Tantei jimusho 23: Kutabare akuto-domo (1963)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Seijun Suzuki

Writers:

Haruhiko Oyabu (novel)
Gan Yamazaki (writer)

Release Date:

27 January 1963 (Japan)

Genre:

Action | Comedy

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel

Cast

Jo Shishido
Reiko Sasamori
Naomi Hoshi
Tamio Kawaji
Yûko Kusunoki
Kotoe Hatsui
Nobuo Kaneko

Also Known As:

Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards (USA)

Runtime:

Japan:89 min

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Nikkatsu

Japanese Pop Cinema

Having seen no comment for this film, I decide to put up my own. This is the first Suzuki film that I saw, What struck me about the film was how accessible it was to western audiences. It really was a 60's crime thriller, Joe Shishido could easily be the Japanese James Bond. Another thing that struck me was the music, having become accustomed to hearing traditional chants and whistle tunes in Chambara films, I was surprised to hear a song that could effortlessly be converted to English. Not only that but I really did like the music in the film, I also have a feeling that Suzuki is a man of music, as it seems to be a crucial element in all his films.

Although by no means a masterpiece, I do think that this is a light, enjoyable film, not as heavy going as some other Japanese films. If you are interested in discovering Japanese Pop Cinema, I think that this is an easy beginner's step but that's just one man's opinion, check it out for yourself.

7/10