Review of Pale Flower (1964) by Daniel K — 15 Sep 2011

4: My god what a dark and nihilistic film, but I suppose this is in keeping with the Japanese New Wave, although the other New Wave pictures I'm familiar with usually contain more comedy and more about the evils of America (i.

E. Pigs and Battleships). One of the things that struck me most was how difficult it is to reconcile this society with that portrayed in contemporary Japanese cinema, as well as that which I am cursorily familiar with via trips to Tokyo and Okinawa.

I suppose part of the problem is that it is focused on yakuza, while my real world experience and the vast majority of my cinematic experience is not. The picture also contains numerous little insights that are deftly revealed, such as that the clothes really can make the man.

The emotions are contained, until they practically burst from the screen in the end, or at least it seems that way despite the fact that there is very little visual indication of this. It's all about the intensity in the eyes and the incredible score.

It's as if Shinoda knew exactly what type of music, or sometimes sound effects, would most heighten the drama. There were times when I actually thought I was literally listening to the same score as "The Shining," but in the end it simply seemed to be a forerunner that perhaps inspired Kubrick.

Like many a masterpiece, I wouldn't have dreamed of giving Pale Flower 4 stars until the final 10 minutes or so, but it wraps up so wonderfully and powerfully that it's hard not be a bit awed.

I love that we are essentially given no resolution and no respite from the cold. In the end, everything is in vain and nothing is of any importance. This is about as dark as it gets.