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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 7, 2018 6:57:38 GMT
Sorry to get carried away Aj_June , on holidays today and a wintery day down here in OZ. Akio Jissoji possessed a very distinctive visual style, built upon a uniquely original, at times confronting approach to cinematic story telling. Asaki yumemishi aka The Life Of A Court Lady (1974) Set in the late 13th century Kyoto, an era of the Kamakura Shogunate this was a period of transition, known for the emergence of the samurai warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan. Shijo (Janet Hatta) is an attractive & perceptive peasant girl who is sold & given over to the Imperial Court, to live her life as a concubine. She is soon bored by her confined superficial life, one of seclusion, one of an exploited object, a plaything of the court. Shijo is however emboldened in the progressive era, in a new social environment of a declining aristocracy. With an ascending military and peasant class, of great attraction to Shijo is the expansion of Buddhist Teachings. Shijo decides to join a Buddhist sect, becoming a nun she chooses to pursue a life without desire, and now spends her days on a permanent pilgrimage wandering the countryside..... The wonderful film from Akio Jissôji is an incredibly stylish and creative Art Theatre Guild Production. A sensory delight, sumptuous, poetic, dreamlike, an outstanding beautifully filmed & acted historical drama, mystic tale... Surprisingly little known, a master work from Jissôji
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 7, 2018 9:03:58 GMT
Masahiro Shinoda may not have reached or never enjoyed the fame of other Japanese directors, however he is an excellent filmmaker, a consummate stylist, one of the most vital Japanese directors of the 20th century, a living legend, Shinoda recently celebrated his 87th birthday. With a focus on youth and the cultural & political turmoil of 1960s Japan, Shinoda became a central figure in the Japanese New Wave, alongside Nagisa Ōshima and Yoshishige Yoshida. With a bold new cinematic vision the spirited productions were innovative, highly entertaining, original cinema. With an interest in traditional Japanese theatre, culturally rich historical tales, crime films, the diverse cinema of Masahiro Shinoda is cast with socially marginal characters, having an expression of hope, the darkly beautiful dramatic tales are absorbing & thrilling, all highly entertaining... The excellent Sakura no mori no mankai no shita (1975) delves into fantasy and horror dark humour, the marvellous Shinjû: Ten no Amijim , Double Suicide (1969) is a unique traditional theatrical inspired film an independent production from ATG, Yûhi ni akai ore no kao , Killers on Parade (1961) is an incredible pop-art sensation, pictured. The remarkable Himiko (1974) is based on the shaman Queen Himiko who is recorded in ancient histories dating back to 8th century Japan. A fascinating ancient historical drama , the end credits roll with amazing aerial shots of remnant ancient tumuli (keyhole shaped burial mound) and their modern surroundings...
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Post by Aj_June on Jul 7, 2018 9:32:25 GMT
Winner of the 1940 Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film was Tsuchi aka, Earth directed by Tomu Uchida.
