This listing is for the standard edition 3-Disc Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Maxime Gérin) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Launched to stardom by Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train, enigmatic actor Masatoshi Nagase thrives as the hardboiled detective wannabe Maiku Hama in Kaizo Hayashi’s trilogy of the same name, encompassing The Most Terrible Time in My Life (1994), The Stairway to the Distant Past (1995) and The Trap (1996). Stomping through the bustling-and-hustling port city of Yokohama, Hama operates out of a run-down movie theatre and his office sees every kind of customer: from rich ladies looking for runaway pups to serial murderers who look suspiciously like himself… Equal part American hardboiled detective pastiche, Seijun Suzuki-style Nikkatsu akushon send-up, and Masatoshi Nagase’s own new school comedic charmer, the Maiku Hama Trilogy is a cult phenomena of 90s Japanese cinema, that would go on to inspire many – and spawn its own anthology NTV television series The Private Detective Mike by 2002.
The trilogy kicks things off in akushon black-and-white with The Most Terrible Time in My Life, set among immigrant communities of a multi-cultural Yokohama. When Maiku accidentally saves a Taiwanese immigrant named Yang during a mahjong parlour brawl, he becomes embroiled in a tale of two brothers at the heart of an underground pan-Asian mafia on the brink of war.
In The Stairway to the Distant Past, now in vibrant color, Maiku Hama returns in a dashing convertible that is promptly repo’d. Taking on odd jobs, from lost dogs to men looking for their own selves, Hama’s search leads him to a past he thought he’d left him behind as the port city’s most legendary stripper returns and our detective struggles with being a chip off the old block.
Closing out the trilogy is The Trap in which Nagase stars in a memorable double role. When a string of young women in floral dresses are found serenely posed and afflicted with rigor mortis, alarms are sounded throughout Yokohama about the possibility of a serial killer on the loose. But when all evidence points to Hama, he has to fight against the clock and former allies, putting his trust in a rookie cop and his trusted sidekick Hoshino. Will Hama escape the trap?
directed by: Kaizo Hayashi
starring: Masatoshi Nagase, Akaji Maro, Haruko Wanibuchi, Hou De Jian, Housei Kondo
1993, 1995, 1996 / 299 min (combined) / 2.35:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
DISC 1
DISC 2
DISC 3
Overall rating: 4.8433733 / 5 from 83 reviews.
The Maiku Hama Trilogy, a cult phenomenon of 90s Japanese cinema, is celebrated for its fantastic storytelling, stylish presentation, and beautifully crafted films. This 3-Disc Blu-ray set includes new 4K restorations, insightful interviews, and engaging video essays.
Review topics: ["quality","looks","value","picture","packaging","upgrade","sound","buy","set","trilogy","film","movie","release","transfer","kani","slipcover","features","cinematography","detective","collection","extras","slip","artwork","pickup","restoration","eye","characters","lettering","impression","merits"].
"Awesome trilogy, each with a different style. These have lots of charm that pulls you into the story. Cinematography is also top-notch. You can tell a lot of care went into making these. A little light on the special features, but they provide a lot of interesting information about how these movies came to be and more."
"The Most Terrible Time in My Life (1994), directed by Kaizo Hayashi and starring Sho Aikawa, is a quirky, offbeat take on the detective genre that blends deadpan humor with stylized neo-noir sensibilities. Shot in crisp black-and-white, the film follows a laid-back private eye navigating a series of seemingly low-stakes cases that gradually reveal a deeper, more melancholic undercurrent. Hayashi plays with noir conventions—hardboiled narration, shadowy compositions—but filters them through a distinctly Japanese indie lens, creating something that feels both familiar and oddly detached. Aikawa’s understated performance anchors the film, giving its drifting, episodic structure a quiet coherence. It’s less about solving mysteries than inhabiting a mood, and while its pacing and minimalism won’t work for everyone, its cool, understated charm lingers long after it ends."
"All these films are incredible! Love to Kano sub label!!!"
"stylish, genre-bending Japanese neo-noir"
"The Maiku Hama Trilogy is a smart, genre‑blending neo‑noir ride that follows a cool yet clumsy private eye through twists of crime, family drama, and psychological shadows in Yokohama. Each of the three films shifts tone—from playful noir homage in the first to haunting thriller in the last—while showing off stylish visuals and a charismatic lead performance. For fans of offbeat detective stories and Japanese cinema with personality, this trilogy is an engaging, unpredictable watch. "
"These films are expertly made with artsy cinematography and great stories. Highly recommended."
"I first saw The Most Terrible Time In My Life in a one screen theater in Seattle, in maybe '99? It made a strong lasting impression. I sought out the other two films in the Maiku Hama Trilogy, which I think are also excellent. All three DVDs have been in the collection for years, Seeing this set arrive here on Blu-ray was an immediate buy. All three films look and sound awesome, the transfer is a sweet upgrade, too! The artwork for the set is fun. Stoked I got the slip, too."
"Great trilogy of films from Japan. All 3 of them are very enjoyable and in nicely priced package and all 3 of them look great from these restorations."
"I really love the multi-disc sets that VS often releases! They are a terrific value! I saw the awesome slipcover and decided to take this trilogy for a spin! the cinematography is amazing, and all 3 films are very good and kept me watching with great interest throughout! 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!"
"An absolute blast of a trilogy. Best blind purchase I've made in a very long time, I'll be recommending this trilogy for at least the next year. As far as this release, the picture quality is fantastic, the sound is mainly great, and the special features help to give you a little backstory on the movies and director. Very very happy shopper."
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