Framed to Perfection XXII

KOZURE OKAMI JIGOKU E IKUZOL! DAIGORO (1974)

Director: Chikashi Makiura

Cinematographer: Yoshiyuki Kuroda

It’s taken me so long to, once again, sit down to the final film in the Lone Wolf and Cub series because, well, I plain forgot about it. Oh well, worse things happen at sea! So, here we are, the best-looking instalment of the six films, mainly thanks to the makeup person discovering a way of not making all the actors look quite so sweaty.

I’m trying to get back into some “proper” cultural analysis and reviewing, after a difficult week of having to change my eating habits. My mind has been utterly consumed by carbohydrate counts and frying, boiling, and roasting vegetables.

If I see one more courgette, I swear I’m going to scream.

Going back in time to Feudal Japan, with swords slashing and daggers flying, seemed like a good reintroduction. I do enjoy period films, as I find them nice and cosy. You know, despite all the brutality. I guess no period in human history has been devoid of bloodshed. It just seems to be what we do. There’s even a theory that we consciously wiped out our Neanderthal cousins.

Sigh.

Anyway, the above shot stood out to me, as it showcases Daigoro’s patented sensitivity towards women once again. And his father’s sociopathic detachment regarding death. I suppose that’s a marketable skill if you’re a royal executioner by trade.

I also like how defeated assassin Kaori, sharing a name with Akira (1988)’s most horribly-mistreated character in cinema history, is partially obscured by a veil of reeds. This allows her a modicum of extra dignity, as Daigoro respectfully places a covering over her fallen head.

He does have a way with the ladies.

I’ll hopefully find more shots from this film to post as slowly go along, although I’m having to get back into the swing of talking about something other than what I’m shoving into my handsome face.

I miss rice and bread so much.

The Blake’s 7 boxset has just arrived, a cult sci-fi show I’ve bizarrely never-ever seen, so fingers crossed I’ll have a “first impressions” post for you soon enough. I’ve known of Blake’s 7’s existence since I was little, but have somehow always missed repeats of it on telly. If they have ever shown it since its original run, that is, which I suspect they have not.

Do stay in touch, darlings.

Toodles!