or so they say. I'm not very into gangster style movies of this variety, but this is a stylistic and imaginative entry. The feel of it is not far at all from Hollywood classics of the forties and this is what let me down the most. It still has plenty of charms and individuality of its own though. Much of it in the perverse details in which also black comedy is found.
Set in postwar Tokyo, then very much a city of shacks, is interesting to see and compare to todays megapolis. Well shot images in black and white really lets you get the feel of the city.
Most interesting character is Mari Shiraki's. She is strong and tough. Very well acted. Her boyfriend is well portrayed as a greedy artist. I must agree, though, that the hero Mizushima is a rather dull character.