Junichi Okada
Akira Sato / Fable
Overview
The Fable is a legendary yakuza hitman equal to none—but his boss orders him and his sultry associate to lay low and learn how to live a "normal life" in Osaka.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Hitman’s Holiday: What Happens When a Killer Tries to Be Normal?
There’s a moment in The Fable that feels like the film’s entire premise distilled into a single, ridiculous shot. Junichi Okada’s character—a yakuza hitman so efficient he’s known only as "The Fable"—stands in a convenience store, staring at a wall of instant ramen. He’s been ordered by his boss to live a "normal life" in Osaka for a year, which apparently includes grocery shopping.
But what does a man who’s spent his life perfecting the art of killing know about choosing noodles? His expression is a masterclass in quiet panic: the furrowed brow, the slight tilt of the head, the way his fingers hover over the packages like they might detonate. It’s funny, sure, but it’s also weirdly poignant.
What does "normal" even look like when you’ve built your identity around being exceptional at something most people can’t even stomach?
Kan Eguchi’s film is a high-concept comedy with a premise that sounds like a rejected John Wick spin-off pitch: what if a hitman, the kind of guy who could kill you with a paperclip and a smile, was forced to take a year off? No killing, no contracts, just… living. The catch?
He’s still the best in the business, so even his attempts at mundanity have a way of spiraling into chaos. It’s a setup that could easily devolve into slapstick or groan-worthy gags, but The Fable walks a surprisingly delicate line between action and absurdity, never quite letting the tone tip into farce. That’s not to say it’s subtle—this is a film where a man gets stabbed with a pair of scissors and the camera lingers just long enough to remind you that, oh right, this is still a crime story—but it’s self-aware enough to know when to pull back.
The film’s greatest strength is its lead. Junichi Okada plays The Fable with a deadpan precision that borders on the surreal. He’s not just a killer; he’s a method killer, the kind of guy who treats assassination like a craft.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.5/10
"A quirky but uneven action-comedy with flashes of charm and a standout lead performance."
Viewers appreciate the film’s offbeat humor and Junichi Okada’s engaging portrayal of the lead character, finding his performance a highlight. latestnetflix.com's take is that however, the story’s pacing and tonal shifts leave some feeling underwhelmed, with a few noting that the comedy doesn’t always land as intended.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performance Junichi Okada’s portrayal of the protagonist is widely praised for its charisma and depth.
- Unique premise The film’s unconventional setup and quirky tone are seen as refreshing by some.
- Visually engaging The stylish direction and cinematography add to the film’s appeal.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing The story’s rhythm feels inconsistent, with some scenes dragging or rushing unnecessarily.
- Mixed humor The comedy doesn’t always resonate, leaving some viewers underwhelmed by the jokes.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles lack depth, making it hard to connect with them.
Recommended for
Fans of offbeat Japanese comedies Junichi Okada admirers Action-comedy enthusiasts Indie film lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of The Fable (2019): A Killer Comedy with a Twist
Kan Eguchi’s The Fable (2019) blends action and comedy in a way few Japanese films dare, following a contract killer who’s forced to live as an ordinary man—without killing. latestnetflix.com's view is that Starring Junichi Okada and Fumino Kimura, the movie became a sleeper hit, but its production had its own share of surprises.
From Manga to Screen: A Risky Adaptation
The Fable is based on Katsuhisa Minami’s manga Za Faburu, which ran from 2014 to 2019. Adapting a story about a lethal assassin trying to blend into suburban life was always going to be a gamble. The film’s tone—balancing brutal action with slapstick humor—mirrored the manga’s own mix of violence and absurdity. While the evidence doesn’t detail behind-the-scenes struggles, the final product suggests a tightrope walk between genres 
.
Casting a Killer (Who Doesn’t Kill)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf6SY__xgXk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5wxqmtpEh8
Junichi Okada, known for his dramatic roles, took on the challenge of playing "The Fable," a hitman ordered to stand down for a year. His chemistry with Fumino Kimura, who plays his handler, became a highlight. Rumor (unconfirmed) suggests Okada trained extensively for fight scenes, though no sources detail his preparation. The supporting cast—including Koichi Sato and Mizuki Yamamoto—added depth, with Yamamoto’s role as a rival assassin adding tension .
Action Without the Bloodshed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRx7XMAlbzE
One of the film’s biggest selling points was its promise of "a contract killer who doesn’t kill." The trailer teased high-stakes action with a comedic twist, and early reviews praised the choreography. A scene shared on YouTube shows a fight in a cramped apartment, proving the film’s ability to stage chaos in tight spaces. However, the evidence doesn’t reveal whether reshoots or stunt mishaps occurred.
Reception and the Road to a Sequel
The Fable earned a modest 6.3/10 on SensCritique , with critics praising its energy but noting its tonal shifts. The film’s success led to The Fable: Chapter Two (2021), though details on whether the original cast returned or if production faced new challenges remain scarce .
The Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Experiment
The Fable (2019) stands out as a rare action-comedy that mostly works. While behind-the-scenes details are thin, the film’s blend of humor and violence—plus Okada’s committed performance—made it memorable. Whether it fully captured the manga’s spirit is debatable, but it carved its own niche.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.