Layers of Morality in a Corrupt World

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Underworld Beauty (Ankokugai no bijo)
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1958, 2025 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Seijun Suzuki
Writer(s): Susumu Saji
Cast: Michitarō Mizushima, Mari Shiraki, Hideaki Nitani, Shinsuke Ashida, Hiroshi Kondō, Kaku Takashina, Tōru Abe, Bumon Kahara, Keisuke Yukioka, Jun Miyazaki, Shōki Fukae
Where To Watch: available January 28, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.radiancefilms.co.uk (UK,) www.mvdshop.com (US,) or www.amazon.com (US)

RAVING REVIEW: If there is one lesson I haven’t yet learned YET about reviewing movies, it’s never to expect something until you experience it. I continue being blown away by films I had never heard of before screening them! UNDERWORLD BEAUTY, directed by Seijun Suzuki, delivers a blend of suspense and artistry. Set against the backdrop of a Japan in transition, the film navigates themes of greed, loyalty, and the tenuous balance between morality and self-interest. While not without flaws, this noir drama offers viewers a compelling exploration of post-war struggles.

At the heart of the story is Miyamoto (Michitarô Mizushima,) a recently paroled convict grappling with his past while trying to uphold a sense of honor in a world dominated by corruption. Mizushima’s portrayal brings a steady and understated intensity to the role. Tasked with returning a hidden stash of diamonds—leftover from a heist gone wrong—to his injured accomplice, Miyamoto’s journey is riddled with betrayal, power struggles, and personal reckonings. The diamonds, however, are far more than just precious stones; they are a metaphor for the corrosive allure of materialism and the moral decay it causes.

Suzuki’s direction elevates this story. His compositions contrast the sprawling chaos of urban life with the suffocating isolation of the characters’ conflicts. The film opens in the shadowy depths of a sewer, setting an ominous tone that persists throughout. One of the most memorable settings, a mannequin factory, becomes a chilling visual metaphor for dehumanization. Its lifeless figures embody the emptiness of those who place greed above humanity.

Akiko is a standout character whose fiery spirit challenges the traditional roles expected of her. Portrayed by Mari Shiraki, Akiko’s journey is as pivotal as Miyamoto’s, adding depth to the film’s exploration of agency and vulnerability. Her relationship with Miyamoto is tense, as his attempts to protect her often clash with her determination to assert her independence. The film’s symbolic imagery deepens its narrative impact. A poignant moment unfolds when Akiko, disillusioned and desperate, hides the diamonds inside a mannequin. This act transforms the mannequin into a hollow representation of the pursuit of wealth, stripped of humanity and soul. Later, when the mannequin reappears, dismembered, and discarded, it underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and greed.

Despite its weighty themes, UNDERWORLD BEAUTY does not shy away from moments of dark humor. Suzuki injects the story with a macabre wit that balances its grittier elements. Scenes involving the gangsters’ fumbling attempts to reclaim the diamonds are particularly effective, offering a satirical glimpse into the absurdity of their greed-driven schemes. This balance between intensity and levity adds a layer of accessibility to the film, making it as engaging as it is thought-provoking.

As an early entry in Suzuki’s career, UNDERWORLD BEAUTY hints at the boldness and innovation defining his later works. It showcases his ability to craft a visually striking and emotionally resonant tale. The noir aesthetics—sharp lighting contrasts, off-angle shots, and meticulous framing—are employed just right, creating an atmosphere that draws viewers into its shadowy world.

The climactic showdown exemplifies Suzuki’s flair for dramatic set pieces. The oppressive heat and interplay of sweat, fire, and steam create a visceral tension that mirrors the escalating stakes of the narrative. This sequence and the film’s settings and symbolic imagery solidify its place as a visually memorable and thematically rich entry in the noir canon.

UNDERWORLD BEAUTY captures the complexities of a society in flux, where honor and corruption are locked in an uneasy dance. Its exploration of greed, sacrifice, and the fragile nature of morality resonates. For those seeking a noir that combines elegance with depth, this film is a must-see—a testament to Suzuki’s growing mastery and a snapshot of a genre on the brink of reinvention.

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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