi Endo
• Takako Matsu as Yoko Hashiba
• Tôru Nakamura as Kogoro Akechi
• Kanata Hongô as Yoshio Kobayashi
• Ryohei Abe as Genji
• So Kitamura as Shinsuke

The film's director, Shimako Sato, crafted a story that, while inspired by Rampo's work, stands on its own as a distinct piece of entertainment, blending elements of fantasy and action.