Recently seen movies #56

Path of the Beast (Japan, 1980) – 4/5

It’s strange, I’ve generally been a bit disappointed with many of Tatsumi Kumashiro’s most celebrated classics, but found some real treasures among his less appreciated films. Path of the Beast is one of them. It’s a terrific character drama that uses one of my favourite character close ups; long takes. While the whole film is filled with long takes, there’s at least half dozen instances where Kumashiro allows the camera roll more than four minutes continously. This is of course challenging for the actors, but they succeed rather well. Especially the leading lady, Ayako Yoshimura, is terrific and her acting is good by any standards. The cinematography is amazing and captures loads incredibly beautiful images. The theme muisc leaves no room for complaints. Only a handful of ’not so vital for the story’ sex scenes reveal that this, too, originates from Nikkatsu’s exploitation factory.

Recently seen movies #55

Yakuza Goddess: Lust and Honor (Japan, 1973) – 2,5/5

Young monk gets into trouble and later turns into a lonely yakuza. Tatsumi Kumashiro’s pink coloured crime drama has an unusually long running time, 84 minutes. It exceeds the typical Nikkatsu exploitation feature length by nearly 15 minutes. As funny as it sounds, with this studio such amount of extra minutes is almost always a sign of the director’s ambition on the storytelling front. That is the case here, too. Although the film suffers from some genre diseases, the plot is rather decent and interesting especially in the end. Some dead moments and unengaging scenes have slipped into the first half, though. The pay off however comes in form of an excellent and satisfying finale. The also film surprises with the level of stylized brutality; some scenes are quite bloody even by yakuza film standards.

Recently seen movies #54

The Youth Killer (Japan, 1976) – 2,5/5

Kazuhiko Hasegawa is a hugely interesting screenwriter / film maker with only two directorial credits to his name; this and The Man Who Stole the Sun (1979). That’s why it’s such a shame The Youth Killer fails partly. Although based on true story, Hasegawa’s film doesn’t feel entirely believable. The way the characters act in some situations seems a bit unfit, and some of the performances are less than natural. Nevertheless, the cast also features interesting choices like Ryohei Uchida as the main character’s father, and Mieko Harada (who also made a memorable appearance in the 7th Truck Yaro film, one of my favourite film series from the 70’s) in the female lead. Some single scenes here and there are very impressive. Last but not least, the nostalgic soundtrack filled with english language songs by Godiego is brilliant.

Recently seen movies #53

Blood – The Last Vampire (Japan, 2000) – 4/5

James Cameron quote in the cover is hardly a good start but this 48 min vampire anime is quite breathtaking (and I don’t even like vampires). The visual look is gorgeous, but it’s the amazing audio that makes this a truly impressive and moody experience. The (Vietnam) war time setting and the presence of US military forces in Japan also play an important part in the story and give the film extra depth and detail. Additional plus from from having Youki Kudoh voice the main character.

Recently seen movies #52

Killer’s Mission (Japan, 1969) – 4/5

The Street Fighter director Shigero Ozawa helms a supremely cool samurai spy pic with the one man army Tomisaburo Wakayma in the lead. The main villain is played by none other than Toei’s greatest yakuza baddie Bin Amatsu. Add Koji Tsuruta in a cameo, and female ninjas played by Tomoko Mayama and Yumiko Nogawa, and you know what we’re into; first grade high bodycount entertainment. The only notable weakness is the slow moving 20 min episode that comes after the halfway. The rest is pure retro chambara gold. Also look out for Wakayma making fun of his real life Zatoichi brother.