manfromplanetx Reviews

Opasnye gastroli (1969)

Dangerous Tour...

[9/10 · 1 March 2024]

Set in Odessa circa 1910, a leader of the Bolshevik underground under the guise of a French industrialist enlists a group of artistic sympathizers to form a touring variety show. The dancers and chansonniers successfully perform throughout Russia a lively repertoire that raises some eyebrows but mostly charms their aristocratic audiences. Undercover, behind the scenes the close-knit group secretly distribute illegal printed publications which arrive through the Odessa Port. Financed by the Bolsheviks the subversive propaganda aims to spread ideas and information, amassing support in preparation of a coup d'état...

Inspiration for the cinematic story and script came from the memoirs of feminist revolutionary Alexandra Kollontai. From 1909 to 1915, Kollontai participated in the import of illegal weapons, disguised as theatrical props she smuggled guns into pre-revolutionary Russia. Despite the historical reference screenwriter Mikhail Melkumov and the director were both summoned by the Central Committee, who demanded that any references to weapons be cut out of the films script.

The main role was played by actor, poet, musician, Vladimir Vysotsky. Director Georgy Yungvald-Khilkevich said he embarked on the film project solely for the sake of the multi-talented artist, adjusting the script accordingly for Vysotsky. Especially for the film, Vladimir Vysotsky wrote "Bengalsky's Couplets" and "Romance by Candlelight", and he also performed the exuberant "Rose the Gymnasium Girl" to the verses of Alexander Repnikov. The popular film garnered over 40 million viewers, following on, the circulation of the soundtrack record with Vysotsky's songs from the film sold out instantly, as soon as it went on sale!

Enhancing this wonderful story is extravagant period costume and detail. High-spirited choreography which includes a bouncy can-can number is a delightful added attraction.

Expecting a light film about heroic revolutionaries The State Film Agency were unjustly hostile toward the finished material. The members at the time claimed the film was a Hollywood style mockery of the revolution and cast a shadow on the entire Soviet cinema.

I have raised my rating after this recent reappraisal. 'Dangerous Tour' is marvelous entertainment, with a host of fine performances, the film splendidly weaves throughout a thrilling and dramatic historical storyline. Highly enjoyable classic Soviet Cinema.

Koroleva benzokolonki (1963)

Gas Station Queen...

[7/10 · 20 February 2024]

Koroleva benzkolonki is an enjoyable light comedy with a simple story. Lyudmila (Nadezhda Rumyantseva) has repeatedly failed to secure favored employment. Undaunted she now pursues her latest dream fantasy, to be selected as a dancer for the prestigious 'Ballet on Ice'. In preparation with no ice, she devotes her free time to training on asphalt with rollerblades. At the same time Lyudmila is offered employment as a gas station attendant, at an outpost situated on a busy rural highway. Lyudmila is overwhelmed at first, however with her cheerful disposition and an enthusiastic resourcefulness she soon creates a fuel-station oasis, a comforting stop where all the drivers now come, many of them vying for her attentions.

"The Queen of the Gas Station" is based on the story of the same name by the writer and playwright Pyotr Lubensky, which he adapted into a script for the film. A production of the Dovzhenko Film Studios in the Ukrainian SSR, the film begins with a short tour of Kyiv viewed from the window of the passenger bus "Kyiv-Yalta". The story unfolds on location in the Poltava Oblast, the gas station is situated between Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Almost shelved for ideological reasons, the film had a troubled production and took over a year to complete. Management of the Dovzhenko film studio initially found the comedy meaningless, the script was revised and rewritten several times. At first, the role of Lyudmila Dobryvecher was played by an Estonian actress Terje Luik, attractive but completely devoid of a sense of humour, studio heads removed her from the role. Director Alexei Mishurin was now entrusted with completing the filming process, replacing director Nikolay Litus who remained on the project as a second director.

