How does one win when the chips are stacked so very high against you? In a society where social standing and face mean everything, the slightest disagreement or misunderstanding can escalate to unfathomable levels of violence, heaping consequence upon consequence. When does it end? And just how far does it have to go to be made right? In Revenge, we find out.
Toei’s rare foray into Chanbara cinema, having been synonymous with genre films for many years (Ōgon Batto and Giant Robo for example), and having seen the success that their competitors had gained (primarily Toho and Shochiku), Toei were ready to dip their toe in, and although this wouldn’t last long (as audiences would prefer the Yakuza movies for years to come), what is left is a real masterpiece of Jidaigeki cinema.
When a lowly samurai gets into a war of words with a high-ranking officer that results in an illegal duel, the family of the fallen want to make things right, but as ever, when surrounded by cowardice and corruption, the truth so rarely matters.
A masterful film that is easily essential for anyone with a love for cinema, and Eureka gives this the kind of treatment only reserved for their Masters of Cinema releases…
Takashi Imai weaves a beguiling tale of those sworn to honour, but lacking the moral fortitude or, in some cases, unable to see the bigger picture and what greater consequences their actions may have. Once a stone is cast into a pond it soon disappears as it sinks, but its ripples are far-reaching and will outlive the memory of the thing that caused them.
The influence of scriptwriter Hashimoto Shinobu is there for all to see, as this seeps out of every inch of the frame. In particular, is his work for Masaki Kobayashi’s Hara-Kiri (1962) as many of the themes are carried over into Revenge. It takes swipes at Samurai and bushido and their inability to think critically, with many of the characters being too concerned with perception rather than reality.
Despite its convoluted storytelling structure, Revenge is a rarity in that it never plays its hand too early. Characters shown in the opening sequences are revealed to be far more intrinsic than initially thought, each having their part to play in the escalation of a family’s quest for vengeance (well, some members of the family at least). Even up to the closing moments, it keeps its cards close to its chest, only to reveal the hypocrisy and corruption at play.
A masterful film that is easily essential for anyone with a love for cinema, and Eureka gives this the kind of treatment only reserved for their Masters of Cinema releases, including a beautiful 2K presentation, an interview with Tony Rayns, a video piece by Jasper Sharp and a collector’s booklet with new writings about the film, this is a release that can’t be overlooked. A true masterpiece of Japanese cinema.
Revenge is out now on Eureka, Masters of Cinema Blu-Ray
