This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from Radiance Films is available for purchase on July 30th.
Prison has never sounded like a pleasant experience, but based on movies of this era, being incarcerated in a Japanese penitentiary certainly sounds like a worst-case scenario. Not only does have to deal with infighting among inmates and cruel, corrupt wardens, but also a Yakuza element. The period action drama Eighteen Years in Prison aka Choueki Juhachi-nenemphasizes just how rough it is. It’s a well-regarded picture in Japan and, in that part of the world, is considered one of the best of its kind.
Radiance Films is now delivering a “Limited Edition” Blu-ray for the first time anywhere so that we all can catch up with it. Indeed, while the story itself is familiar, there are some unique elements to the story. Additionally, the performances and photography help make the picture an exceptional example of its genre. The movie has a gritty look and the materials used for this high-definition transfer effectively carry this appearance, helping with the tone and feel of the story.
The story begins after the end of World War II. Kawada (Noboru Ando) is a tough ex-soldier determined to help families suffering and displaced after the conflict. To do so, he’s willing to use the black market or steal from authorities to help others. One night, he and partner Tsukada (Koike Asao) get ambushed by military police. His friend escapes with supplies, but he is captured and sentenced to a lengthy term in prison. As expected, the penitentiary is a horrific place. The warden is cruel and guard Hayama (Tomisaburo Wakayama) has been bought by the Yakuza, supporting their members in the slammer. Beatings and inhumane treatment are rampant.
Kawada is immediately advised to maim himself on a prison shop blade so that he can help steal goods from the infirmary and earn the respect of Yakuza gang members. He refuses and it’s soon a war of wills between himself, a few convict friends, and crooks on both sides of the law. Even worse, the lead learns that old pal Tsukada has also turned their organization into a Yakuza outfit. Infuriated, the protagonist wants revenge.
The movie is noted for its star Ando, who had a checkered past and was an ex-Yakuza member. After serving a six-year prison term, he dissolved his gang and was recruited to star in a Yakuza picture. This film was a surprise hit and the following decades were extremely lucrative for him. Despite having no previous acting experience, Ando appears to be a natural on-camera. The actor is understated and solemn, not unlike a Hollywood action hero. But, he also possesses enough personal history to perfectly emulate tough-guy behavior. While the performer isn’t the villain of this tale, he easily sells the part of being a prisoner dreaming of vengeance on his ex-friend who has turned into a gang leader.
The other characters are compelling as well, especially the other inmates, most of whom get manipulated in some fashion or another by Hayama or members of the Yakuza organization. Any act of defiance and rebellion comes with beatings or threats towards loved ones outside the prison, making one of them turn on Kawada. It’s incredibly tense watching various characters break while the protagonist tries to protect them and find a way to confront Tsukada. Without overstating it, all of the roles help detail the dark themes, as well as the similarities between the criminal underworld and prison system.
It’s also impressively shot. The director shoots wide from extremely low angles and often underneath blocky furniture. While the placement makes all the characters look threatening, the fact that the ceiling or rigid lines are present everywhere in the frame creates claustrophobia and really adds to the atmosphere. This includes the various fights and beatings behind closed doors that are truly menacing to witness.
The film does offer some retribution, but it’s ultimately a sad tale about a system that negatively impacts anyone trying to reform and do the right thing. At 90 minutes, it also moves briskly and never lets up. In summary, this is an excellent picture that is deserving of the accolades it has received.
Radiance Films also provides a couple of enlightening extras. A film historian talks about the movie’s director and star Noboru Ando. Admittedly, he ultimately focuses on Ando, but it is understandable given his curious history. He notes how the ex-mobster turned his life around finding success with earlier, acclaimed Yakuza-themed titles like By a Man’s Face Shall You Know Him (1966). It seems that studios knew to give him parts that weren’t too far removed from his actual life, allowing him to perform with an authenticity that few could deliver. The expert also talks about the distinctive scar on his face (obtained in a fight with a rival Korean gang), and how his life appeared to actually influence the scripts he appeared in. He notes that this particular film was actually something of a departure. But it is obvious that prison life was familiar and thus his masculine mannerisms naturally allowed him to play the part with ease.
There is also an interesting visual essay detailing the history of Japanese prison films. This and the Yakuza films were treated with upturned noses by studios early on. They didn’t gain a lot of traction until the 1960s, when their success ramped up productions. Soon after, there was an overload of titles set around the criminal justice system. The speaker mentions that both genres faded away for a period in the 80s before a resurgence came in the 1990s. This authority does an excellent job of noting the best titles in the genre (this one being considered among the prime examples of its era) and will give viewers plenty of movies to catch up on.
A trailer is also included on the disc.
I was very impressed with Eighteen Years in Prison and agree that it is a very strong prison drama… honestly, by just about any standard in the world. While it has a specifically Japanese tone, this is a film that could be enjoyed on double-bills alongside the likes of Birdman of Alcatraz or Cool Hand Luke. The setting of the story adds some unique elements for North American viewers, the characters are compelling, and the picture is beautifully shot and well-edited. Radiance Films have done their best to present context for the movie and give it the best presentation currently possible. This disc is definitely worth picking up.