A heartbroken samurai in deep need of money is pushed to the edge and seeks revenge for his poor soul. But as he goes deeper with his revenge, discovers the people who stifled him may not be as different of people after all.
Pretty much a stylistic film akin to other famous Film Noir of the 40s and 50s. I would even categorize it as 'Gothic' and verging towards Expressionism with its deep saturated shadows and lighting that shadows the mental state of the film's characters. Its such a vision to be honest.
The story is what I believe is the weakest of the story. Its somewhat standard in a sense AND if you know his other film, you kinda knew what will happens. Its not as left field AND thematically rich compared to Funeral Parade of Roses. It's a story that had been told a hundred times AND while unique in its infusion of his dreamy stylings - it does not really feel like it adds much to the film. It works but not in a magical way that his early works shine through. It's more or less a preference thing on my side.
Acting wise, this is such a masterful direction. It is also Gothic by nature AND there is a sense of surrealism in how elevated their performances are. It perfectly matches the highly stylistic nature of the film, which I love. Katsuo Nakamura is amazing in his performance as a crazed samurai who just wants some money to escape his position. He really captures what this films what to evoke. Its kinda sad looking into his filmography that he seems to have gotten the prestige I think he could have.
Overall, a very worthy film to watch. It holds well against Funeral Parade AND shows a master stylist who knows how to modulate performers to boot.
