Hotspring Sharkattack (2024) Film Review – We’re Going to Need a Bigger Onsen! [Nippon Connection 2025]

Posted on by Jim Cox

Follow by Email
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Hotspring Sharkattack (also known as Onsen shâku) is a 2024 Japanese action comedy film written and directed by Morihito Inoue in his feature debut.

There have been cases of mysterious disappearances of onsen visitors in Atsumi city in S prefecture. The victims were eventually found dead with signs of severe injuries to their bodies resembling a vicious shark attack.

As the name suggests, Hotspring Sharkattack is hardly interested in presenting itself as a serious picture. Throwing the audience into chaos straight away, the film sets up its facetious narrative as it means to continue–hilariously bad by design. The over-the-top characters, poor-quality CGI, and exaggerated score, while negative aspects, all amalgamate into a side-splitting romp. Additionally, the film’s bat out of hell pacing during the first two acts serves to speed through the narrative to “get it out of the way”—working more as a means to an end rather than imperative storytelling. And, honestly, that works perfectly in this case, relaying enough story to construct a linear narrative without being bogged down by unnecessary plot and allowing the comedy and action to take center stage.

However, that isn’t to say that Hotspring Sharkattack doesn’t encompass any social issues; topics such as influencers, unnecessary urban expansion, over-tourism, and the industrial application of 3D printing are somewhat spotlighted. Yet, this inclusion is more of a playful self-reflection on modern-day society rather than an actual moral statement on the issues themselves.

Utilising a whole host of different types of special effects, Hotspring Sharkattack certainly doesn’t disappoint when delivering the corny, over-the-top action. Though mostly implementing low-quality CGI effects, the film also features liberal use of hand puppetry, tokusatsu-style miniature sets, model vehicles, and even a few instances of practical gore effects to achieve its intended slapstick action. While this hodge-podge of special effects would normally cause significant tonal whiplash in most features, their jocular nature only emphasizes the overall absurdity delivered throughout.

Offering a wide range of performances from a relatively large cast, the characters range from exaggerated to entirely serious based on the film’s requirements for each role. Nevertheless, each actor’s delivery remains consistent with their character, seldom straying from one to the other. Additionally, Hotspring Sharkattack features a number of well-known actors, including Takuya Fujimura, Shôichirô Akaboshi, Mio Takaki, Masaki Naito, and even a cameo from Shigeo Ôsako, showcasing a surprising display of talent.

Rip-roaring, non-stop action from start to finish, Hotspring Sharkattack is a frivolous, lighthearted yet highly entertaining piece of B-grade cinema. While whimsical on the surface, under its tongue-in-cheek veneer lies a solid foundation of fantastic cinematography, a blend of serious and over-the-top performances, and breakneck pacing that delivers a perpetual laugh riot. While those expecting some level of seriousness may be left slightly disappointed (seriously, who goes into a film called Hotspring Sharkattack expecting that? That’s on you.), those who temper their expectations will surely get the most out of this insane premise.

We watched Hotspring Sharkattack (2024) at this year’s Nippon Connection.

More Film Festival Coverage