Radiance Films UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Osaka, 1907. The upstart Hoshino gang tries to assassinate the boss of the Kiyatatsu syndicate, who are in charge of the construction business. The attempt fails but sets in motion a spiral of violence, as the Hoshino sabotage building sites and kill a junior Kiyatatsu member. When the old boss dies of his wounds, senior lieutenant Kikuchi (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss) decides to take on the Hoshino gang alone. Director Tai Kato’s first yakuza film is a feast for the eyes, with bold set design, vivid colours and daring shot compositions bringing to life a timeless tale of honour and vengeance. Co-written by Red Peony Gambler creator Norifumi Suzuki and featuring a stunning central performance from Tsuruta, this is one of the finest of Toei’s classic “chivalrous” yakuza films. (90 Mins)

 

Views: Set in Osaka, 1907, this gritty tale tells the story of two rival (Yakuza run) construction companies who are competing to win big contracts in the rebuilding and industrialization of Japan. During a festival, the elderly boss of the Kiyatastu group is stabbed in an assassination attempt by someone sent from the opposing clan. But he survives the attack and is soon able to identify the assassin to the police, although doesn't have the evidence to prove they were sent by the Hoshino group – determined to rid the competition so that they win the contract. With the boss slowly dying from his injuries, he names his son as his successor, Asajiro, a loyal and level-headed Yakuza member, but his decision enrages the bosses hot-headed and drunk son, who thought he was next in line. Regardless, the Hoshino clan don't care for others' family affairs and continue to attack and kill their rivals when they can. But when there actions push Asajiro too far, the new boss sets out on a mission of vengeance with only a sword and a revolver in hand, unleashing fury on those who killed his friends and brought down his business. Alas, he must pay the price after he is done!

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The always dependable Tai Kato directs this fantastic 'ninkyo eiga' set during the Meiji restoration of Japan, pleasing us once again with his great direction and story-telling, offering strong characters who are wonderfully portrayed by the great cast on offer which was his first Yakuza film after a host of traditional samurai dramas. Certain scenes and locations look familiar, as if I've seen them in other classic Japanese films from this period such as Kato's very own Red Peony Gambler (1968) and it's sequels – among other titles. But I've always enjoyed the directors work and can't honestly think of a single one that disappointed me. Films such as I, The Executioner (1968), The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost (1961), Tokijiro: Lone Yakuza (1966), By a Man's Face You Shall Know Him (1966) and many others, have recently been released on Blu-ray in the West and are well worth checking out. As always, Kato delivers some stunning visuals, between the gorgeous set-design and vivid colours, wonderfully captured by cinematographer Motoya Washio who has captured many classics of Japanese cinema over the years. Equally impressive is the fantastic score that accompanies it, courtesy of composer Shunsuke Kikuchi who is the same talent behind your favourite tunes heard in long running shows such as Dragonball and Dragonball Z, Doraemon, and Kamen Rider, as well as classic films like Sonny Chiba's Game of Chance (1966), Dragon Princess (1976) and Sister Street Fighter (1974) also with Sue Shiomi, as well as the Female Prisoner Scorpion series...

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The prolific and wonderful Koji Tsuruta (real name Eiichi Ono) leads the way once again, this time as the no-nonsense new gang boss known as Asajiro. Starring in around 240 productions during his career, and all while carrying a successful career as a singer, Koji appeared in films such as the famed Samurai Trilogy (1954-56), Japan Organised Crime Boss (1969), Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977), Big Time Gambling Boss (1968), Sword of Destiny (1960) and Tai Kato's aforementioned Red Peony Gambler series. As Asajiro, Koji is flawless once again and delivers another strong performance as the leading man. The handsome and equally busy Masahiko Tsugawa co-stars as Haruo, the hot-headed son of the boss who finds himself in a spot of both with the opposing gangsters, with the prolific Toru Abe – star of films such as The Human Condition (1959), Demon Pond (1979), Blind Woman's Curse (1970), Resurrection of Golden Wolf (1979), and the original Shogun Series (1980) among others – stars as the brutal Karasawa of the Hoshino clan. They are joined by a host of familiar faces such as the great Kanjuro Arashi as the unfortunate old Yakuza boss, Tetsuro Tanba, Minoru Oki, Sumiko Fuji, Tatsuo Endo and more. With an awesome and brutal closing 5 minutes, Blood of Revenge may be a slow-burner to some, but it's a wonderfully slice of Japanese cinema that shows exactly why Tai Kato was so highly regarded.

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Aside from it's gorgeous HD presentation on this new Blu-ray release from Radiance Films, Blood of Revenge is accompanied by two special features on the disc. The first is a 14 minute short film from Tai Kato called Lice Are Scary – an educational piece made in 1943 at a Manchurian film studio for oversea subjects of the Japanese Empire. It's certainly an interesting experience which gives us a great insight to living conditions at that time, as well as early animated sequences that (humorously) shows how lice can spread and affect the body. It's a fascinating watch from the puppet state of Manchukuo that would see the Japanese occupation only last another couple of years after this propaganda piece was made. But at least the Chinese people knew about lice and how to stop typhus spreading – I guess?! The second feature is a 15 minute video on actress Juniko (Sumiko) Fuji by Mark Schilling, who discusses her life and career as well as her roles in films like this and other Toei Yakuza titles. It's an okay piece with some interesting points on Fuji, with Schilling narrating over footage and photos from films in her career and other big names of Japanese cinema. A Tony Rayns audio commentary wouldn't have went a miss mind you!

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Overall: Another wonderful release from Radiance Films and a classic of Japanese cinema, Blood of Revenge is a fantastic film that's worth checking out!

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Radiance Films Blu-ray Extras: Lice Are Scary - Short Film by Tai Kato, Juniko Fuji Video Essay by Mark Schilling

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