With an unsophisticated storyline and a straightforward filming style, critics harshly viewed the comedy, calling it an example of vulgarity, a film devoid of ideas, apolitical, primitive, designed only for low-grade laughter for the sake of laughter. Nonetheless, when finally released in February 1963, "Queen of the Gas Station" took fifth place at the box office in the USSR attracting over 34.3 million viewers, was very popular abroad and remains a much-loved Soviet comedy classic. Star of the film actress Nadezhda Rumyantseva had wonderful charm, humor and inimitable sincerity. Following on from her hyperactive Tosya in the comedy Devchata, here as Lyudmyla Dobryvechir, Nadezhda Rumyantseva is central to the film's appealing entertainment value and popular success...

Vysota (1957)

"Without height he is not a man."...

[9/10 · 13 February 2024]

Following on from the fame and love of millions of viewers in the popular film "Spring on Zarechnaya Street", Nikolai Rybnikov stars in this thrilling high-rise drama, again here he plays a steelworker.

Brigadier Pasechnik (Rybnikov) has arrived at a steel plant with a fresh batch of workers, the innovative foreman has been hired to lead a construction team building a new blast furnace.

Reflecting the social atmosphere of "thaw" period, a time of hope and optimism "Vysota" captures the bravery and sincerity of the keen young workers, many of them war-time orphans. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie are central to the story which is primarily focused on the challenging work of high-rise installers and the production process at the metallurgical plant.

To achieve maximum authenticity and realism, the stars themselves refused stunt stand-ins. Climbing on ladders and catwalks to heights of 40-60 meters the actors do everything that their characters would have to do in such situations, under the same conditions. In one particular scene Pasechnik initially slid down an iron cable without gloves from high altitude. Rybnikov injured both his palms on the first-take however he courageously continued filming and used gloves on a second take which is seen in the film.

Jealous rivals and a romantic interest involving spirited welder Katya (Inna Makarova) expands the humanistic dimension to this riveting construction drama.

Ultimately in an extreme and testing environment the inspirational film draws-out the best human qualities and the noblest of ideals. Pasechnik at the end of the film exclaims that "without height he is not a man." It is impossible not to be impressed with his genuine abilities and the dedication he gives to his idealistic Soviet character.

Filmed on location at the Dnieper Steel Plant in the Dneprodzerzhinsk Oblast, in an era when the region was within the Soviet Socialist Republic of Ukraine. The film captures the vast industrial scale of the plant and acknowledges in the credits the help and presence throughout the film of the real-life workers.

"Vysota" enjoyed incredible success with Soviet audiences, not only due to the high-quality work of the director and his actors, but also thanks to the wonderful musical accompaniment. The song "March of Installers" became one of the most popular hits of the late 1950s... Superlative classic Soviet cinema.

Chuzhaya rodnya (1956)

"Someone Else's Relatives"

[9/10 · 6 February 2024]

Chuzhaya rodnya is a distinctly wholesome Soviet socio-psychological drama, a film that was realized in a period of artistic liberalization following the death of Stalin in 1953. The excellent script is one of the many highlights to offer in this compelling drama. Written by Soviet writer Vladimir Tendryakov, the basis for the plot was adapted from his own story "Ne k dvoru", published in 1954.

Rising star Nikolai Rybnikov sincerely plays machine operator Fedor, an activist-Komsomol member, a brigadier, he is cheerful and an all-round good guy. The film opens with his lively marriage celebration to beloved Stesha (Nonna Mordyukova). Fedor is warmly welcomed into the Ryashkin family; however, conflict soon arises with the in-laws and his new wife, unbeknown to him the family harbor old values, cling to selfish ideals and are fierce opponents of collective farming...

The scenic location shooting took place in the Perm region, near the city of Kungur, located in the Ural Mountains at the confluence of the rivers Iren and Shakva, a magnificent, mesmerizing moment is captured here.

The outstanding cast seem so natural, acting-out their roles as if they are living life, so much warmth and soulfulness emanate from their performances. "Someone Else's Relatives" is classic Soviet drama at its best, complimenting are songs, music and traditional dance...

Miles of Fire (1957)

Fiery Miles

[9/10 · 6 February 2024]

A heroic adventure, the Fiery Miles is a very entertaining Soviet frontier drama. Opening onboard a packed train, an assassinated comrade with his dying breath passes on vital information to Red Guard chekist Grigory Zavragin. Counter revolutionaries and mutineers are mobilizing and threatening the advance of the Red Army. Zavragin is also given a name, the only clue to identify an infiltrating spy who is travelling on the train.

