A Dramatic Journey of Redemption

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MOVIE REVIEW
Prison Walls: Abashiri Prison I-III
Abashiri Prison [Abashiri Bangaichi] –
Another Abashiri Prison Story [Zoku Abashiri Bangaichi] –
Abashiri Prison: Saga Of Homesickness [Abashiri Bangaichi: Bōkyō Hen] –

Genre: Crime, Drama, Action
Year Released: 1965, 2024 Masters of Cinema Blu-ray
Runtime: 4h 27m
Director(s): Teruo Ishii
Writer(s): Teruo Ishii, Hajime Itô
Cast: Ken Takakura, Kôji Nanbara, Kyōsuke Machida, Kanjūrō Arashi / Ken Takakura, Michiko Saga, I. George, Ichirō Nakatani / Ken Takakura, Hiroko Sakuramachi, Naoki Sugiura, Kunie Tanaka
Where To Watch: available May 27, 2024; pre-order here (UK) www.eurekavideo.co.uk, (US) www.mvdshop.com, or (US) www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step into the shadowy confines of ABASHIRI PRISON, where director Teruo Ishii and the film lead Ken Takakura take us on a riveting journey through the icy landscapes of human endurance and the fiery trials of moral conflict. This compelling trilogy marks a memorable point in the genre and cinematic storytelling, and it showcases the potent combination of stark visuals and intense drama.

Embark on a gritty odyssey with Eureka Entertainment’s Prison Walls collection, featuring the gripping trio ABASHIRI PRISON, ANOTHER ABASHIRI PRISON STORY, and ABASHIRI PRISON: SAGA OF HOMESICKNESS. Directed by Ishii and starring the formidable Takakura, this series dives deep into incarceration’s chilling realities, paired with its protagonists’ unbreakable spirit.

ABASHIRI PRISON introduces us to Shinichi Tachibana, a character brought to life by Takakura with exceptional precision, who finds himself confined within the walls of Abashiri. Initially aiming for tranquility during his confinement, Tachibana is quickly swept up in a desperate quest for freedom, navigating the harsh wilderness of Hokkaido. This installment is a visual spectacle and a narrative powerhouse, setting the stage for a tense saga and pushing existential stakes to the limits.

As we move from the stark, snow-covered expanses to the chaos of urban life in ANOTHER ABASHIRI PRISON STORY, Tachibana finds himself wrapped in a new predicament involving stolen diamonds. This sequel, vibrant with urban hues, offers a visual and thematic contrast to its predecessor, though it occasionally veers away from the original’s gritty core. It feels every bit like a separate story but also part of the larger narrative arc.

Concluding the trilogy, ABASHIRI PRISON: SAGA OF HOMESICKNESS brings Tachibana back to his roots, where he must face the repercussions of his past actions. Integrating classical film elements with Ishii’s signature contemporary twists, such as a jazz-infused soundtrack, this finale attempts an ambitious blend that, while occasionally off-beat, remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Ishii’s directorial style is evident across all three films, with ABASHIRI PRISON standing out as a particularly poignant exploration of Japan’s penal system. This foundational film does more than anchor the trilogy; it elevates Takakura’s status to that of a film icon celebrated for portraying complex, story-driven characters.

The trilogy’s casting is especially on point, featuring outstanding performances by several iconic names. Their contributions amplify the story’s emotional resonance, lifting the films above conventional genre expectations and imbuing them with a rare psychological depth.

The ABASHIRI PRISON series presents a mixed bag of experiences. The first film is a standout work, powerful and influential in its own right; the sequels, though rich in potential, exhibit varying degrees of quality. Despite its flaws, this collection remains a crucial piece for those fascinated by the evolution of the yakuza genre and the broader landscape of Japanese cinema. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling that navigates the extremes of the human condition within the confining walls of Abashiri, providing a viewing experience that is as lasting as it is profound.

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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