Intrigue and Identity

Read Time:4 Minute, 27 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Yokohama BJ Blues
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 1981, 2024 Radiance Films
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Eiichi Kudô
Writer(s): Shoichi Maruyama
Cast: Yūsaku Matsuda, Mari Henmi, Keizo Kanie, Toby Kadoguchi, Haruko Mabuchi, Koji Tanaka, Tatsuo Yamada, Eri Kanuma, Rei Okamoto, Rikiya Yasuoka, Yuya Uchida, Ryudo Uzaki
Where To Watch: available December 17, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES turns the spotlight on Yusaku Matsuda as BJ, a man who straddles the line between blues musician and no-nonsense detective, all within the moody and often murky confines of Yokohama’s underbelly. Directed by Eiichi Kudo in 1981, this neo-noir film serves up a rich cocktail of rhythmic blues and tense, shadow-laden drama, casting a stark light on societal issues through the lens of its complex protagonist.

The opening scene in a dimly lit jazz club instantly sets the tone, with BJ's gravelly voice drawing us deep into the dual nature of his world. Here, music isn’t just a backdrop but a narrative force, revealing the layers of a man caught between the ethereal tones of his music and the reality of his detective work. The plot thickens as BJ picks up the case of Akira, a young man entangled in the city’s criminal undercurrents. His apparent contentment with his underworld life starkly contrasts BJ's moral compass.

As the mystery of Akira unfolds, the sudden and mysterious death of BJ's former colleague, Ryo, thrusts our protagonist into the harsh glare of suspicion. His ensuing investigation propels him into the dark corners of Yokohama, from drug-infested alleys to hidden pockets of bikers and subcultures. Each discovery forces BJ to confront the city’s corruption and the ghosts of his past.

YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES dares to explore themes of homoeroticism with an unprecedented subtlety for its era, challenging the norms of Japanese mainstream cinema. The delicate portrayal of the relationships between its male characters, particularly between BJ and Akira, is crafted with such finesse that it invites viewers to conclude the nature of their bond.

The film’s haunting soundtrack enhances its introspective mood. Matsuda’s voice adds a layer of authenticity to BJ’s character and blends seamlessly with the film’s overall somber ambiance. The cinematography is nothing short of poetic, capturing the essence of Yokohama as a living, breathing entity that’s as much a part of the narrative as the characters themselves.

In a departure from his usual roles, Matsuda’s BJ is a revelation—a man who wears his introspection as comfortably as his detective's badge, navigating the moral ambiguities of his profession with a quiet, determined resolve. This performance showcases Matsuda’s range and deepens the film’s narrative, making BJ a symbol of the struggle between personal integrity and the often overwhelming shadows of the larger world.

Although YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES initially flew under the radar, its reissue by Radiance Films will rightfully anchor its status as a neo-noir classic, bringing it into the spotlight for a new generation of film enthusiasts.

YOKOHAMA BJ BLUES explores the intersections between identity, morality, and the urban landscape. Its blend of noir storytelling and musical expression challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of the human condition, making it an essential watch for those who appreciate cinema that entertains, provokes thought, and evokes deep emotional resonance.

Bonus Materials
High-definition digital transfer, world premiere on Blu-ray
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Interview with star Mari Hemmi
Interview with screenwriter Shoichi Maruyama
Interview with writer and Yokohama expert Toru Sano on the film and a look at the locations
Trailer
Newly translated English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Dimitri Ianni on Toei Central Film, a subsidiary of Toei studios famed for releasing Pink Films and independent productions such as Yokohama BJ Blues and an archival review of the film
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI str,ip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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