Forced to leave the train as the line has been blocked the action-packed adventure really takes off. Zavragin is joined by a diverse group of characters who commandeer two horse drawn machine-gun mounted carts, they embark on a wild edge of your seat ride through enemy territory... Incorporating western cinematic elements, a handsome hero, a fearless femme, a treacherous bad-guy, spectacular horse chases and expansive scenic vistas, the Fiery Miles is a creative and thrilling Soviet production.

Now regarded as an Ostern (Red Western), for enthusiasts of this classic film genre, highly recommended viewing!

Poem of the Sea (1958)

Poem of the Sea

[10/10 · 7 January 2024]

An outstanding Soviet drama conceived and written by Alexander Dovzhenko, the film was directed and completed by his widow Yuliya Solntseva following Dovzhenko's untimely death in 1956.

The backdrop of the film is a major Soviet era infrastructure project, the construction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric station on the Dnieper River in the Kherson Oblast.

Soon to be displaced, a diverse cast of characters recall their fond memories of life in the rural settlements which will soon be inundated by a vast inland sea.

Fascinating location filming captures the remarkable feat of Soviet engineering. Recently destroyed in the regional conflict, it is interesting to note that the dam was built in a time of collective harmony.

With philosophical meditations on nature and life and featuring wonderful traditional music, this film is a poetic and touching human drama. Historically, the film records the close-knit kinship of the rural communities and highlights an era of mutual collaboration. Highly Recommended Classic Soviet Cinema!!

Myortvyy sezon (1968)

Dead Season...

[10/10 · 7 January 2024]

Myortvyy sezon, aka. Dead Season (1968) Soviet Union. Dir. Savva Kulish This fascinating Soviet spy noir drama is in a league of its own. If you have an interest in geo-politics and have followed closely what has taken place over the past few years, the chilling historical relevance of this classic film is extraordinary.

The story centers around the fictional western resort town of Dargate, where under the guise of a pharmaceutical center, the German war criminal Dr. Hass finishes work on a new psychochemical weapon of mass destruction - RH gas (RH). Soviet authorities are gravely concerned about this development, the sinister possibilities of the gas are such that in small doses it stimulates the intellectual potential of a person, in larger doses it turns a person into an obedient slave, satisfied with life, whatever that may be. Forced to work for one country, Hass, however, intends to transfer his secret developments to another country, West Germany...

The Dead Season is a suspenseful well-founded espionage thriller, the first Soviet film about the country's intelligence service during the Cold War. The script was based on material provided by the KGB, and the inspiration of the main hero was the famous Soviet spy, Konon Molody.

The film begins with a personal narration from Rudolf Abel, a former spy, senior colleague and friend of Konon Molody.

Abel addresses the audience, presenting startling facts about the bioweapons that are being developed at places such as Fort Derrick in the USA and Portland Downs in the UK... remember this is 1968.

In collaboration with Abel the film's director made sure that the production was based on actual events and has historical accuracy, particularly with its depiction of the covert work of the real intelligence service of the USSR. Highly Recommended !!

Zoku beran me-e geisha (1960)

"Don't take me lightly"...

[8/10 · 14 December 2023]

The Prickly-mouthed Geisha series stars multi-talented Japanese singer, actress and cultural icon Hibari Misora. The entertaining musical films also feature an excellent supporting cast. The engaging stories have a contemporary setting, Misora plays a geisha named Koharu, a modern girl forced into the profession because of her family's financial situation. Koharu possesses a fiery spirited nature, she refuses to provide any of the "extras"... The light romantic comedies/drama open with a confrontation, Koharu takes on those threatening young woman. "I am Koharu from Yanagibashi,. Don't take me lightly"... As she slaps them around sending them on their way, a brisk tone is set in motion. The vividly colourful films move along with a lively tempo, interwoven throughout are a variety of captivating musical numbers. Charming and delightful performances are the highlight, Misora has a tremendous range to her sweet singing voice, expressive, she even does some terrific comic deadpan. Highly entertaining fun, The Prickly-mouthed Geisha films with Hibari Misora are timeless in appeal and are recommended to all enthusiasts of classic Japanese musicals and comedy film....

