Re: Sonny Chiba Mega Review Thread
Posted: 24 Apr 2018, 18:28
Sure Death Revenge (Japan, 1987) [DVD] - 2.5/5
A samurai detective (Makoto Fujita) known as the most unproductive man in the south magistrate precinct moonlights as a bounty hunter, unbeknownst to his verbally abusive colleagues and nagging wife and mother in law. This is uncharacteristically conventional mainstream entertainment by Kinji Fukasaku, based on a hugely popular television franchise that had already produced 29 consecutive TV shows and two film series. Based on this film alone, one could theorize the success was based on the mixture of strong focus on ordinary female characters, and a protagonist who is the archetype of Japanese businessman drudge yet a liberated fighter at night, appealing to both sexes. There was also a theme of (frequently odd) assassins, often given a humoristic treatment.
This film, the 4th in the 2nd film series, is hopelessly overlong with plentiful feminine drama, but occasionally exhilarating. The major saving grace is Sonny Chiba's heartfelt performance as a bounty hunter raising his two kids (including Sukeban Deka girl Haruko Sagara) to become his successors. Chiba was also responsible for the action choreography. While the fights are overly polished at times, they look so stylish played in excessive slow motion against a score that sounds like a mixture of Zorro and a spaghetti western that one does not really mind. Reportedly Fukasaku initially offered Chiba a chance to perform as Yagyu Jubei in this film, an idea Chiba turned down.
* Original title: Hissatsu 4: Urami harashimasu (必殺IV 恨みはらします)
* Director: Kinji Fukasaku
* Chiba's role: Major supporting role
* Film availability: Shochiku DVD (Japan) (No subs), Artsmagic DVD (UK), Media Blasters DVD (US) (cropped / full screen)
Makoto Fujita as Mondo Nakamura
His wife and mother in law (aka "old battle axe")
unaware of his second job as a bounty hunter
Chiba
with some fantastic action
Haruko Sagara from Sukeban Deka II: Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask (1985)
And Keizo Kanie, also from Sukeban Deka II: Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask
That is Hiroyuki Sanada btw.
A samurai detective (Makoto Fujita) known as the most unproductive man in the south magistrate precinct moonlights as a bounty hunter, unbeknownst to his verbally abusive colleagues and nagging wife and mother in law. This is uncharacteristically conventional mainstream entertainment by Kinji Fukasaku, based on a hugely popular television franchise that had already produced 29 consecutive TV shows and two film series. Based on this film alone, one could theorize the success was based on the mixture of strong focus on ordinary female characters, and a protagonist who is the archetype of Japanese businessman drudge yet a liberated fighter at night, appealing to both sexes. There was also a theme of (frequently odd) assassins, often given a humoristic treatment.
This film, the 4th in the 2nd film series, is hopelessly overlong with plentiful feminine drama, but occasionally exhilarating. The major saving grace is Sonny Chiba's heartfelt performance as a bounty hunter raising his two kids (including Sukeban Deka girl Haruko Sagara) to become his successors. Chiba was also responsible for the action choreography. While the fights are overly polished at times, they look so stylish played in excessive slow motion against a score that sounds like a mixture of Zorro and a spaghetti western that one does not really mind. Reportedly Fukasaku initially offered Chiba a chance to perform as Yagyu Jubei in this film, an idea Chiba turned down.
* Original title: Hissatsu 4: Urami harashimasu (必殺IV 恨みはらします)
* Director: Kinji Fukasaku
* Chiba's role: Major supporting role
* Film availability: Shochiku DVD (Japan) (No subs), Artsmagic DVD (UK), Media Blasters DVD (US) (cropped / full screen)
Makoto Fujita as Mondo Nakamura
His wife and mother in law (aka "old battle axe")
unaware of his second job as a bounty hunter
Chiba
with some fantastic action
Haruko Sagara from Sukeban Deka II: Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask (1985)
And Keizo Kanie, also from Sukeban Deka II: Legend of the Girl in the Iron Mask
That is Hiroyuki Sanada btw.