Despite being regarded as one of the great masters of Japanese cinema his films are mostly little known. Uchida directed his first film in 1922, and he soon became known for directing keiko eiga (leftist “tendency” films), films that have social critique and a progressive tone. Decades later he made an acclaimed widely recognized work, one of his last films, the outstanding crime drama, Kiga Kaikyo , A Fugitive from the Past (1965) Tsuchi Uchida's best known pre-war film is widely regarded a masterpiece of cinematic realism. the stunning film however transcends the boundaries of reality, a virtuosic stylist Uchida masterly composed a richly textured humanist drama of profound dimension. Translated as Earth the film is an epic compelling portrait .Shot against austere landscapes it tells of the lives of peasant farmers in northern Japan's rugged and remote Tohoku region , and in particular the story closely follows the plight of one poor family. Interwoven are scenes of traditional cultural ritual, juxtaposed against the backdrop of heartbreaking hardship sublimely beautiful scenes capture life toiling the fields, workers planting and harvesting rice, a mesmerizing shot of tall grains in the wind no doubt inspired Shindo... Uchida's detailed chronicle of peasant life was somewhat tempered than his original intention it nevertheless remains a graphic provoking portrait. The ambitious project was to be a film critique of capitalism, he wanted to show how the poor struggle to live, in order to demonstrate for progressive change. But censorship issues complicated production, any openly leftist analysis of the class system was out of the question at this time in Japan, and against the studios wishes the film was secretly completed on location using each weekend over the course of a year. Viewed was a seriously compromised print which was discovered in Germany in 1968. It is such a travesty that Tsuchi had been lost damaged and neglected , with striking imagery in every frame, a pristine print would undoubtedly be hailed as a masterpiece of Classic World Cinema . But what a thrill of discovery classic film can be , absorbed by the sheer beauty during one particular scene, the music the motion, I suddenly found myself overcome with emotion, tears of wondrous joy ran down my cheeks .. Highly Recommended the films of Japanese Master, Tomu Uchida his chosen stage name "Tomu" translates .. "To spit out dreams". Wow. So much of thanks for introducing me to Tomu Uchida, manfromplanetx. I just did a bit googling on him and I really like some of his works. A Fugitive from the Past (1965) (183 mins) does seem likely a movie that is pretty much my sort of film. I will be looking for it soon. I should also note that Uchida seems to have dabbled into story of Miyamoto Musashi albeit his work seem to be not as popular as those of Hiroshi Inagaki's retelling of Miyamoto's story. Back on old IMDB I was so impressed by semi-real Japanese character of Sasaki Kojiro that I used to have that as my screen name. So while trying out works of Uchida I will keep that in mind.
Such a shame about the fact that Tsuchi (1939) is not available in full length. Given the fact that it is pre-war masterpiece it do be nice to watch it for comparison with post war movies.
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Post by Aj_June on Jul 7, 2018 10:13:59 GMT
Sorry to get carried away Aj_June , on holidays today and a wintery day down here in OZ. Akio Jissoji possessed a very distinctive visual style, built upon a uniquely original, at times confronting approach to cinematic story telling. Asaki yumemishi aka The Life Of A Court Lady (1974) Set in the late 13th century Kyoto, an era of the Kamakura Shogunate this was a period of transition, known for the emergence of the samurai warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan. Shijo (Janet Hatta) is an attractive & perceptive peasant girl who is sold & given over to the Imperial Court, to live her life as a concubine. She is soon bored by her confined superficial life, one of seclusion, one of an exploited object, a plaything of the court. Shijo is however emboldened in the progressive era, in a new social environment of a declining aristocracy. With an ascending military and peasant class, of great attraction to Shijo is the expansion of Buddhist Teachings. Shijo decides to join a Buddhist sect, becoming a nun she chooses to pursue a life without desire, and now spends her days on a permanent pilgrimage wandering the countryside..... The wonderful film from Akio Jissôji is an incredibly stylish and creative Art Theatre Guild Production. A sensory delight, sumptuous, poetic, dreamlike, an outstanding beautifully filmed & acted historical drama, mystic tale... Surprisingly little known, a master work from Jissôji Congrats on 1000 posts manfromplanetx. I can say that each and every post that you make is worth reading. I hope you enjoy Australia. I have been here in Victoria since last 4 years although I have not travelled around other parts of Australia.
I am not a historian but I find it extremely interesting to read Japanese history on sites like wikipedia for hours and hours on an idle day. I have never found a more complex culture and such a fascinating culture. Of course, it was not all good but so was humanity throughout the world. I like the way movies like Harakiri have made criticisms of feudal system of Japan. Your posts have just opened up possibilities of seeing many more movies on medieval period of Japan. I hope to be able to see many of these films in time. Believe me even if I searched for Japanese cinema on internet I would not have got results that educated me about so many of these gems as you have in such a short time. Thanks once again!
