This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray is now available from Radiance Films.
There are many genres of Japanese films (at least as many as in any other country), but the one that may be most familiar to North American audiences is the yakuza picture. A great many have been produced over the years and it’s easy to see commonalities between many of these pictures. However, there are several that stand apart from the crowd, largely because they present a unique point-of-view or a different approach to a crime story. Aesthetics of a Bullet aka Teppôdama no Bigaku is one of those titles.
This week, Radiance Films is putting the film out on Blu-ray. The movie has been given a high-definition digital transfer, meaning this is likely the best it has ever looked… and frankly, it’s likely the first time many in this part of the world will have ever laid eyes on it. The disc also comes with several informative extras that help identify what is so unique about this particular effort. It’s another title from the distributor that Asian film aficionados should certainly pick up.
Kiyoshi Koike (Tsunehiko Watase) is a young man in his 20s experiencing hard times. Admittedly though, these problems are largely the result of his own failings. He wants wealth and power, and will do anything to get it quickly. As the story opens, he is flailing with a new, flawed get-rich-quick scheme selling rabbits. If that wasn’t bad enough, his gambling habits are resulting in even more debt. Kiyoshi has a sympathetic girlfriend who works as a prostitute to help make ends meet. But he’s absolutely horrible to her, abusing her and borrowing money for his next plot. Simply put, he’s a pathetic individual. The lead thinks he may have finally gotten lucky when a yakuza outfit takes notice of him and offers a proposition. He can join their syndicate if he proves his loyalty. They give him one million yen and a gun, telling him to visit a district run by an enemy group and cause some trouble. Kiyoshi is thrilled by the opportunity. Little does he know that the gang simply wants a war and are using him as collateral damage, hoping his slaying will help start an all-out conflict.
The movie spends much of its time following Kiyoshi around as he ventures into unfamiliar territory and gets into scuffles. It is shot in part with hand-held photography and maintains a gritty and authentic feel throughout. Since Kiyoshi is very intense and impulsive, there is a great deal of tension in the story from its unpredictability. You’re never quite sure what his motivation or intent is at any given moment, other than the fact that all around are expecting violence. Flashbacks (as well as a dark vision of the future) are interspersed here and there, showing the young man working as a cook and watching wealthy people walk by in clothing carrying goods that he will never be able to afford.
In spite of his rash behavior, the lead does appear to realize that he is in over-his-head. Despite his posturing, he can’t pull the trigger when he is asked to. Essentially, the character is unwilling to work a normal job, but is no better skilled at being a criminal. He finds himself in a hopeless and deadly situation that leads to grim but expected results.
What makes it all interesting is the character work. Essentially, seeing the youngster try to behave like a thug, but ultimately become aware that, deep down, he is no killer and has merely been acting out in frustration. And, of course, viewers will understand that It is only a matter of time before everyone around tires of his antics permanently. As his time in this new place nears its end, Kiyoshi ends up focusing on visiting a scenic mountain summit he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise. And somehow, the finale does manage to be strangely moving.
It’s a tragic and impressively told tale that focuses its attention not on criminal bosses and skilled assassins, but instead on a deeply flawed wannabe gangster of low-standing. He’s terrible, but as noted, one can’t help but feel a flicker of sadness at seeing this doomed, manipulated young man spin his wheels until those around decide to stop it all.
The Blu-ray looks good, with a minimum amount of grain and a generally crisp picture that still emphasizes the grittiness of the story. It also contains exceptional extras. First off, there is a lengthy critical appreciation with moviemaker Robert Schwentke (Flightplan, Red, The Captain, Snake Eyes). He describes attending film school in Los Angeles and befriending Japanese students, who introduced him to various filmmakers and yakuza pictures. This movie made a major impression on him, and Schwentke explains why in detail. He discusses this film’s director, Sadao Nakajima, and his unique approach to the genre, pointing out his specific, dynamic rhythmic approach in the way characters speak and behave within each shot. It’s a fascinating and informative analysis, making for an excellent bonus feature.
There is also an interview with filmmaker Kazuyoshi Kumakiri (Hole in the Sky), who goes into his experiences working as an assistant for Nakajima on a later production. The speaker notes how in awe everyone was of his work, and that he was very decisive and knew exactly what he wanted on set. Kumakiri suggests that, with certain established actors cast, he would know what he was getting and allow them to act, but would also perform bits for other cast members so they would deliver and perform exactly as he wanted (which does tie-in to what Schwentke notes about the specific rhythm of the scenes in the movie).
There is also an archival talk with director Nakajima himself. This bonus is amusing, as he appears as a kindly old man happy to discuss his work on these dark projects. Nakajima explains how he worked with the stars and what excited him about making this picture. All of the added features add extra layers that help newcomers to these films develop a better understanding of the title and what is being attempted onscreen.
It all comes packaged with a booklet containing writing on the movie, and a reversible sleeve with artwork based on the original posters for the film.
Aesthetics of a Bullet is another excellent title from Radiance Films. The picture quality is solid, and the bonuses help specify the director’s particular approach to storytelling. I’ll be honest and admit that this reviewer wouldn’t have even known about this movie were it not for the distributor’s fine work bringing this and other international classics to the western world. In summation, crime movie fans should definitely pick this Blu-ray up.
