Isaac

A man named Isaac (Isaku) struggles with guilt following a physical altercation that left another man in a vegetative state. A vision of Jesus appears before him, telling him to return home and seek forgiveness from the family of the unconscious man. He meets the sister of the man, who now struggles to take care of both the boy and her mother by selling her body. The realizations of cascading effects of his sin only intensify his feelings of guilt, and complicate his path toward atonement.

Directed by Shinji Imaoka, Isaac leans on a strong ensemble — Miyu Yoshizawa, Shinji Ozeki, Koi Takanashi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2009.