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Post by Aj_June on Jul 7, 2018 10:26:38 GMT
I'd like to see the 'Stray Cat Rock' series from the 1970s but it's so expensive to buy the box-set. I bought the 'Hanzo The Razor' collection and didn't much care for any of the films, so it's always a gamble, though that collection I got very cheap. The dvd distributor Arrow Academy are releasing 'Horrors Of Malformed Men' (1969) soon which is exciting. Also, the 'Buddhist' trilogy by Akio Jissoji which I'd never heard of before. They're keen to release films from Yasuharu Hasebe, another top director whose work I'm not at all familiar with. Perhaps they might release something from Koji Wakamatsu who I've also seen nothing from. The history of Japanese cinema is so incredibly rich and diverse, where do you start. But anyway, I said I'd knock up a list off the top of my head, and there's a quite a few recent titles here because I like J-horror. I'm surprised to find I have very little from the 1980s and 1990s though, when Japanese genre films were often very clinical and slick in presentation.
Thanks Petrolino. Can't say that I am familiar with all you listed but I surely do like Meiko Kaji and her awesome performance in the Lady Snowblood. Also liked the title track from that movie. Have seen a few more of the movies you listed but I need to watch more from your list. For some reason I have not seen many post 70s Japanese movies. But I am going through mini subplots of movies you listed to bookmark those of my interest.
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Post by wmcclain on Jul 7, 2018 11:42:16 GMT
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Post by petrolino on Jul 7, 2018 13:37:47 GMT
Masahiro Shinoda may not have reached or never enjoyed the fame of other Japanese directors, however he is an excellent filmmaker, a consummate stylist, one of the most vital Japanese directors of the 20th century, a living legend, Shinoda recently celebrated his 87th birthday. With a focus on youth and the cultural & political turmoil of 1960s Japan, Shinoda became a central figure in the Japanese New Wave, alongside Nagisa Ōshima and Yoshishige Yoshida. With a bold new cinematic vision the spirited productions were innovative, highly entertaining, original cinema. With an interest in traditional Japanese theatre, culturally rich historical tales, crime films, the diverse cinema of Masahiro Shinoda is cast with socially marginal characters, having an expression of hope, the darkly beautiful dramatic tales are absorbing & thrilling, all highly entertaining... The excellent Sakura no mori no mankai no shita (1975) delves into fantasy and horror dark humour, the marvellous Shinjû: Ten no Amijim , Double Suicide (1969) is a unique traditional theatrical inspired film an independent production from ATG, Yûhi ni akai ore no kao , Killers on Parade (1961) is an incredible pop-art sensation, pictured. I'm enjoying reading through all your posts on Japanese movies here on this thread, planet; having not yet seen a single film from legendary director Masahiro Shinoda, I've just gotta stop and say, I love that colourful screencap of the punk girl with the gun. Looks like an entry point to lurid pop art heaven.
