Island of Dreams

A case-hardened cop is pitted against a young eco-terrorist. The title "island" is an artificial construct in Tokyo Bay, a mountain of garbage, a by-product of Japan’s economic boom years. The film’s protagonist Alan works there, almost buried under society’s detritus; his growing obsession with the search for “what has been lost” turns him into a "dangerous" activist. He targets the industrialist Wada, whose chemical factory secretly discharges toxic waste into the environment. But the cop Terayama, who thought he’d seen it all, starts researching eco-activism and soon suspects the haunted, taciturn young man he’s encountered in the neighborhood.

Directed by Tetsuichirô Tsuta, Island of Dreams leans on a strong ensemble — Makoto Adachi, Toshio Andou, Kakeru Hirasawa — 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 thriller titles of 2009.