| Kaitō Ruby | |
|---|---|
Blu-ray cover | |
| Japanese name | |
| Kanji | 快盗ルビイ |
| Directed by | Makoto Wada |
| Written by | Makoto Wada |
| Based on | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Osame Maruike |
| Edited by | Isao Tomita |
| Music by | Masao Yagi |
| Distributed by | Toho |
Release date |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
Kaitō Ruby (Japanese: 快盗ルビイ) is a 1988 Japanese romantic comedy film directed by Makoto Wada. It is loosely adapted from American writer Henry Slesar's stories of the bungling thief Ruby Martinson, albeit changed to a woman to serve as a star vehicle for idol Kyōko Koizumi.
Toru Hayashi is a young, awkward salaryman who lives with his divorced mother. When freewheeling crime fiction fan Rumi "Ruby" Kato moves into his apartment complex, he becomes instantly smitten, and soon finds himself drawn into her wild dreams of being a master thief. Despite reservations, Toru assists Ruby in a series of bumbling "crimes" that all fail to turn any profit:
Following this last caper, Toru is found at Ruby's apartment by her "serious" boyfriend. An argument ensues, and Ruby sends a bitter breakup letter to her boyfriend, which she soon regrets. Reluctantly, Toru agrees to steal the letter back out of her boyfriend's mail, but is caught by a policeman during the attempt.
At the police station, Toru desperately repeats Ruby's cover story that the letter has been contaminated by a deadly pathogen, and needs immediate burning. Fortunately, the station's pathologist becomes sympathetic after "examining" (reading) the letter and does so, remarking that Toru is "either goodhearted or stupid."
Learning how far Toru has gone for her, Ruby realizes their mutual love and takes him as her new boyfriend, also resolving to give up crime. However, as they discuss promise rings, they quickly slip into a new scheme to steal two for the price of one.
31st Blue Ribbon Awards
13th Hochi Film Awards