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Post by petrolino on Jul 7, 2018 13:53:42 GMT
Toei Studio's 1960s output is highlighted with a series of action packed Yakuza; ninkyo eiga, films. These wonderful crime action films are grounded social dramas, perfectly cast, highlighted with essential elements, the gangsters code of honour, having an emphasis on the obligation to the group and thoughtfully of ninjo ('humanity / compassion'). the films of Toei stand in contrast to the frenetic energy of the crime films of rival studio Nikkatsu. Director Kosaku Yamashita proved himself to be a master of the low budget gangster film , he produced some of the best and most memorable films of the genre. A highly skilled stylist, he paints an impressive richly detailed atmospheric portrait. Surprisingly little known are most of his films, including this outstanding gem Bakuchi-uchi: socho tobaku , Big Time Gambling Boss (1968) , and many others... Nihon jokyo-den: tekka geisha , A Lively Geisha (1968) Set in the Taisho period:1912-1926, the beautiful Geisha Koshizu (Junko Fuji) has longed for the opportunity to perform the prestigious Yasuna dance, however a jealous rival, Geisha Adakichi.is not impressed. Popular Koshizu fends off advances, proposals of marriage from her wealthy clients, her heart seems locked in the distant past, to a mysterious stranger... This exceptional emotional drama begins with a lively solo dance number from star Junko Fuji, an enchanting treat, as the credits roll.. An epic multilayered tale follows, a superb seamless blend of Yakuza crime action and a deeply expressive Geisha melodrama. Director Kôsaku Yamashita masterly paints an impressive atmospheric portrait of the early era, giving the film an authentic feel, rich in every detail. With a colourful visually magnificent dance scene, some terrific Yakuza style action !, an excellent finale, Nihon jokyo-den: tekka geisha is outstanding classic Japanese cinema. Director Tai Katô was another prolific, unique cinematic stylist who worked for Toei Studios. Also little known he was master craftsman who excelled in yakuza & jidai-geki epics. Kato enhanced these genre films with engaging screenplays, deeply drawn characters and violent action .. Meiji kyokyakuden - sandaime shumei , Blood Revenge (1965) An excellent ninkyo eiga the setting is Osaka, 1907. Honourable and loyal Asajiro lives in a discordant social environment, he has a strong noble desire to maintain the clean and respected business reputation of his clan. When his boss is incapacitated Asajiro and his group are confronted with serious internal & external challenges... Director Tai Kato wonderful cinematic style builds a gripping tale, with richly drawn characters, the outstanding story is multi faceted, one of loyalty, honour, romance, and rivalry. Action packed, there is much blood drawn in revenge.. These movies do sound enthralling. At the Toei Kyoto Studio Park, you can experience period filming, perhaps even participate in fun reconstructions and cloud capture. My sister used to live and work in Kyoto and Osaka.
'Kyoto was once the “Hollywood of Japan,” with a thriving film industry between the 1920s and 1960s. Toei Eigamura aims to recapture some of that glory with huge Edo Period (1603-1868) sets you can actually explore on foot, as well as fun attractions and entertaining shows to enjoy.'
- Buffalo Trip Advisor
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 7, 2018 21:38:07 GMT
Masahiro Shinoda Yûhi ni akai ore no kao , Killers on Parade (1961) is an incredible pop-art sensation, pictured. I'm enjoying reading through all your posts on Japanese movies here on this thread, planet; having not yet seen a single film from legendary director Masahiro Shinoda, I've just gotta stop and say, I love that colourful screencap of the punk girl with the gun. Looks like an entry point to lurid pop art heaven. Thanks for sharing your interest petrolino here is another delirious pop art confection for you... I know you will enjoy having looked through your wonderful lists Ore ni sawaru to abunaize , Black Tight Killers (1966) Yasuharu Hasebe
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Post by wmcclain on Jul 7, 2018 21:44:53 GMT
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 7, 2018 23:00:45 GMT