The Hot Little Girl (1970)

Numbing Jellyfish...

[10/10 · 25 April 2023]

Aspiring fashion model Midori (Mari Atsumi) is a headstrong girl with a mind and a will of her own. Endowed with a beautiful face and a perfect figure, her beauty has become a popular attraction in trendy fashion magazines.

Midori suddenly finds herself compromised by her ambitious lover, and she has a rotten father who draws unwanted attention to her, from the yakuza...

Jellyfish are considered a symbol of beauty and radiance, an inspiration of what it takes to live life on your own terms they symbolize love, resilience, survival, faith, and adaptability.

Life can be tough as Midori finds out, but just like jellyfish, go with the flow, endure pain and suffering, and survive you can always bounce back no matter how hard you get hit... An excellent Masumura melodramatic tale, one that incorporates a tasteful exploitive element, popular and typical of the era...

Shirli-myrli (1995)

Sparkling Gem !!

[10/10 · 29 August 2021]

A lively comedy and visually spectacular, Shirli-myrli is an incredibly entertaining film. No need to expand on the diamond plot synopsis here, a highlight throughout, every excellent performance and the dual characterizations. The farcical story weaves in multi layers of social satire and is accompanied with wonderful classic and traditional music ! Most beautiful is the end composition which creates a soul stirring finale. Also known as "What a Mess" it is a dynamic captivating film, one to cherish for further indulgence, twice is not enough for me.....

Bountiful Summer (1951)

Socialist Idealism...

[9/10 · 16 May 2021]

Rural villagers arm in arm are making their way to the station where a local work heroine is returning from Moscow. Having received honorary awards, her homecoming is greeted with much excitement and proud celebration. Arriving also is an old friend, assigned as the collective farm's new accountant, his return will inevitably ignite the film's modest romantic intrigue. A bullock cart rolls along, the backdrop is one of vast productive pastures, perched on top of freshly cut straw a young kolkhoz worker sweetly sings of love.

Filmed in a pale pastel "Sovcolor" Barnet's romanticized film overflows with an exuberant crazy charm, the films many musical numbers create a stirring somewhat enchanting air of nostalgic naivety, an atmosphere timeless in appeal... On a homely couch two friends reunite, Piotr and Nazar play an accordion and sing a traditional folk tune under a portrait of Stalin, accompanied with the benevolent gaze of Nazar's elderly mother... Under blue skies everyone is busy, beaming with smiles, filling bags of wheat that will be used to feed the country. As productivity records are being broken in the fields the film story concludes. Optimistic characteristics anticipate a bright and happy future in a land of abundance, where the spirit of mutual aid and humility motivate working selflessly for the common good.

Propaganda is a fiction like any other. Undeterred in the restrained late Stalin era, Boris Barnet masterly composed another of his impressive works of cinematic art. "We must remember that a socialist state must give a socialist spirit to movie audiences". A triumph of Soviet "socialist realism", exaltation of the peasant and working-class, the glorification of the collective, inspiring heroic destinies. With an idealized coordinated rhythm, workers, trucks, harvesters and tractors all seem to sing in harmonious unison, an anthem of collective progressive prosperity.

One of only seven features from Soviet Union cinema in 1951, it was French, film critic, director Jacques Rivette's first film review for Cahiers du Cinéma. Written in Feb. 1953, he praised Barnet and his film... "Truth is often silenced: with the exception of Eisenstein, Boris Barnet must be considered the best Soviet filmmaker... But who is Boris Barnet? No one will know, he murmured himself; surely a man of spirit, taste and heart; Isn't that enough? .."

J'étais une aventurière (1938)

" What Charm, What Harmony , What Radiance..."

