Pale Flower (1964): A Stylish Japanese Noir

The images aren’t unfamiliar to those acquainted with Japan’s metropolis. A voice surmises over images of the bustling train station. “Back in Tokyo. 3 years. It makes my head spin. Why are so many people crammed into cage-like boxes?” I couldn’t agree more with our nar... Read full article

Pale Flower (1964, Shinoda Masahiro)

Pale Flower opens with lead Ikebe Ryô narrating his first day out of prison. Not what he does—we get to see what he does—but how he feels about being out, what he notices. He’s killed a man, been in prison for three years, and nothing has changed in Tokyo. The dead man’s absence doesn’t m... Read full article

Pale Flower (1964, Shinoda Masahiro)

Pale Flower opens with lead Ikebe Ryô narrating his first day out of prison. Not what he does—we get to see what he does—but how he feels about being out, what he notices. He’s killed a man, been in prison for three years, and nothing has changed in Tokyo. The dead man’s absence doesn’t m... Read full article

Pale Flower (1964)

Pale Flower (Kawaita hana) Directed by Masahiro Shinoda Written by Masaru Baba and Masahiro Shinoda from a novel by Shintaro Ishihara 1964/Japan Bungei Production Ninjin Club First viewing/FilmStruck The style is is some of the most striking of the Japanese New Wave. Gangster Muraki is released... Read full article