A Trilogy of Vengeance and Honor Unveiled

Read Time:4 Minute, 24 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Valiant Red Peony: Red Peony Gambler I-III
Red Peony Gambler
Red Peony Gambler 2: Gambler’s Obligation
Red Peony Gambler 3: The Flower Cards Game
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Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Crime
Year Released: 1968 / 1968 / 1969, 2024 Eureka Entertainment The Masters of Cinema Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 38m / 1h 35m / 1h 38m
Director(s): Kôsaku Yamashita / Norifumi Suzuki / Tai Katô
Writer(s): Norifumi Suzuki / Tatsuo Nogami / Hisakichi Ishimoto, Motohiro Torii
Cast: Jiang Lili, Jing Liu, Shulin Sun, Gao Baocheng / Sumiko Fuji, Bin Amatsu, Tomisaburō Wakayama, Koji Tsuruta / Sumiko Fuji, Ken Takakura, Kanjūrō Arashi, Asao Koike
Where To Watch: available June 17, 2024; pre-order here UK www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating the world of THE VALIANT RED PEONY: RED PEONY GAMBLER I-III transports viewers into an enthralling narrative of transformation and empowerment. This collection, presented by Eureka’s Masters of Cinema, encapsulates a dramatic shift in the portrayal of women in the ninkyo eiga genre (“chivalry films.”) Spanning from 1968 to 1972 under the direction of Kōsaku Yamashita, Norifumi Suzuki, and Tai Katō, these films feature Sumiko Fuji as Ryuko Yano, a character who defies the passive female archetypes of her time with remarkable fortitude and complexity.

RED PEONY GAMBLER sets the stage with Ryuko, who, under the alias Oryu, embarks on a vengeance-filled odyssey into the yakuza underworld after a personal tragedy. This film serves as a strong opener, drawing the audience into her moral conflict and honor story, setting a robust tone for the character’s evolution.

In RED PEONY GAMBLER 2: GAMBLER’S OBLIGATION, the stakes intensify. Oryu finds herself amid the corruption and betrayal of the silk trade, manipulated by the yakuza’s grip. The plot thickens as director Norifumi Suzuki explores the narrative with heightened action and a deeper exploration of Oryu's indomitable spirit and strategic insight.

The trilogy culminates with RED PEONY GAMBLER 3: THE FLOWER CARDS GAME, where the interplay of personal and professional stakes peaks. Tai Katō directs this gripping finale, weaving the threads of love, betrayal, and brutal conflict into a tapestry that challenges the protagonist’s values and decisions.

Sumiko Fuji’s portrayal of Oryu is a tour de force. She brings depth and power to a role that has reshaped perceptions of female capabilities in the era's cinema. Her performance brings a character to life and inspires a legacy that transcends cultural and cinematic boundaries.

The visual storytelling across the series is nothing short of cinematic grandeur. The directors employ a palette that captures the era's essence and the narrative's mood, complemented by detailed and dynamic compositions that pull viewers deeper into the emotional landscape of the story.

THE VALIANT RED PEONY series also mirrors the societal transformations of the time, delving into themes of loyalty, justice, and sacrifice. It offers a critical look at the challenges of maintaining one's values in a world on the brink of modernization.

This series is a profound exploration of character and society, enveloped in the thrilling aesthetics of classic Japanese cinema. Now accessible on Blu-ray, these films have been beautifully restored, allowing a new audience to appreciate their artistry and relevance. They resonate, providing timeless insights into human behavior and justice complexities.

Ultimately, THE VALIANT RED PEONY series is a pivotal cinematic work that continues to influence and inspire decades later. It invites audiences and filmmakers alike to engage with its themes, appreciate its craft, and reflect on the power of storytelling.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju) [2000 copies]
1080p HD presentation of all three films from restorations of the original film elements supplied by Toei
Original Japanese audio tracks (uncompressed LPCM mono)
Optional English Subtitles
Brand new audio commentary tracks on all three films
Tony Rayns on Red Peony Gambler – a brand new interview with critic and Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns
Trailers
A collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jennifer Coates (Making Icons: Repetition and the Female Image in Japanese Cinema, 1945–1964) and Joe Hickinbottom

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT]

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