According to information I've read, the writer of the story that became "Kawaita hana", Shintarô Ishihara, is an ardent nationalist who was upset to see how Japan changed following WWII. His story reflects some of his politics and his worry that the new Japan was losing its collective soul. To really understand this, it would sure help to have a Japanese history professor on hand to point out the symbolism (such as the murder at the end of the film which was meant to copy a real life televised killing of a Japanese politician). I was aware of some of this...but am not exactly a student of Japanese history and culture. However, if you can find a copy of this film with a commentary track (something missing when you watch this on the Criterion channel instead of on their DVD), try it.
The story centers on an old school Yakuza member, Muraki, who was just released from prison following the senseless murder of a member of another clan. Soon after re-entering society, he finds himself infatuated with a really screwed up rich lady who apparently is slumming it. Saeko shows many of the traits of a Borderline Personality...self-destructive behavior, various addictions and a need for excitement. In contrast, Muraki is much more stable and, at times, rather quiet and dull. And, through the course of the story, Muraki mostly seems like a distant man watching the world around him....until the ending, where he suddenly and viciously acts. What exactly will happen with Muraki and Saeko? See the film.
This film might be tough for some viewers, as although it's a film about organized crime, it's NOT all about action and murder. Much of the film seems slow and mundane even. This is NOT a complaint...more a commentary about the Yakuza and society as a whole. A most unusual film...and one that you find yourself immersed in even if the pace is slow and very deliberate. Worth seeing...especially for the inventive camera angles and framing of many of the shots.
The story centers on an old school Yakuza member, Muraki, who was just released from prison following the senseless murder of a member of another clan. Soon after re-entering society, he finds himself infatuated with a really screwed up rich lady who apparently is slumming it. Saeko shows many of the traits of a Borderline Personality...self-destructive behavior, various addictions and a need for excitement. In contrast, Muraki is much more stable and, at times, rather quiet and dull. And, through the course of the story, Muraki mostly seems like a distant man watching the world around him....until the ending, where he suddenly and viciously acts. What exactly will happen with Muraki and Saeko? See the film.
This film might be tough for some viewers, as although it's a film about organized crime, it's NOT all about action and murder. Much of the film seems slow and mundane even. This is NOT a complaint...more a commentary about the Yakuza and society as a whole. A most unusual film...and one that you find yourself immersed in even if the pace is slow and very deliberate. Worth seeing...especially for the inventive camera angles and framing of many of the shots.