Yasuzo Masumura "My goal is to create an exaggerated depiction featuring only the ideas and passions of living human beings..".. Director Masumura was a precursor an inspiration for the Japanese New Wave, he had a prolific output, directing his first film in 1957. A maverick, master stylist he directed in a variety of genres with sharp sociological perceptions, his incredible 60s films are generated from a succession of prestigious literary adaptations. The plight and position of women are themes strongly represented throughout Masumura's career. With the regular presence of enchanting Ayako Wakao during the 60s, she adds a wondrous dimension to the melodramatic tales. Excelling as the untouchable, manipulative but irresistible femme, she played strong-willed women who saw their sexuality as a way to liberate themselves from the traditional & habitual oppression, they suffer in society. Corporate life and the sacrifices, both human and moral, demanded by the post-war economic environment, is another important element seen in Masumura's work. Bold, perceptive, inspirational , I started with Tsuma wa kokuhaku suru , A Wife Confesses (1961) , which excitedly lead onto to tracking down 17 Masumura films . The Blue Sky Maiden (1957), Giants and Toys (1958), Afraid to Die (1960), Seisaku no tsuma (1965), Chijin no ai (1967) to name drop just a few favourites. Hanaoka Seishû no tsuma , Wife of Seishû Hanaoka (1967) is set in feudal Japan. A fascinating historical melodrama, central characters are the wife and mother of Japanese physician Seishû Hanaoka (1760-1835). It was Hanaoka who developed after much experimentation, a herbal general anesthetic, "Tsusensan" becoming the first physician to successfully operate on a anesthetised patient... Seisaku no tsuma (1965) Aozora musume , The Blue Sky Maiden (1957)
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 8, 2018 0:41:34 GMT
Tragically director Yuzo Kawashima died suddenly at the young age of 45 in 1963. From his youth Kawashima suffered from a paralysis that affected his right leg and arm, a reclusive personality, he was known for his acidic urban comedies and satires. These films were very popular in Japan, sadly however the majority of Kawashima's films have been rarely seen or discussed in the west. The 2013 international release of his 1957 film Bakumatsu Taiyo-den , Sun in the Last Days of the Shogunate marked the first time that any of Kawashima's films have been released with an official dvd disc outside of Japan. The outstanding film is incredibly entertaining, filled with marvellous performances, it is a biting satire focusing on the different social classes not only of the Bakumatsu Era in which the film is nominally set, but mirrors the situation in contemporary modern Japan. Up there with the best classics, Sun in the Last Days of the Shogunate was voted the fifth best Japanese film of all time in Kinema Junpō's poll of 140 film critics and filmmakers in 1999 .. Kawashima also worked with lovely, talented Ayako Wakao , full of playful visual surprises and sharp social commentary, confined in a small apartment setting Shitoyakana kedamono , The Graceful Brute (1962) is a sensational dark satire. The melodramatic gem, Gan no tera , The Temple of Wild Geese (1962) was adapted from the autobiographical novel Gan no tera, from Tsutomu Mizukami which won the Naoki Prize in 1961...
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Post by petrolino on Jul 8, 2018 1:38:25 GMT
I'm enjoying reading through all your posts on Japanese movies here on this thread, planet; having not yet seen a single film from legendary director Masahiro Shinoda, I've just gotta stop and say, I love that colourful screencap of the punk girl with the gun. Looks like an entry point to lurid pop art heaven. Thanks for sharing your interest petrolino here is another delirious pop art confection for you... I know you will enjoy having looked through your wonderful lists Ore ni sawaru to abunaize , Black Tight Killers (1966) Yasuharu Hasebe This is interesting planet, because though I've not seen any films directed by Yasuharu Hasebe, one was recently was made available on dvd by Arrow Video. Have you seen his film 'Massacre Gun' (1967)? Sounds like maybe I should snap it up while it's affordable. (Thanks)
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Post by petrolino on Jul 8, 2018 1:40:25 GMT
There's no fantasy film I've seen that's quite like it. I heard Terry Gilliam and Tim Burton are fans, which would make sense.
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Post by petrolino on Jul 8, 2018 1:44:42 GMT
Kawashima also worked with lovely, talented Ayako Wakao , full of playful visual surprises and sharp social commentary, confined in a small apartment setting Shitoyakana kedamono , The Graceful Brute (1962) is a sensational dark satire. The melodramatic gem, Gan no tera , The Temple of Wild Geese (1962) was adapted from the autobiographical novel Gan no tera, from Tsutomu Mizukami which won the Naoki Prize in 1961... I've not seen Yuzo Kawashima's films but I do like Ayaka Wakao's performances I've seen for director Yasuzo Masumura.
