Movielogr

Rating: 8 stars

Tags

Japan shochiku Criterion yakuza gambling murder new wave car race

All movies seen on 06/11/2014

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Pale Flower (1964)

Directed by Masahiro Shinoda

Crime | Drama

Overview

A gangster gets released from prison and has to cope with the recent shifts of power between the gangs, while taking care of a thrill-seeking young woman, who got in bad company while gambling.

Length 96 minutes

Actors

Ryô Ikebe | Mariko Kaga | Takashi Fujiki | Naoki Sugiura | Shinichirô Mikami | Isao Sasaki | Koji Nakahara | Chisako Hara | Seiji Miyaguchi | Eijirô Tôno | Mikizo Hirata | Kyû Sazanka | Sohei Kurata | Shin'ya Mizushima | Muga Takewaki | Hiroshi Mizushima | Isao Tamagawa | Tomoko Saitô | Keiko Kuni | Akio Tanaka | Reisaburô Yamamoto | Hideo Kidokoro | Osamu Abe | Keiko Mizushina | Shinobu Emi | Tae Hayakawa | Teruko Yamada | Fusako Maki | Toshio Shimamura | Fumio Tooyama | Masahiko Inoue | Isao Suenaga | Yoshihide Satô | Katsumasa Yamayoshi | Masaaki Hagihara | Yôji Doki | Keiji Tsuchida | Nobuo Takagi | Kentarô Imai | Eiji Tsumura | Shôsuke Oni | Hideo Asami | Hiroshi Nozawa | Shinkichi Hayabusa | Daijirô Minami | Kanji Ôsugi | Akie Kokubu | Hiromi Hagita | Shuichi Oki | Yûsaku Nishihara | Hiroshi Ikaida

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Viewing Notes

Every time I watch a yakuza movie esp. a period film it comforts me knowing I did not grow up in that environment. Of course I feel the same whenever I view a Tokugawa period film. I suppose it’s something about that class hierarchy and obligated honor imposed on all members.

That said, I think the 60s are my favorite period of modern Japan, the time I most wish I could visit. This movie is a great example of that capturing the imagery and mood particularly in this New Wave movement. The score is unsettling that gives an undercurrent of anxiety in addition to tension already present. I can’t even imagine sitting in one of those gambling games.

Framing and shot composition is superb. I love that Muraki is such a respected badass, always cool and collected. His relationship with Saeko propels this film as her addiction to danger amplifies. Riveting performances.

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