Radiance Films UK Blu-ray Synopsis: A former boxing champ on the skids (Bunta Sugawara, Japanese Godfather) finds an opportunity for redemption by training a young fighter everyone judges beyond hope (Kentaro Shimizu, Mermaid Legend). Legendary director and playwright Shuji Terayama (Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets) made The Boxer for major studio Toei, at the request of lead actor Sugawara. While the story has the studio's trademark gritty 1970s setting, Terayama imbues the film with his characteristic carnivalesque atmosphere and his unparalleled passion for sports, resulting in a boxing movie like no other and a unique entry in his own filmography.

 

Views: Lovingly restored by Radiance Films and released on Blu-ray in the UK & Ireland for the first time, The Boxer tells the tale of a troubled young boxer, Tenma, who accidentally kills a colleague while operating a crane at the junk yard where they work. But when the victim's big brother (Hayato) hears the news, he immediately goes looking for Tenma, claiming that he killed the brother on purpose over a woman. As the animosity grows between the two, Tenma soon learns of Hayato's past – that of a champion boxer who left his career behind because of an injury. Regardless of the tension between them, and having lost his latest match, Tenma convinces Hayato to train him which takes a bit of time and comes with it's own problems, although they do share the odd moment of joy. To add to that, more complications arise when Hayato's daughter appears on the scene...

 

With Sylvester Stallone's smash hit Rocky having made it's debut just the year before, film-makers and studios around the world wanted in on the boxing hype, with Japan dishing out a number of titles based on the sport. The Boxer would be one such film – a wonderfully made piece that opens with a black-and-white docu-film style before letting the colour seep through. As the story rolls on, we return to old footage of Japanese boxers and ring fights, seamlessly blended in without ever taking us away from the drama involved. Made in 1977, The Boxer was written and directed by Terayama Shuji – the same man behind films like Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets (1971), Pastoral: To Die in the Country (1974), 100 Years of Solitude (1981), and Farewell to the Ark (1984) among others – although, this was my initial introduction to him. Neatly directed and beautifully shot, the film stars the handsome Kentaro Shimizu as Tenma who does a fantastic job in the role. Although he had appeared in a few titles prior to this, The Boxer marks his first film as a leading man, which he handles with ease. Following this, Kentaro would go onto star in films such as Conquest (1982), Mermaid Legend (1984), The Last True Yakuza (1985), A Legend of Turmoil (1992) and more. Joining him on-screen is the prolific and legendary late-Bunta Sugawara, starring here as the intriguing Hayato. Having starred in around 250 titles throughout his career, including the Abashiri Prison series, the Red Peony Gambler films, Wicked Priest (1968), Yakuza Law (1969), the Delinquent Boss films, Battles Without Honor & Humanity (1973) and so much more, Bunta was one of Japanese cinema's finest, and his performance here just confirms that.

 

Joining the feature on the Radiance Films Blu-ray release is an 18 minute piece with J.A. Seazer, the film's composer (and what a fantastic score it was) who chats about his long standing collaboration with the director, and how he came up with the score for The Boxer. Interesting guy and an insightful interview overall. Following that, Tom Mes presents a 12 minute video called The Year Toei Failed, looking back to 1977 that proved to be a low point for the studio as much as it was a turning point. It makes for an interesting watch, as he touches on many recognised titles and reveals how the studio saved itself from collapse. In hindsight, it would have been nice to have an audio commentary as an added extra. Regardless, an underdog story with it's own unique take and considered a failure on release, The Boxer was a gem to watch and an unsung classic of Japanese cinema. With strong direction and great performances, this is one I look forward to going back to time and time again!

 

Overall: A fantastic film from director Shuji Terayama, The Boxer is well directed, well acted, and well worth watching!

 

Radiance Films Extras: Interview with Composer J.A. Seazer, Video Essay on Toei Studio in 1977,