An aging boxer takes a younger man under his wing in 1977’s drama The Boxer, directed by Shuji Terayama; now on Blu-ray via Radiance.
The Film
The Japanese answer to Rocky, coming just a few years after the seminal favorite of generations (with its 8 sequels and continued cultural relevance), falls into the category of films I appreciate, but wish I liked more. Not a bad thing per se, just not for me. Maybe the cultural and time divide of Japan of 50 years ago to me of now, but I feel a better film is here than perhaps I perceived.
Like all th best sports films, which include the mentioned Rocky and Raging Bull, coming a few years later (weird I detest boxing as a sport, but its movies are solid), The Boxer, directed by Shuji Terayama, is more of a character study than the oo-rah sports! (fist pump). Getting the mental readiness to DO the Thing is far more interesting than The Thing (but done right, when it happens, it has the caring of the characters behind it)
Hayato’s once burgeoning career went to hell after he quit mid-match, leading Hayato to abandon his wife and daughter in his shame, living what passes as a life in a dingy apartment with a Doberman. A younger wannabe boxer, Tenma, with a bad foot accidentally kills Hayato’s brother, wracking him with guilt. They connect and have ups and downs of a decent drama as they learn and grow. The mentor-mentee relationship and story isn’t really anything new, but does go a different way, approaching from a new angle in the script by Fumio Ishimori, Rio Kishida & Shuji Terayama.
That new angle is their drive. Boxing movies are often a hope; but here both leads have a simmering anger at everything around them. The butting of heads internally and externally is a different drive. The characters are solid, well developed, and well put together. I believed in them, Bunta Sagawara and Kentaro Shimizu as the older and mentee. Side characters, such as a bar full of eccentric folks, are a highlight, as are the families around the pair.
The Boxer is an interesting niche of a film, while it didn’t strike me as much as it did others I read of, but I can see why it would work better for different viewers.
The Packaging
Radiance presents the Boxer on a single-disc Blu-ray, the first in the world. The disc is the title, set against a pink background. The case is a clear, smaller case with a reversible sleeve with new art based on the original posters. It has Radiance’s standard removable Obi-strip and the spine number of 183. All regions.
The Presenation
Overall, Radiance gives The Boxer a nice look, but strange fades in color come and go. It seems too much to not be on purpose ut it feels like a damaged reel at times. But the film has style, so perhaps. Especially since the rest of it looks great, with detail and color. Audio is Japanese with English subtitles
The Features
Radiance offers a light package for The Boxer, compared to their normal wider appreciations. All are new to this release.
J.A. Seazer
The film’s composer talks about his career and working with Terayama. A good look at the process. (18m)
The Year Toei Failed
I always like to hear Tom Mes. Here he gets into 1977 for the legendary Japanese studio with The Boxer, Japanese Godfather, and a few others where they made critically appreciated but audience-underserved films, shifting into their next leg. Fascinating, wish it was longer! (12m)
Booklet
Radiance has a booklet insert, with writing by Robert Novielli. I have to assume it’s as good as normal, but here’s where I admit I accidentally packed it. I’m moving soon and put the package in a box, forgetting I hadn’t read it yet. I’ll update when I unpack!
Final Thoughts
The Boxer is a Japanese sports drama. I appreciated its look and characters, although something was kept from me. But I also believe it’ll work very well for others, especially those more versed to Japanese culture of the 70s. Radiance’s disc looks good, although I’m not sure if some video peculiarities are on purpose or not. A small set of features, but interesting.