I promised that I would report back on my viewing of Seijun Suzuki's Take Aim at the Police Van, which is included in the newly released "Nikkatsu Noir" box set from Criterion. Unfortunately, I don't find myself having all that much to say about it. Not that the film is bad, mind you. As I suspect many of Suzuki's early films are, it is a thoroughly engaging and deftly executed little potboiler, though in this case a fairly low key one that doesn't distinguishes itself over other early works -- such as Underworld Beauty and Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards! -- that I have covered extensively elsewhere. I will say that I was very glad to see Underworld Beauty's Michitaro Mizushima returning in yet another affably put-upon noir hero role, as well as another supporting turn by Beauty's Mari Shiraki.
Of course, being a Suzuki film, Take Aim at the Police Van looks fantastic. So, rather than taking up this space with a lot of inconclusive hemming and hawing on my part, I thought it might be better to devote it to a few choice screen grabs. Almost make you wish real life was in black and white, don't they?
Of course, being a Suzuki film, Take Aim at the Police Van looks fantastic. So, rather than taking up this space with a lot of inconclusive hemming and hawing on my part, I thought it might be better to devote it to a few choice screen grabs. Almost make you wish real life was in black and white, don't they?
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I have to say, when I see these screenshots I'm a little miffed that the box set is not in my budget right now.
Damn you, need to buy food and books with obscure Victorian ghost stories!
just saw Mizoguchi's Street Of Shame myself. Take Aim looks a little cheerier...
Prof: Yes, I think this one is essentially what one would consider "an entertainment".
House: Yeah, I couldn't really afford it either. Fortunately, I've found that the cardboard slipcase goes down quite well if you tear it into small pieces and moisten it with water. It also helps if you have a bit of soy sauce on hand.
Ah, good old soy sauce!
Kikkoman's official slogan should be "Nothing is inedible".
Staying up late at night and surfing channels. Saw something I think deserves a larger viewership. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_zRD2KKw0o
(lyrics says "Save me!!!"
Sunil, I finally got a chance to watch that clip. The combination of Jagdeep, the music of Bappi Lahiri, and yet another Bollywood interpretation of "Thriller" leaves me unsure whether to thank you or hunt you down.
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