Jam is a terrific thriller-drama from the always reliable Japanese writer-director Hiroyuki Tanaka (a.k.a. SABU).

The film suffuses interlocking narrative threads similar to the ones found in SABU's earlier features with a more melancholic, downbeat atmosphere that permeates his newer output (for example, Mr. Long, Happiness or My Blood and Bones in a Flowing Galaxy). At first glance, it looks like a throwback to the comedic adventures we already saw back in Postman Blues or Dangan Runner, but the way the plot develops and connects dots between different characters isn't all that humorous. Instead, this is a stylish, subtle work from a highly confident director who has, by now, honed his storytelling skills to near perfection.

Yes, there are some improbable coincidences here yet again, and yes, we get some chases and action just like we did with SABU's older films. But it's all very polished, by turns exciting and deeply sad, but always compelling. One particular narrative arc features a lot of violence, much more than I was initially expecting, but it contrasts nicely with all the feels and bubbling emotions we get from other character arcs, without depriving this particular thread from its own individuality and a sense of melancholy.

In short, this is one more win for both SABU and the viewers who stumble upon it.