Truth be told, the sequel of one of the best action movies of the decade was not exactly something I expected, despite the fact that manga/anime adaptations tend to repeat their recipe, particularly if the initial one was as successful as “The Fable”. The surprise, however, was a pleasant one, particularly because the second movie was equally entertaining.

“The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn’t Kill” is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival

Expert assassin disguised as an ordinary citizen Akira Sato continues to live in Osaka with colleague Yoko, who is tasked with forbidding him from killing any more. Akira works as a graphic designer in a small film, where his rather childish drawings have found some appeal among customers, even if his boss, CEO Takoda and employee Misaki, frequently laugh with both their quality and the amount of effort he puts into them. Eventually though, Akira reunites with Hinako,...