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 8, 2018 5:59:44 GMT
Yoshitarō Nomura worked in several different genres, including musicals and jidaigeki (period dramas), however the prolific director excelled and is best known within the thriller genre. Many of Nomura's excellent films are inspired literary adaptations from acclaimed Japanese authors Shūgorō Yamamoto & Seichō Matsumoto on eight films. Seichō's works notably, drafted deeper elements of human psychology into Japanese crime fiction. Moving on from traditional formulas he expanded the scope, darkening the crime atmosphere, with not just the crime, but also by casting a shadow over the society in which the crime was committed.. A marvellous thriller, an acclaimed adaptation from Nomura is Suna no utsuwa , Castle of Sand (1974) , based on the novel Inspector Imanishi Investigates by Seicho Matsumoto.
Goben no tsubaki , The Scarlet Camellia (1964)When the number of bodies each adorned with a scarlet camellia start to mount, the authorities are keen to quickly find the murderer and solve the case. The deaths are obviously all related as each male victim has been slain by the exact same method. As the investigation proceeds, suspicions begin to narrow... Director Yoshitarô Nomura's film is a spellbinding psychological thriller, a dark epic odyssey of revenge. Based on a novel of the same name by the distinguished Japanese author Shûgorô Yamamoto, the compelling drama/crime story is set in the 19th century. Typical of the great director the film is a multi faceted work, the subject of the investigation and the focus story go well beyond the common crime drama. Nomura weaves throughout insightful observations on the times, on the society and the social order in which the crime was committed. Absorbing, stylishly crafted,sumptuously detailed, with outstanding performances, especially from Shima Iwashita, with an epic scope The Scarlet Camellia is captivating entertainment . A shout-out for an exceptional Japanese Classic with less than 20 ratings at IMDb
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 8, 2018 6:32:51 GMT
Tsugaru jongarabushi , Jongara, aka Tsugaru Folksong (1973) is an outstanding multi faceted drama from director Koichi Saito He came to prominence in the early 1970s with a series of thought provoking movies about young people escaping from themselves, searching for their identities, fleeing the big city to the natural settings of remote home communities. Selected as the best film of 1973 in the Kinema Junpo Poll of Critics, & deservedly so, winning Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress for Kyoko Enami. Deeply engaging performances, a diverse cast of characters. Absolutely stunning location/outdoor filming on and near The Tsugaru Peninsula, at the northern end of Honshū island. Accompanied with beautifully composed traditional Japanese folk song played on the shamisen, the region having a distinctive style and instument, Tsugaru-jamisen. A rich and deeply compelling drama, little known with only 30 ratings at IMDb, followed the excellent drama/thriller Yakusoku (1972)
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Post by Aj_June on Jul 8, 2018 6:55:15 GMT
Yasuzo Masumura "My goal is to create an exaggerated depiction featuring only the ideas and passions of living human beings..".. Director Masumura was a precursor an inspiration for the Japanese New Wave, he had a prolific output, directing his first film in 1957. A maverick, master stylist he directed in a variety of genres with sharp sociological perceptions, his incredible 60s films are generated from a succession of prestigious literary adaptations. The plight and position of women are themes strongly represented throughout Masumura's career. With the regular presence of enchanting Ayako Wakao during the 60s, she adds a wondrous dimension to the melodramatic tales. Excelling as the untouchable, manipulative but irresistible femme, she played strong-willed women who saw their sexuality as a way to liberate themselves from the traditional & habitual oppression, they suffer in society. Corporate life and the sacrifices, both human and moral, demanded by the post-war economic environment, is another important element seen in Masumura's work. Bold, perceptive, inspirational , I started with Tsuma wa kokuhaku suru , A Wife Confesses (1961) , which excitedly lead onto to tracking down 17 Masumura films . The Blue Sky Maiden (1957), Giants and Toys (1958), Afraid to Die (1960), Seisaku no tsuma (1965), Chijin no ai (1967) to name drop just a few favourites. Hanaoka Seishû no tsuma , Wife of Seishû Hanaoka (1967) is set in feudal Japan. A fascinating historical melodrama, central characters are the wife and mother of Japanese physician Seishû Hanaoka (1760-1835). It was Hanaoka who developed after much experimentation, a herbal general anesthetic, "Tsusensan" becoming the first physician to successfully operate on a anesthetised patient... Seisaku no tsuma (1965) Aozora musume , The Blue Sky Maiden (1957) One of the movies of Yasuzo Masumura that is famous among western audience is Blind Beast (盲獣 Mōjū). One of the reasons for that may be that the English subtitles were released very shortly after this movie primered in Japan. manfromplanetx I wonder if after having seen so many movies, which movies from Japan would you consider to belong purely to noir genre? Any director from Japan who you think specialized in something close to noir? You mentioned the movies of Teruo Ishii are sort of noir. Any other?
