Saraba Itoshiki Daichi (Farewell to the Land) takes up the question of what happens when the balance of an extended family in rural Japan is upset. The main character blames himself for the deaths of his two sons in a boating accident and leaves his wife and parents behind. He takes on a mistress, to the shame of his family, and he pops stimulants to keep up with his work schedule as a truck driver. Growing increasingly irritable and irrational, he goes through various conflicts with his brother, his colleagues, his boss, and his wife. The film ends in an act of violence for which no explanation is given.Read More »
Jinpachi Nezu
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Mitsuo Yanagimachi – Saraba itoshiki daichi AKA Farewell to the Land (1982)
Mitsuo Yanagimachi1981-1990DramaJapan -
Takashi Ishii – Tenshi no harawata: Akai senkô AKA Angel Guts 6: Red Flash (1994)
1991-2000EroticaJapanTakashi IshiiThrillerQuote:
A Disturbing Catalogue of Rape Fantasies
RED FLASH referred to as the apotheosis of Angel Guts, it’s a brilliant film, a truly beautiful dreamlike (or perhaps nightmare-like would be more appropriate) thriller with touches of Lynch/Cronenberg weirdness.
Everything in this film is spot-on brilliant. The eye candy cinematography, watery imagery and stunning long takes are all there, the rape scene (followed by an obvious nod to Psycho), superb and very memorable score by Yasukawa, great use of songs, great characters (from IMDB)Read More » -
Yasuzô Masumura – Kono ko no nanatsu no oiwai ni AKA For My Daughter’s 7th Birthday (1982)
1981-1990AsianDramaJapanYasuzô MasumuraThe film is Yasuzo Masumura’s last feature film, based on Mio Saito’s novel which wons him a Seishi Yokomizo Award, shot by Setsuo Kobayashi, principle cinematographers of such Kon Ichikawa & Yasuzo Masumura classics as Fires on the Plain, An Actor’s Revenge, Being Two Isn’t Easy, Ten Dark Women, A Wife Confesses, Red Angel, Blind Beast, Manji, Black Express… (Indeed I think he’s responsible for the look (for example, the tight framing & deep focus) of these films). The film also boasts a fabulous cast, including Tetsuro Tamba, who seems uncredited.Read More »
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Yasuzô Masumura – Kono ko no nanatsu no oiwai ni AKA For My Daughter’s 7th Birthday (1982)
1981-1990AsianDramaJapanYasuzô MasumuraThe film is Yasuzo Masumura’s last feature film, based on Mio Saito’s novel which wons him a Seishi Yokomizo Award, shot by Setsuo Kobayashi, principle cinematographers of such Kon Ichikawa & Yasuzo Masumura classics as Fires on the Plain, An Actor’s Revenge, Being Two Isn’t Easy, Ten Dark Women, A Wife Confesses, Red Angel, Blind Beast, Manji, Black Express… (Indeed I think he’s responsible for the look (for example, the tight framing & deep focus) of these films). The film also boasts a fabulous cast, including Tetsuro Tamba, who seems uncredited.Read More »
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Juro Kara – Genkai-nada AKA The Sea of Genkai (1976)
Drama1971-1980JapanJuro KaraTwo yakuza, one of whom frequently reflects on an uncomfortable past taking advantage of Korean women, meet a stowaway on Japanese soil from across the Genkai Sea.Read More »
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Mamoru Oshii – Tenshi no tamago AKA Angel’s Egg (1985)
1981-1990AnimationFantasyJapanMamoru OshiiSynopsis:
In the abandoned streets of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a young girl protects a mysterious egg with her life. She meets a mysterious drifter who is interested in what may be inside the egg.
A masterpiece of allegory and surrealism. Exploring art history and dream logic, Oshii’s early film is perhaps the most purely visual in his oeuvre.Read More »