Kanto mushuku (1963)

Director:

Seijun Suzuki

Writers:

Taiko Hirabayashi (story), Yasutaro Yagi

Stars:

Akira Kobayashi, Chieko Matsubara, Daizaburo Hirata

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Akira Kobayashi	...	Katsura
Chieko Matsubara	...	Tokiko (schoolgirl)
Daizaburo Hirata	...	Daiyamondo no Fuyu
Hiroko Itô	...	Mrs. Hachi (Katsura's lover)
Sanae Nakahara	...	Yamada Hanako
Kaku Takashina	...	Yakami
Chikako Shin	...	Ishikawa Matsue
Eimei Esumi	...	Keian's man
Ichirô Kijima
Keisuke Noro	...	Bikkuri Toru
Hiroshi Kono	...	Meguro
Yanagiharu Ito
Masuo Kinukasa
Keiko Sasaki	...	Ito Sachiko
Shirô Yanase	...	Oniwaka no sato

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

scar | yakuza | gambling | crooked gambling | gangster

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

23 November 1963 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Kanto Wanderer

Company Credits

Production Co:

Nikkatsu

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Remake of Chitei no uta (1956)

User Reviews

An authentically Japanese Yakuza film

_Kanto Wanderer_ is a very different film to more contemporary Yakuza movies, such as _Black Rain_. Rather than focusing on the action, _Kanto Wanderer_ examines in depth the motivation and ethics of Yakuza members, in particular those of the young gangster Katsuta. The Yakuza ethic is of prime importance to this young man - he is, in fact, derided by an older member as being too traditional. Whilst examining Katsuta's efforts to remain faithful to the old ways in a changing world, the viewer is treated to a very low-key look inside Yakuza business, including several scenes of card-sharping, Japanese style.

Visually, the film is quite beautiful, with meticulously balanced composition and very effective use of colour. The latter is particularly noticeable with reference to banners and signs (which appear in a great many scenes), and in the skilful use of contrast - bright colours which stand out against white flags in the background, for example. One scene in which two gangsters are killed in a gambling house perhaps uses of colour to the greatest effect and impact, as well as blending diegetic and non-diegetic visual elements seamlessly.