Review of Pale Flower (1964) by Jy S — 03 Apr 2011
Pale Flower is a nicely written 1960s Japanese Yakuza gangster flick, which covers gambling, love, and murder. Everything a growing person needs.While this is a Yakuza film involving 3 gangs, the action is non-existent.
This is a slow burn of a story that follows Muraki and his chance meeting with Saeko. While it is the Muraki character that is the main focus of the film, it is Saeko that will catch most people's attention.
It is her lust for intense pleasures that will freak you out. Her wicked laugh during and after each intense situation will prove that you.Pale Flower is shot entirely in black and white and it fits right in with the story.
The only flaw is that there are a few dark scenes, which can be tough to make out. The plethora of gambling scenes are addictive in the way that it makes you want to participate. All those Hanafuda cards just pull you in.
"Place your bets, place your bets, place your bets ..." There is also a car race scene that shows up out of nowhere and it is quite entertaining.The acting is calm and subtle, but it works. Ryo Ikebe and Mariko Kaga carry this one to the very end.
Speaking of the very end, it is brilliantly written.This film uses good cinematography and writing to tell a decent story about living dangerously to feel something in life. If you get the chance to see this, give it a try.
This review of Pale Flower (1964) was written by Jy S on 03 Apr 2011.
Pale Flower has generally received very positive reviews.
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