Currently available from Radiance Films
Following the kidnapping of a baby, two escaped criminals attempt to hide in the house of a man who works in advertising.
Written by Kinji Fukasaku and Ichirô Miyagawa with the former also directing. The film here is one of the many mafia films made in the era, but it separates itself from the pack by having a story that is different than the usual by including a kidnapping, a home invasion, and (trigger warning) a sexual assault on screen. It’s a bit of a rough watch and definitely not for everyone. The writing is meticulous and the direction works well with it, giving the viewer an unrestricted view on the despair and last resort of many characters. The film here is harder to watch and that is the point. Many of the scenes that show despair also show cruelty while trying to show a different side of criminals, one of brutality and loss of self, one that makes them become monsters when perhaps all they were looking for was to be free (with of course, some just looking for and enjoying mayhem).
The cast here is solid with some elements of their work dating the film a bit, but that is to be expected. Those elements may have been part of their acting choices and/or part of the time when the story takes place. The writing here works well with the performances and vice versa. The cast works great for the story, giving performances that show the struggle at hand for each character, showing humanity even in the darkest moments and that humanity can sometimes turn to sheer evil. Tugging particularly hard at the heart strings here are Rentarô Mikuni as Misawa, the advertising man, and Masumi Harukawa as Hiroko. Harukawa is particularly touching and giving the performance of the film here.
The film’s look here feels particularly appropriate in stark black and white with cinematography by Yoshikazu Yamazawa. The look given fits the story and its representation of struggles for many people like a glove, giving the film that extra oomph that both brings the viewer in and grabs their attention, giving the film that extra edge.
In terms of this new Blu-ray re-release from Radiance Films, the new artwork by Tony Stella modernizes the film’s poster while keeping a look that is fitting for it. The new release sees a nice 1080p transfer with the uncompressed mono audio along with new English subtitles. The film looks great and sounds good with easy-to-follow subtitles. The extras on the disc itself aren’t numerous, but what is there is solid. The new commentary by Tom Mes, a Japanese film expert, a new video appreciation by Hayley Scanlon, and the usual theatrical trailer and image gallery. Fans of the genre and film here should love this re-release.