The story of The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess –
The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – picks up where the franchise left off, transplanting its signature con-artist energy from Japan to the tropical landscape of Langkawi, Malaysia. The setup is deliciously high-stakes: professional scammers Dako (Masami Nagasawa), Boku-chan (Masahiro Higashide), and Richard (Fumiyo Kohinata) have identified their next target—the Fuu Family, who've recently inherited 10 trillion yen following the death of patriarch Raymond Fuu. That's not pocket change. It's the kind of fortune that makes a heist worth planning down to the smallest detail, and our three con artists are nothing if not meticulous. What unfolds is a carefully orchestrated scheme that layers deception upon deception, each twist designed to outsmart not just the Fuu Family but the audience watching along.
Behind the making of The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess –
The film arrived in 2020 as part of an already-beloved franchise, backed by heavyweight Japanese production companies including TOHO and Fuji Television Network, alongside regional broadcasters spanning the entire country from Hokkaido to Okinawa. That distribution network—stretching across nearly every major television station in Japan—speaks to the franchise's cultural footprint and mainstream appeal. The 124-minute runtime gives the story breathing room to develop its cons with the kind of methodical pacing that rewards patient viewers. Masami Nagasawa, Masahiro Higashide, and Fumiyo Kohinata return as the core trio, bringing seasoned chemistry to their roles. The film earned recognition at festivals and domestic awards ceremonies, racking up 4 wins and 3 nominations across its awards run. On IMDb, it sits at a solid 7.2/10 from over 1,400 votes—respectable for a franchise entry that could've easily coasted on nostalgia but instead committed to fresh scenery and new stakes.
What makes The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – stand out
What's striking about this installment is how it refuses to phone in the formula. The Malaysia setting isn't just window dressing—it's a character unto itself, all glittering resorts and humid tension that makes the air feel thick with possibility. The performances are sharp. Nagasawa carries a particular kind of cool that doesn't require scenery-chewing; she's lethal in stillness, which makes her moves—when they come—hit harder. Higashide and Kohinata work as her perfect foils, each bringing different energy to the con. There's a rhythm to how these three move through a scene together, a dance of trust and misdirection that mirrors the very cons they're pulling. The thing that really gets you, though, is how the film plays with audience expectation. You think you know where this is heading. You don't. The screenplay layers its reveals in a way that feels earned rather than cheap—when the final twist lands, you'll want to immediately rewatch the opening act to catch what you missed. It's that kind of movie. Genuinely clever plotting wrapped in entertainment that never condescends.
Where to stream The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – online
The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – is currently available on major OTT services, and you can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for real-time streaming availability in your region. Movie OTT tracks where this title lives across platforms, so you won't waste time hunting. Given that this is a Japanese production with strong regional backing, availability does vary by territory—what's on Netflix in one country might be on a different service elsewhere. The film's 124-minute length makes it ideal for a weekend viewing session, the kind of commitment that pays off because you won't be checking your phone halfway through.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – a sequel or a spinoff?
It's technically part of the established Confidence Man JP franchise, so it continues the world and characters, but it stands alone as its own story. You don't need to have watched previous installments to follow the Langkawi heist, though longtime fans will appreciate the character continuity.
Q: Who directed The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess –?
The film was a major collaborative effort from TOHO and Fuji Television Network with support from regional broadcasters across Japan. It's a franchise entry that reflects the production scale and institutional backing of Japanese mainstream cinema.
Q: What's the runtime, and is it worth the time investment?
At 124 minutes, it's a two-hour commitment, but the pacing is tight enough that it doesn't feel bloated. Every sequence builds toward the final reveal, so there's genuine payoff for your attention.
Q: Is The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess – based on a true story?
No, it's an original fictional heist. The appeal is in the intricate plotting and character work, not real-world events.
Q: How does the Malaysia setting change the tone compared to the original series?
The tropical backdrop brings a different visual energy—sunnier, more glamorous, with resort intrigue replacing urban Tokyo. It freshens up the formula without abandoning what made the franchise work.
Final thoughts on The Confidence Man JP – Episode of the Princess –
If you're hunting for a smart, entertaining heist film that respects your intelligence without being pretentious, this one delivers. It's the kind of movie that works equally well as a casual Friday-night watch or something you'll pause and rewind to catch details. The cast is game, the setting is gorgeous, and the cons are genuinely clever. Movie OTT users tracking Japanese cinema and international heist films will find plenty to love here. It won't revolutionize the genre, but it doesn't need to—it's too busy having fun executing its premise with style and precision.
