I watched the movie after hearing the passing of Azuma Morisaki today. I loved the movie when i watched it many years back and it all feels fresh for a 1977 film after my 5th viewing. I believe an entire generation is indebted to Azuma Morisaki for changing storytelling, camera angles and scripts in Japanese cinema forever.
This was his first film he directed after leaving Shochiku studio, and you feel that it was his best decision. This film could have been made into a serious drama. But throw in a brilliant script with melancholic soundtrack by Masaru Sato, an outstanding yet brave direction and what you get is a masterpiece, you wish, never ends. The sort of film where the best possible choice of cast plays even the most insignificant walk-on role.
Azuma Morisaki has a pulse on the dark humor, snarky characters and viciousness of the Japanese system and it is fascinating and thrilling to behold. The story follows the journey of Kuroki Taro (Tanaka Kunie), a rightwinger stuntman pranking cops in the streets of Yokosuka, he also helps a traumatized widow neighbour whose only company is cats, his relationship with his family especially niece, the plight of Japanese youth and their subsequent relationship with a correctional after being involved with the system. His story narrated by his young protegee Juichi. Speaking of dialogue, the films plot and script are the greatest aspect it has to offer. At no point in the film does the consistent back and forth between the ensemble cast end or lose it's magic. The plot, for the most part, is an easy to understand unlike other ATG films but still complex web of connecting lines backed by stunning camerawork. It's a rather fun joy ride to sit through and track even through multiple viewings, and even by my fifth viewing, there were small details in both dialogue and occasionally visual cues that I missed out on. There are few films that give me as much joy as this one does, from the brilliantly funny dialogue, to the unforgettable characters. RIP Azuma Morisaki.