[8/10 · 22 April 2021]

The many adventures of dynamic beauty Vera Vronsky (Edwige Feuillère) who with the help of two likeable accomplices lure vulnerable rich men with elaborate scams involving fake "valuable" jewelry pieces... Inevitably Vera falls for a handsome victim, life seems complete, in each other's arms the story could have ended, however this tale is not over yet. Unluckily Vera's past unexpectedly resurfaces. Her former partners in crime are now broke and unable to replace her devious charms, Désormeaux (Jean-Max) in particular, pursues her hinting at blackmail if she does not comply... This lightly humorous comedy/drama is a highly entertaining classic from the broad cinematic spectrum of director Raymond Bernard. It is a worldly comedy of elegant characters and lavish social settings, distinctly Classic French with a hint of American style comedies of the time, notably those of Ernst Lubitsch...

Dasso yugi (1976)

Jail Breakers...

[9/10 · 3 August 2020]

An outside organisation specializes in elaborately planned high profile jail breaks, a lucrative business earning the gang millions in payments. When quick thinking prisoner Wataru Kangi (Shin'ichi Chiba) seizes an opportunity he demands from them, a slice of the action also. Kôsaku Yamashita directs a solid action film nothing less with powerhouse Chiba, who gives literally, a knockout performance. With twists & turns spectacular stunt work and even a touch of romance the film is a highly entertaining prison escape drama....

Kono ko no nanatsu no oiwai ni (1982)

For My Daufghter's 7th Birthday...

[8/10 · 31 July 2020]

Setting the tone, Masumura's film opens with a dramatic flashback into the past, before shifting to the present day, where a brutal murder initiates an urgent police investigation. Shaping up to be a police crime procedural, the story however veers away from this well worn path. The mystery murder becomes an absorbing multi faceted drama, a dark brooding tale of revenge, manipulation and instability, fermented in the social upheaval of the post war years....

The Black Battlefront Kidnappers (1973)

Beast Hunting....

[8/10 · 26 July 2020]

A small group of political radicals kidnap a corporate executive. At first it is assumed they want money, but following the groups surprising public demands, the police begin to question their actual motivation. Here the compelling drama becomes a police procedural. Feuding father and son detectives are assigned to the case, one in which the clock is ticking. Starring cultural icon Hiroshi Fujioka as the headstrong detective son, frustrated by his superiors, he is restrained from taking matters into his own hands. An intensely expressive personality, Fujioka's dynamic lead is a focal-point of the film. Set in a big city urban landscape, filmmaker Eizô Sugawa composes a tense action drama. With a distinctive personal touch, in true 70's style his mod atmospheric soundtrack pulsates throughout, generating an evocative background rhythm. Hard boiled this social crime drama is a knockout... & is Highly Recommended !!

Japanese Belly Button (1977)

Japanese Belly Button...

[8/10 · 26 July 2020]

A clever & uniquely composed independent work of cinematic art, from the creative hand of director Eizô Sugawa. Adapted from the 1969 play written by Inoue Hisashi, his gesaku; satirical comic works based on his personal perspectives are highly regarded. The foundation of this brilliant multi layered story opens in a theatre where a confession play is being acted out by a small group. It is a therapy session attempting to remedy stuttering, to unlock deep seated anxiety. A lively cast of interconnected characters come from varying social backgrounds. Interwoven are wonderful musical numbers, captivating, you never know exactly what to expect next. The film playfully diverges and reconnects back to its initial setting. A highly entertaining film, an Art Theatre Guild production, one which will need an extra viewing here to fully appreciate the depth of wit & intricacies of the Japanese dialogue & the dual character roles! Highly Recommended Classic Japanese cinema.

The Love and Adventures of Kuroki Taro (1977)

Azuma Morisaki...

[9/10 · 18 July 2020]

Watched this excellent film last night and was sadly surprised to learn today of the passing of director Azuma Morisaki. Known for his earthy, acerbic comedy, here with an Art Theatre Guild production Moriaki composes one of his greatest films. With a fabulous score the quirky tale opens in a frenzied pace. Taro Kuroki is a restless middle-aged stuntman, taunting the police with bizarre road & mind games. An honourable soul, Kuroki sets about rescuing the unfortunate and downtrodden, a bunch of oddball characters he encounters along his way. The entertaining film is a super stylish art house production, a multi layered comic social drama, highlighted with a terrific cast Highly Recommended !! R.I.P. Azuma Morisaki

Taikoki (1987 TV Movie)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi...

