Popran (2022)

Popran is the kind of oddball gem that reminds you cinema can still surprise: a frantic, six-day chase for a “mysterious high-speed fly” that plays like slapstick comedy on the surface and a surprisingly earnest fable underneath. It’s brisk, absurd, and consistently entertaining, but what really hooks you is how the film turns its ridiculous premise into a heartfelt metaphor about pride, second chances, and the luck we think we’ve lost. The tone bounces between satire and sincerity with a straight-faced commitment that makes the weirdness feel oddly human. If you prefer your comedies grounded and tidy, this may be too off-kilter—but if you’re open to a fantasy-tinged dramedy with genuine warmth, it’s a delight.

Popran is clearly aiming for a quirky, offbeat blend of comedy and fantasy, using the ridiculous “catch a super-fast fly in six days” setup as a metaphor for a guy trying to claw his life back. The problem is it often plays out emotionally flat, with a subdued, slightly awkward tone that keeps the story from landing with the punch or weird edge the premise promises. If you’re expecting big laughs, sharp momentum, or a heartfelt drama payoff, this may feel like a mixed bag that never quite takes off. That said, if you enjoy low-key, oddball Japanese films that lean into deadpan vibes and small character beats over spectacle, there’s enough novelty here to justify a look.