In this horror film - based on the popular manga by Santa Inoue - Juzo was tormented as a boy by his classmates, who ended up pouring acid on the young boy. Many years later, Juzo finds work at a construction site, where his superior is none other than Akai, the very person who disfigured Juzo with acid all those years ago. At the same time, Akai and his family (which includes Nozomi, his wife, and their son) move into the same apartment complex as Juzo, who lives in apartment 13. Unbeknownst to anyone but Juzo, though, is the fact that he (Juzo) harbors a second personality within, a murderous psychopath known only as Number 13. And while Juzo is (mostly) a kind person who nonetheless harbors a deep grudge toward Akai, Number 13 will kill without remorse to get what he wants.
This film is fairly well-known to Puffy fans, as Yumi plays Nozomi, the wife of the film's principal antagonist. Though Nozomi was a hooligan at one time, she has since settled into her family life, and clearly loves her son dearly. She also befriends Juzo, which turns out to be a tragic mistake.
Though Yumi (in the bonus features of the two-disc edition) claims to not be an actress, she does a very good job as Nozomi. However, this film is definitely not for younger Puffy fans, as there's explicit violence, language, and some sexual content/adult situations (some of which includes Yumi herself, though there's nothing truly explicit). If you're interested in getting the film, though, get the two-disc special edition, since that has lots of bonus content - including several extras that feature Yumi (mostly interviews). I even got a free t-shirt with mine. Woo hoo.
Select Screen Captures:
The Neighbor No. 13
