Blood of Revenge – Radiance

Director: Tai Katô
Screenplay: Akira Murao, Norifumi Suzuki
Based on a Story by: Gohei Kamiya
Starring: Kôji Tsuruta, Sumiko Fuji (as Junko Fuji), Tetsurô Tanba, Tôru Abe, Hiromi Fujiyama, Minoru Ôki, Masahiko Tsugawa, Kanjûrô Arashi
Country: Japan
Running Time: 89 min
Year: 1965
BBFC Certificate: 15

Radiance Films continues to mine the filmography of the previously overlooked Japanese director Tai Katô with a Blu-ray release of Blood of Revenge. It was the director’s first yakuza film, made during the era of the ‘chivalrous’ yakuza titles (a.k.a. ninkyo eiga).

I’ve yet to be disappointed by a Katô film, so I got hold of a copy and my thoughts follow.

Blood of Revenge is set in Osaka in 1907 and opens in a blistering fashion with an assassination attempt during a drumming performance at a rowdy festival. The target is the boss of the Kiyatatsu syndicate and the rest of the family assume (rightfully so) that the hit was put out by their rivals, the Hoshino gang.

The Kiyatatsu boss is gravely injured in the incident. During his final days, he urges his fellow syndicate members to remain calm and not retaliate. He’s determined to rise above his family’s yakuza roots and make Kiyatatsu a legitimate business. In particular, he wants to continue to honour a lucrative construction contract for the respected Nomura organisation.

The Hoshino gang want this contract for themselves though, so continue to make things difficult for the Kiyatatsu syndicate. Attempting to keep them on the straight and narrow is Asajiro Kikuchi (Koji Tsuruta). He’s an honourable man who many believe will become the next boss, though the Kiyatatsu boss’ hot-headed son, Haruo (Masahiko Tsugawa), wants the position himself.

Having promised his boss that he would look after his son and keep him on the right path, Kikuchi must delicately balance relationships on both sides of the gang conflict.

Also making life complicated, is the fact that Kikuchi has fallen in love with Hatsue (Junko Fuji), who is the regular prostitute of the fiery and abusive Karasawa (Tôru Abe).

After the forementioned opening, which is a masterclass in rhythm, movement, tension and energy, Blood of Revenge settles into a more mellow tone for much of the rest of the film. It’s more of a crime melodrama than the title suggests.

There are quick bursts of violence here and there, particularly in the final act, when all hell breaks loose. However, the film largely focuses on Kikuch’si relationship with Hatsue and his attempts to keep simmering tensions between the families from boiling over. This is one of the honourable yakuza tales, after all, rather than one of the later jitsuroku eiga, popularised by Kinji Fukasaku.

Less violence doesn’t equate to a lesser film, however. Whilst a touch slow in pace, Blood of Revenge is emotionally engaging, well performed and eloquently directed.

Katô shoots with his usual keen eye for interesting compositions, as well as a great use of depth and screens. Colour is put to good use here too and there are a couple of effective ‘needle drops’ throughout the film.

There are quite a few characters and narrative strands, making for a rich and lively tale. These seem slightly overwhelming to begin with but soon converge to make this a story largely about Kikuchi and his noble quest.

Overall, it’s another gem from Katô – a rousing, expertly directed yakuza melodrama.

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