Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III
Red Peony Gambler I - III

Film Movement Classics

Red Peony Gambler I - III

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Edition Type: Standard Edition

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Poochamin) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Produced during the heyday of ninkyo eiga (chivalrous yakuza films), the seminal Red Peony Gambler series has had a lasting influence on cult cinema. The illustrious Junko Fuji stars as the beautiful and badass Oryu, the eponymous and benevolent female gambler who uses her incredible might for right. In the series’ premiere she rambles into town searching for her father’s killer with a wallet left at the crime scene as her only clue. At a card game she meets a kindred spirit, the noble and handsome yakuza Katagiri (Ken Takakura) and soon they are a force to be reckoned with. Part 2 finds Oryu under the arm of the kind gang boss of a silk farming town. When ruthless loan sharks encroach and their treachery leads to murder, it is Oryu’s sworn duty to exact justice. Maestro of Japanese cinema Tai Kato simultaneously satiates and transcends genre tropes in his masterful direction of the celebrated third film in the series. From its classically melodramatic opening set piece involving an oncoming train, the stage is set for a visually rich tale of good versus evil.

directed by: Kosaku Yamashita, Norifumi Suzuki, Tai Kato
starring: Junko Fuji, Ken Takakura, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Kyosuke Machida, Michitaro Mizushima, Kanjuro Arashi, Teruo Ishiyama, Bunta Sugawara, Koji Tsuruta
1968 - 1970 / 291 min (combined) / 2.35:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 1.0

Additional info:

  • Region A 3-disc Blu-ray
  • New video essays on Red Peony 1 & 2 by TokyoScope author Patrick Macias
  • Video introduction to Red Peony 3 by director Alex Cox (Repo Man)
  • New audio commentary on Red Peony 3 by Chris Poggiali These Fist Break Bricks) and John Charles (The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977-1997)
    • Booklet with new essay by Mark Schilling (The Yakuza Movie Book)
    • English subtitles

    Overall rating: 4.757576 / 5 from 132 reviews.

    AI Generated Review Summary

    This limited edition Blu-ray collection of the Red Peony Gambler series is highly praised for its exceptional transfer, top-notch packaging, and spectacular artwork. Customers appreciate the presentation and the look of the product, and the film is well-received for its quality and appeal.

    Summary topics

    • Trilogy Release (11%): It was highlighted by customers that this collection is great and amazing, with a solid trilogy release.
    • Spectacular Artwork (12%): Customers expressed appreciation for the spectacular artwork, which was described as spectacular, top notch, and outstanding.
    • Product Appearance (12%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the look of the product, stating that it looks awesome and fantastic.
    • Product Presentation (8%): Customers expressed appreciation for the presentation, with many describing it as nice, great, and amazing.
    • Blu-ray Transfer Quality (15%): Many customers brought up that the transfer to Blu-ray is exceptional and delivers high-definition viewing experience.

    Review topics: [packaging, looks, quality, feels, value, sound, depth, set, style, film, artwork, trilogy, collection, release, transfer, movie, slipcover, series, restoration, buy, flick, presentation, gambler, story, cinema, yakuza, booklet, characters, guy, acting].

    Review highlights

    • "The transfers look great, and the overall package has a wonderful presentation with amazing artwork." — Steven B.
    • "The transfers look outstanding and the limited slipcover artwork outshines the standard artwork on the case." — Russel H.
    • "ALWAYS RELEASE GREAT TITLES FANTASTIC ART WORK AND EXCELLENT QUALITY VINEGAR SYNDROME ARE THE BEST AROUND" — MICHAEL T.

    Reviews

    Talkin’ ‘Bout Ethics

    "What a wonderful blind buy! I was unfamiliar with the gambling/yakuza genre in Japanese cinema in the late-60s/early-70s, and the Red Peony series is a great way into that. The films are centered on a commanding performance by Junko Fuji, who plays Oryu (The Red Peony), with incredible intelligence, poise and beauty as she navigates the strict code of the Yakuza while trying to avenge her father’s murder in the 1st film, and then stick up for those who can’t defend themselves in the sequels. It’s really cool how she introduces herself and is a badass as the gambling croupier, especially when she catches cheaters. It’s a shame we only get 3 of the 8 films in the series, so hopefully there will be another collection. Highly recommended!"

    — Francisco W. (4/5)

    Great Period Films

    "The audio and video are fantastic as usual, and I'm thrilled we got the first three. I'm hoping we eventually get the rest of the series because these were a lot of fun and not the typical pinky violence films I initially thought they were."

    — Michael M. (5/5)

    Impeccable restoration

    "Stunning visually, this restoration is impeccable. Just gorgeous. The stylized acting and plots are intriguing. The enclosed booklet is informative and beautifully done - as is the slipcover."

    — Donald M. (5/5)

    Red Peony Gambler Triple Bill

    "This is a beautiful restoration of this trilogy. These yakuza films are classics of Japanese cinema. And a must for those who love strong female leads. Stylish and powerful. Chock full of extras, with a beautiful slipcase and booklet."

    — Adam R. (5/5)

    Cool Set!

    "Junko Fuji is an absolute legend."

    — Eric F. (5/5)

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