Film Movement Classics

Red Peony Gambler I - III

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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: 4.774194 / 5 from 124 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: ["quality","looks","packaging","service","value","sound","depth","set","buy","film","artwork","release","transfer","collection","trilogy","movie","slipcover","restoration","series","flick","presentation","gambler","yakuza","story","cinema","booklet","pacing","acting","drama","guy"].

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

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)

Red Peony Gambler

"Slow paced but well made early Yakuza films that hint toward the shift to modern Yakuza."

— Drew G. (4/5)

FMC-004

"Tried the Hong Kong movies, can’t take to them. This was a sale purchase and great value for the 3 movies, nicely packaged !!"

— richard c. (3/5)

Nice Trilogy

"The slipcover is awesome, as always with anything VS or their awesome partner Labels release! It is a cool movie that was a lot of fun to watch! I always love the unique VS service of allowing you to stack as many movies as you like in your cart during any release period and ship them for free! The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"

— Paul K. (5/5)

Yakuza Goodness

"Three entertaining Yakuza films set in the Meiji era. The stories play out like a female led version of the Zatoichi films. In addition, all three films are of similar quality. The films look great and is highly recommended for fans of these films."

— Stephen P. (5/5)

A Stylish Introduction to a Japanese Cinema Icon

"Red Peony Gambler I - III is an excellent collection that brings together the first three films starring Junko Fuji as the wandering gambler Ryuko Yano, better known as Red Peony Oryu. Her controlled, charismatic performance gives the films a compelling center and helps distinguish them from more conventional yakuza stories. The trilogy looks fantastic, with colorful period costumes, carefully composed interiors, and striking widescreen photography. The elegant visual style contrasts beautifully with the sudden bursts of violence, giving the films an identity that feels both graceful and tough. As a piece of Japanese cinema history, the collection is especially rewarding. These films helped establish one of the defining heroines of the ninkyo yakuza genre, combining traditional ideas of honor and obligation with an unusually commanding female protagonist. Overall, this is a beautifully presented introduction to a classic series and an easy recommendation for fans of yakuza films, Japanese genre cinema, and Junko Fuji."

— Tim L. (5/5)

A great trilogy that perfectly

"A great trilogy that perfectly encompasses why 70s Japanese cinema was great."

— Joe B. (4/5)

Roll the Dice!

"Great collection of Japanese historical yakuza films! High cinema, they're not, but they're darn fun with some great action. Picture and sound are great with the new restorations."

— William Z. (5/5)

trilogy

"ltd edition treatment of this trilogy has beautiful artwork, great movies w/ excellent video & sound restoration"

— Conor T. (5/5)