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 8, 2018 7:08:31 GMT
When the pioneering independent film production company Art Theatre Guild was founded in 1961, Japanese cinema output was dominated by the major studios. ATG became an alternative driving force, an inspiration, an artistic home. The company provided a foundation for new-wave elements to develop significantly, the wondrous collection of films shown and then those produced between 1967 and '84 transformed and re-shaped the direction of Japanese cinema. The guild was initially formed as a distributor, principally of foreign art films for Japanese audiences, but with additional funding provided by the major Japanese studios led by Toho, ATG was able to follow world wide trends, promoting the rise of radical new and experimental cinema. The opportunity initiated by ATG was pivotal for directors of the era wishing to make daring, challenging and highly innovative films. The originality of their individual projects would never have been possible under the controlling gaze of the major studios, which typically ran an assembly line production system, leaving little scope for independence and individuality. With its own chain of ten cinemas ATG had an inspired policy of giving each major feature a one-month run. Independent cinema in Japan was given unconditional support on a scale unprecedented in the history of Japanese cinema. The importance of the independent ATG productions, or for that matter any independent films cannot be underestimated. Cinema as an artistic medium can be far more complex than just a simple tool for entertainment, it has the capacity for enlightenment, the transmission of ideas & philosophies, a powerful political weapon and much more... Thoroughly entertaining, insightful. challenging and topical, absorbing cinematic art, which not only looks good but demands from an audience, our complete attention... Director Kihachi Okamoto worked in a variety of genres, crafting some of Japans most vibrant and defiant genre films. His cinematic vision was deeply influenced from his war time experiences, having witnessed the horrors of frontline battle. Okamoto turned to the independent Art Theatre Guild production company for, Nikudan ,The Human Bullet (1968) a very personal, darkly satirical depiction of, an everyman's experience of World War 2, it is brilliant & bold cinema , a highly original anti war film, the first of three productions he made at ATG...
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Post by manfromplanetx on Jul 8, 2018 7:29:44 GMT
One of the movies of Yasuzo Masumura that is famous among western audience is Blind Beast (盲獣 Mōjū). One of the reasons for that may be that the English subtitles were released very shortly after this movie primered in Japan. manfromplanetx I wonder if after having seen so many movies, which movies from Japan would you consider to belong purely to noir genre? Any director from Japan who you think specialized in something close to noir? You mentioned the movies of Teruo Ishii are sort of noir. Any other? Hello down there in Victoria Aj_June , A few directors and films come to mind Yasuzo Masumura is one with A Wife Confesses , Man of the Biting Wind, Black Test Car (1962). Nobuo Nakagawa was a great noir stylist, Onna shikeishû no datsugoku , Death Row Woman (1960) and Dokufu Takahashi Oden , Poisonous Woman Takahashi O-Den (1958) pictured below, are excellent dark crime tales, his films are well worth exploring, Hideo Gosha a supreme stylist crafted some excellent crime films, Gohiki no shinshi (1966) is a noir knockout ! and of course mentioned above Yoshitarō Nomura, he is considered , one of the pioneers of Japanese film noir . Tomu Uchida Keisatsukan (1933) a wonderful expressionist early silent noir drama. Happy Japanese Classic Viewing to you...
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