by Ryan
3/4 banana peels
Do the Japanese know how to make movies, or do the Japanese know how to make films? Before I get into the actual film, I just want to let everyone know they should check out a Japanese film SOON. They know how to make horror films better than Hollywood. I can't tell you how many times Hollywood takes a Japanese film, tries to "Americanize" the film, and the film flops. A few to name include "The Grudge", "The Ring", "Pulse" and "One Missed Call". They are also surprisingly good at making western and mob films as well. So head down to Blockbuster or hit up your Netflix queue and watch a Japanese film.
With that said, Branded to Kill is an insane Japanese mob, or more appropriately, yakuza film. Seijun Suzuki's film follows the life of the yakuza's #3 killer, Hanada. He falls in love with a beautiful vixen who forces him to take a near impossible mission. When he botch's the kill, the yakuza deems Hanada expendable and sends the #2 killer after him. The rest of the movie follows Hanada and his assention and eventual final battle with the #1 killer.
This film is roughly equivalent to the American "Grindhouse" films. The movie is very interesting in the way the story is woven. It begins very similar to a James Bond movie, but as Hanada falls in love and madness, so does the movie. We are lost in a sea of metaphors and confusion through most of the middle of the film. As we come out of the hole, the movie plays out like a common revenge flick through the end. This sounds like a pretty bad movie, but it comes out pretty brilliant.
The feel that Suzuki creates with the use of black and white and Jazz music is incredible. This is a one of a kind film that should be taken in as a glimpse into another culture. A film that takes a different view on the common mob flick.
Check it out! If you actually take the time to watch this 1.5 hour long film, drop us a comment and let us know what you think!
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