"More power, anger, energy and truth than Raging Bull" - Empire Magazine.
Action/Drama/ThrillerWriters: Hisashi Saito and Shin'ya Tsukamoto
Stars: Kaori Fujii, Shin'ya Tsukamoto, Kôji Tsukamoto
The last release the UK recieved of Tokyo Fist was a DVD version from Manga Entertainment in 2004. Third Window Films have upped their game again with this top notch release. Available in High Definition for the first time ever, this is a brand new restoration from the original negatives from none other than Shinya Tsukamoto himself! This release should not be missed.
Synopsis
Once again Tsukamoto steps out from behind the camera and stars as Tsuda, the archetypal Japanese salaryman, a cog in the machine seemingly cut off from his own being by hours and hours of work. He's married to polite and compliant Hizuru (Kaori Fujii), the dictionary definition of an ideal Japanese wife. Their life is happy, at least on the surface, at least until Tsuda's old friend, Kojima (played by Tsukamoto's own real life brother, Kôji) shows up on the scene. As a pro boxer Kojima's business is violence and even before the proverbial sand is kicked in Tsuda's face we can already sense the wonder and jealousy with which he views his brother's transformed body; but once Kojima seduces Hizuru, revealing that he just doesn't excel at physical violence, but mental and emotional brutality as well, does Tsuda get himself to the gym and into training so he can wreak his revenge with his fists.
I read many reviews before watching this comparing it to Rocky and Raging Bull. Boxing is a part of the story, and the Boxing matches and training are incredibly shot and stunning to watch. But Tokyo Fist is not a boxing film. It's a character study first and foremost. The study of the 3 main characters who are all extremely compelling in their own way. The protagonist Tsuda is easily identifiable to many viewers, a typical white-collar worker, working long hours in a job and getting stuck in a rut with his wife Hizuru. Tsuda is a sympathetic character and one you will find yourself rooting for.
Tsuda and Kojima throwing down!
Shinya Tsukamoto does a convincing job of Tsuda and shows that the risk can pay off when you step out from behind the camera and star in your own film. A really interesting point of this film is that he cast his real life brother to play his friend/rival in his film. His brother Koji definitely looks the part of a professional boxer, he has the right look and attributes. After watching an interview with Shinya(Which is an excellent special feature on this release) I discovered his brother was actually a Boxer and is now a Boxing trainer. Well played Shinya Tsukamoto, another risky move of hiring an amateur payed off.
A battered and bruised Tsuda and his wife
The Blu-Ray also comes with an all new interview with Tsukamoto were he discusses and explains parts of his film. He also talks about his other work such as Bullet Ballet and Tetsuo. There is also the original Japanese trailer, and the brand new UK trailer. As well as a music video with the Industrial Rock Band who produced the music for Tokyo Fist. The Blu-Ray comes with a cardboard sleeve, and the cover for the case is reversible with 2 stylized art sleeves. Neat touch!
8.5/10
I give this one a big thumbs up! Seek it out!
Available at Third Window Films and all good retailers.
Available at Third Window Films and all good retailers.
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