Review of Branded to Kill (1967) by Chris B — 17 Jan 2012

3: Seriously, what is up with this guys puffy cheeks? I remember thinking the same thing the first time I saw the film about 6 years ago. Needless to say, it's like I've never seen the film before now that it's out in a new Criterion Blu-Ray release.

Suzuki was definitely in the vanguard of the Japanese New Wave. His films from the time are invariably very visually distinctive and this is no exception. I'm always struck by how similar western, samurai, and yakuza films are as they usually deal with the same types of issues, plot points, moral codes, and characters.

This film seems to have a more blatant message than is usual, namely that #1 isn't all its cracked up to be, but it is still effective. I have to think this theme and the obsession with rice points towards some sort of refutation of the American imperial influence on 1950s and 60s Japanese culture, despite the fact that Americans are not explicitly depicted in the film (unlike in many/most other prominent New Wave films from the era).

According to the recent article I read on the Yakuza culture this doesn't seem to be a very accurate depiction of it, but this can obviously be forgiven. Interesting story, compelling and stylistic action, quality performances, and a striking visual/aural style that ties everything together.

I considered 3.5 stars, but I couldn't quite bring myself to do it. I didn't watch the film under the best of circumstances though as I started it one evening and finished it the next, which is never the right way to treat a quality picture.