#39: SUZUKI, Seijun: Tokyo Drifter (1966)

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SUZUKI, Seijun (Japan)
Tokyo Drifter [1966]
Spine #39
DVD


In this free-jazz gangster film, reformed killer "Phoenix" Tetsu drifts around Japan, awaiting his own execution until he's called back to Tokyo to help battle a rival gang. Seijun Suzuki's "barrage of aestheticised violence, visual gags, [and] mind-warping color effects" got him in more trouble with Nikkatsu studio heads, who had ordered him to "play it straight this time." Instead he gave them equal parts Russ Meyer, Samuel Fuller, and Nagisa Oshima. Criterion presents the DVD premiere of Tokyo Drifter in a lush color transfer from the original, glorious Nikkatsu-scope master.

83 minutes
Color
Monaural
in Japanese
2:35:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 1999

Director/Writer


Screenplay by Yasunori Kawauchi.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

 The Booklet

Four-page leaflet featuring an essay by Manohla Dargis.

Commentary

None.
Interview

With Suzuki.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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