[8/10 · 15 July 2020]

A very entertaining historical insight into the life and times of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598). From a humble peasant background in the Sengoku period, eventually succeeding Lord Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi rose to one of the most powerful & influential men in the country. His grandest legacy to be regarded as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan. The film was made for TV, an epic production of 4hrs split into 2 parts. Within the bounds of the small screen director Kihachi Okamoto brilliantly crafts a broad & fascinating tale. Typically, he infuses his drama with a vibrant comic vein, always a great ear for accompaniment, an evocative soundtrack superbly compliments, a wonderful treat. Supported with a solid cast, Kumiko Akiyoshi gives a spirited lead performance. With subtle & dramatic character development, his carefree beginning evolves into the role of dynamic tactician, progressive politician and wise cultured ruler... Highly Recommended.

Roadside Stone (1964)

Wayside Pebble: "I am who i am"...

[8/10 · 10 July 2020]

An excellent touching classic drama tells the plight of Goichi a bright young teen who has just passed his elementary exams with honours. Desperate to further his higher education in the capital Tokyo, Goichi however is constrained by poverty, hindered by a tyrannical father and his submissive mother. Set at the turn of the century on the eve of war between Japan & Russia, it is the 36th year of the Meiji era. This turbulent epoch was a period of rapidly changing social/class structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. Presenting a number of themes the film's multi faceted composition was inspired by author Yuzo Yamamoto, it is a popular story "The Stone on the Sidelines" first filmed in 1938.. Filmmaker Miyoji Ieki was an outstanding independent writer director of socially conscious cinema, this film from his work at Toei 1958-65. Ieki's films are admired for their intelligence and humanity, for their dynamic visual and poetic expression. With a tremendous lead role from young Shûichi Ikeda, beautifully composed black & white cinematography and a pensive, emotionally charged screenplay this wayside pebble is a highly recommended gem to behold...

Devil's Flute (1979)

The Devil Comes and Plays His Flute...

[7/10 · 9 July 2020]

Kindaichi Kosuke is a fictional Japanese private detective character created by the renowned mystery writer Seishi Yokomizo. His first of over 70 crime cases was published in 1946... this tale 'The Devil Comes and Plays His Flute' first appeared in 1951. Private detective Kosuke Kindaichi is summoned to a large family estate where a serious crime has been committed. Working diligently behind the scenes of the police investigation he uncovers some startling family secrets. Undeterred by mysterious supernatural elements, keeping his 'cards close to his chest', Kindaichi eventually reveals the true nature of the case. The mystery film is a jumble of twists and turns, as is the family intrigue... Accompanied with a haunting flute melody, the film branches out from the close knit family estate to explore different leads, showcasing many interesting scenic backdrops. It is an epic drama, one that I will need to re-watch, to fully appreciate the intricacies of this twisting tale.

Kokuso sezu (1975)

Without Complaint...

[8/10 · 6 July 2020]

In the midst of a tight political campaign "the husband" Yukio Aoshima, is entrusted to collect 30 million yen, which was donated after pursuing assistance from a shady minister. With suitcase full of cash in hand, he seizes the opportunity & absconds. Fleeing to a remote safe haven he initiates a casual friendship, cashed up the pair plan a new life together. Forever keeping one step ahead of those who desperately seek him & the cash. The twosome embark on various schemes & start to speculate with the funds to maintain & increase their wealth... Adapted from author Seich0 Matsumoto whose multi layered work reflects not just on the crime but also the social and political world in which the crime was committed. With a terrific cast & crew Hiromichi Horikawa directs a stylish & lively cinematic story. Starting out in a somewhat easy-going breezy mood, life's day-to-day realities however eventually catch up, the carefree existence of the fugitive couple gradually descends into a complex dark drama...

Chikuzan hitori tabi (1977)

Tsugaru-jamisen...

