Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 60 reviews.
This special limited edition double feature from Film Movement includes 'Onimasa' and 'Tokyo Bordello', both presented in stunning 4K restorations with new English subtitles. The set is limited to 2,000 units and comes with insightful commentaries and video essays by renowned scholars.
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"Hideo Gosha is an underappreciated (in the west at least) master director and while these two later films are not his best work, they are still exceptional. Both films feature a commentary by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp and video essays by Patrick Macias."
"The Courtesans & Criminals: The Underworld of Hideo Gosha boxset from Film Movement is a carefully curated tribute to one of Japan’s most distinctive genre filmmakers. Centered on the work of Hideo Gosha, the collection dives into his late-period exploration of the yakuza underworld and the lives of marginalized women, blending crime drama with historical texture. Gosha’s films stand out for their intense character focus, striking visual compositions, and a tone that oscillates between brutality and melancholy, offering a more human and often tragic perspective on figures usually confined to genre archetypes. What makes this set particularly compelling is how it frames Gosha’s work not just as genre cinema, but as a reflection of social hierarchies and moral ambiguity in Japanese history. The films included emphasize strong female protagonists—often courtesans navigating systems of power and exploitation—alongside criminals bound by codes that are steadily eroding. Film Movement’s presentation elevates these films with restored transfers and contextual extras, making the boxset both an accessible entry point for newcomers and a rewarding deep dive for collectors interested in overlooked corners of Japanese cinema."
"This box set is a real treat. ‘Tokyo Bordello’ is so visually stunning that I even bought the japanese Blu-ray a while back."
"What a great collection of films, both are top notch and Film Movement went out of their way with the beautiful transfers. Tatsuya Nakadai is wild in this he really goes off the rails but in a good way. Apparently this was Japan's answer to The Godfather but its so much more. This will definitely be a favorite of mine for years to come. Tokyo Bordello was excellent too, it's quite well done and the acting is fantastic especially by Yko Natori who plays the lead. Great purchase!"
"I highly enjoyed these films. And I love the director’s style. Highly recommended set of films."
"I love these Hideo Gosha films that take place during the Meiji Restoration, seeing changes on the street level concerning a Yakuza boss and his rivals. The films also depict the life of women and the world of prostitution and servitude. Women must do what they have to, in order to survive."
"Thank you "Film Movement Classics" for releasing these two stellar Japanese films by somehow unknown director, "Hideo Gosha", in one package. Both films have great transfers, excellent picture and sound quality and interesting and informative extras. I enjoyed both films. Would Love to see more releases like this !"
"This set is an amazing deal. Two stunningly restored films in a gorgeous, spot gloss slipcover with a booklet. If you can snag this in a sale, you absolutely should! Great films by a talented filmmaker and handled very well."
"Another great double feature with another fantastic restoration. This set is one to get if you like your underworld tales gritty in the old style. The artwork is nice, too."
"Loved this, great movies for those who enjoy Asian cinema."
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