Ferocious Fukasaku: Two Films By Kinji Fukasaku

Nice combination of two films from the same director that have different moods, styles, and presentations. Watched Violent Panic: The Big Crash first and liked this one a little more. It's got that 70's Japanese crime cool that I dig. At least it starts out that way. By the end it goes pretty bonkers, almost 'zany'. There is a massive car chase, the 'Big Crash', that envelopes anyone that gets close to it. Almost goes Benny Hill and I half expected Yakety Sax to kick on at some point. It's not a Yakuza movie but about low level bank robbers and the struggles of the lower class. That is actually the similar theme shared in Wolves, Pigs, and Men. While this one has involvement in the Yakuza culture, it focuses on three brothers and their standing in society. Most of the film's run time is spent deep in the slums of the lower class. The black and while cinematography and vibe make it feel more 'noir', but, again, it still has that Japanese crime/yakuza involvement. Fantastic double feature!

I love these double features for Tai Kato and Fukasaku. This one is a banger.

This may be considered lesser Fukasaku or at least lesser known but it's always incredible to see him at work.

Absolutely buy this one - two absolute masterclasses in filmmaking. Wonderful performances too.

Wolves, Pigs and Men is top shelf Kinji Fukasaku.

Now we're cooking with gas! Having watched a few Kinji Fukasaku pictures now, I think I'm starting to realize I prefer his earlier, black and white films from the 1960s rather than his color films in the 1970s. The progression of his style (like Tony Scott, Seijun Suzuki, David Lynch) just gets more and more indulgent to the point it loses its impact. But early films like Wolves, Pigs and Men have a nice balance; throw in a propulsive jazz score and you've got me right where I want to be.