[10/10 · 4 July 2020]

Written, directed and independently produced by Kaneto Shindo this outstanding film is an absorbing biopic of renowned musician & composer Takahashi Chikuzan. Opening the film, shamisen in hand, the elderly musician recalls his past & the cause of his childhood blindness. A naturally gifted musician, his fate & destiny, a life as a beggar on a wandering musical path. Shifting from a brief documentary style opening, interweaving re-enactments reveal the past, & eventually form to dramatize the compelling life story of Takahashi Chikuzan. Criss-crossing Japan, his travels from home to the far north and beyond become a fascinating road trip journey, highlighting along the way many of Japan's spectacular geographical locations. Stunning cinematography captures the raw beauty, portraying in varying colour tones the many moods of the meandering tale with exquisitely beautiful portraits. Featured throughout Tsugaru-jamisen, a unique Japanese genre of shamisen music originating from the Tsugaru Peninsula. A master of the instrument Takahashi Chikuzan's composition & folk song are incredibly enchanting, an absolute delight to experience. As the last frame dissolved, tears of heartfelt joy, profoundly expressed closing thoughts on this beautifully composed, classic cinematic wonder. Highly Recommended !!

Blood for Blood (1971)

Blood for Blood...

[6/10 · 27 June 2020]

Despite a great cast, solid direction and a stimulating soundtrack this crime drama falls short with its simplistic & somewhat improbable storyline, it is a familiar tale one told in countless yakuza films. Nikkatsu studio's devotion to capturing the youth market throughout this era may have produced lively entertaining action films. However an over emphasis on jazzy style overrides serious substance. Here the centre of the typical crime drama hinges on a most unlikely scenario. Having witnessed a major indiscretion a gang member disregards his strict yakuza code, placing his own self interest ahead of his family syndicate. From the outset I expected not much from the film once the production company credits were revealed & in the end that certainly was the case...

Epitaph to My Love (1961)

My Journey In Love...

[8/10 · 22 June 2020]

A disenchanted young man rushes to hail a cab, his detination the hospital having just heard a news flash that a woman was found floating face down in the harbour. As he peers out of the cab into the rain soaked dark & dreary night he recalls, his Journey in love... Masahiro Shinoda follows on from his pop art sensation Killers on Parade with this dramatic love story, finishing off a productive year with another excellent film, Love Old & New. Adapting from conservative author Ayako Sono, the melodramatic tale while touching on related social issues never deviates too far from the personal plight of it's two main protagonists. Opening with a wonderful musical accompaniment, stars Sô Yamamura and Shima Iwashita are impressive together, their persuasive performances the very heart of this entertaining drama. Through flashback memories Shinoda illustrates many changing moods; the journey of love. With much stylish expertise, he composes within an evocative backdrop, a compelling & touching love story.

Gaki zôshi (1973)

Hungry Ghosts...

[9/10 · 17 June 2020]

An arduous rain drenched trek leads a frail teenage girl to collapse on the steps of a hill top Buddhist Temple.. The youthful resident monk takes her in and along with his motherly helper they nurse the mysterious girl back to health. The homeless girl comfortably settles into the austere lifestyle, secure within the sanctity of the temple refuge. Her presence inevitably draws obsessive attentions. Desecrating the purity of the sacred shrine a violation initiates an affair, one which fractures the rigid harmony of the spiritual realm, clouding the clarity of the devout priest. .

"Not standing upon words"... A dialogue free film , sparse as it is, conversation is muted, clearly audible are grounding everyday sounds providing an evocative & tangible natural reality. With striking composition and varying rhythms, multi themes are vividly presented often with dissolving seemingly random imagery...very Zen. Experimental, independent filmmaker Yoichi Takabayashi intricately creates a unique, profoundly expressive work of cinematic art.

A story with no words, however it is a story that has so much to say.... Gaki in the films title references Hungry Ghosts... In Japanese Buddhism these spirits, punished for their mortal vices, have been cursed with an insatiable hunger... emerging from an unhappy death or where there is neglect or desertion of venerable ancestors. Highly Recommended for Classic Japanese film enthusiasts...