Tôkyô nagaremono [Tokyo Drifter] (1966)

Directed by: Seijun Suzuki
Starring: Tetsuya Watari, Hideaki Esumi, Ryuji Kita and Chieko Matsubara

If any of you are familar with Seijun Suzuki's work you pretty much know what to expect. This film does not disappoint on that part. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about I shall explain. In the 1960's Suzuki-san was working for Nikkatsu Corporation making some 40 films in 12 years. On a shoe string budget with 28 days to complete a film(25 for shooting, 3 for editing and post-production) and within genre 'guidelines'. Suzuki-san played very fast and loose and was able to produce some very fine and entertaining work. There is a lot of energy and excitement with a Seijun Suzuki film. And Tokyo Drifter is a fine example.

Tokyo Drifter tells the story of Tetsuya 'Phoenix Tetsu' Hondo(Tetsuya Watari, the loyal henchman of a retired gangster, Kurata(Ryuji Kita). Tetsu and Kurata want to play it straight, but as Godfather III illustrates '...everytime [you] think you are out, they pull [you] back in.' A rival ganglord(Hideaki Esumi) and his goons just wont let them go straight.

Is there lots of killing? You betcha. Vibrant colors and insane 60's kitsch? In spades. Will Tetsu be betrayed by someone he trusts? Bet money. Will the bad-guys use the girl to... you get my point. This is a by the numbers Japanese gangster flick. But, you know what? I couldn't care. I love this movie. You will be wrapped up in the vibrant energy that Suzuki-san brings to the table. The sets, the costuming, the choreographed violence, the style and cunning of Tetsu. All that and more.

This movie is a gem. If you find this movie to your tastes I suggest you also go out and find you a copy of the last great work(at least for sometime) by Seijun Suzuki Branded to Kill. Tokyo Drifter's nutty qualities landed Suzuki-san in some hot water with Nikkatsu Corp. Branded to Kill got him fired and BLACKBALLED for a DECADE!!! This movie is insane. And totally worth your time. Both movies are buy on sight. They are available on DVD from the Criterion Collection.

July 13
Bedroom television, Criterion DVD, afternoon-ish

-N