This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from Radiance Films is currently available for purchase. Only 3000 copies will be made available.
The Japanese feature Black Tight Killers is a definite cult film, but one that took some time to find its audience. It wasn’t a smash in its homeland and barely earned a release in English-speaking territories during its original release. This reviewer was first introduced to the title back in 2005 when a friend picked up a DVD of the title and brought it over to check out with a bunch of friends. We were wowed by what we saw, as the caper moved like a bullet and was memorably outrageous and strange. Few in North America had ever heard of the picture up until this point, but it wasn’t long before a following began growing in this part of the world.
The excellent distributor Radiance Films recently acquired the distribution rights and is now releasing a Blu-ray of the title. While it may only be a Blu-ray that doesn’t offer a fancy new restoration, those who pick it up aren’t likely to be disappointed. The film appears incredibly sharp and slick. And for those watching it upconverted on their 4K Ultra HD player, it looks quite appealing. This is a wild title full of glowing neon lights and stylized backdrops that are fantastic to watch. It’s a great looking disc of eye-popping, colorful title.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the plot follows a charismatic war photographer named Hondo (Akira Kobayashi) returning home and flirting with stewardess Yoriko (Chieko Matsubara). The two head out on a date and the protagonist is smitten with the woman, but it isn’t long before they’re interrupted by a group of female ninjas dressed in black with leather jackets. After a skirmish Yoriko ends up being kidnapped by other figures. The disbelieving police immediately brand Hondo as the guilty party, but a journalist friend vouches for him (well, more like just insists the cameraman couldn’t possibly be the killer because he was on a date). The hero follows the trail, eventually learning that her father was a wealthy man who may have stashed a treasure during World War II. Not only is the female gang determined to locate it, but so are mob outfits from both Japan and the US. Despite their attempts to kill him, Hondo tentatively teams with the “Black Tight Killers” and their leader Akiko (Akemi Kita) in order to find Yoriko.
This movie is a bizarrely entertaining meld of action, go-go dancing, James Bond-esque spy tropes, comedy and a hint of melodrama, all told in the wildest and most exaggerated way possible. Between several boogie-centric interludes, the title characters employ all kinds of crazy weapons to try and eliminate threats. They chew and spit gum that acts as a bullet and use vinyl records as flying blades at one point. And those aren’t even the most outrageous devices featured in the movie. The ladies are completely relentless in their pursuit and are a blast to watch.
It’s very entertaining to watch Hondo as well as the love-struck lead who immediately finds himself in over his head and reacting to all of the strangeness occurring around him. After some near misses with the female gang (which include him being trapped and almost being sweated to death in a statue serving as a sauna), he actually befriends them. This leads to a series of deadly encounters between the ninja women and mobsters. Many of these bits end violently with a team member dying in Hondo’s arms. Hilariously, they all compliment him for being a generally nicer guy than they expected him to be. It’s all very funny to watch.
Of course, the climax features more craziness that includes an obvious nod to the film Goldfinger, and a funny denouement in which Hondo queries Yoriko about continuing their relationship. Yes, you’ve probably seen all of these elements in various James Bond pictures, but you’ve never seen them delivered in such a goofy and over-the-top manner. And if that wasn’t enjoyable enough, the cinematography is spectacular. This movie looks much for lavish and impressive than its actual budget would suggest. It’s simply a great time for anyone who wants to see a generous helping of campiness in their adventure pics.
The disc arrives with an informative film historian commentary track. It seems that his introduction to the title was the same as mine (through that original DVD release). He goes into the history of the production, noting that the movie was not-so-closely adapted from a Japanese book. The cast and crew with their many credits are all identified. The figure goes into detail about the fact that Japan had opened its doors to the international world and that this influence was very visible in the finished product. While it didn’t really end up traveling outside its home country, it definitely shows pop culture influences from around the world and integrates them with its own traditions (including ninjas and the Yakuza). This is an entertaining track that does offer plenty of insight into how this crazy project came together.
There is also an archival interview with late director Yasuharu Hasebe. This was his debut feature and while he admits that he enjoyed making it, the studio hated the final results. He laments that it derailed his career for about 18 months, but that he eventually found more success with later features like Bloody Territories in 1969. The movie maker’s perspective on his career is very direct and honest and this is a good interview.
The disc also contains a trailer for the film. And since this is a “Limited Edition”, those who pick up the title will get a nice booklet with more writing on the movie and a reversible sleeve featuring great original and newly commissioned artwork for the title.
Black Tight Killers knocked me for a loop when I originally saw it some 20 years ago and it’s still every bit as wonderfully eccentric today as it was back then. Anyone with an interest in oddball or cult films owes it to themselves to pick this release up. The movie looks great on Blu-ray and is certain to turn heads and elicit surprises and chuckles with viewers.