Post-War Japan With a Dark Twist

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MOVIE REVIEW
Elegant Beast (The Graceful Brute/Shitoyakana kedamono)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1962, 2023 Radiance Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Yûzô Kawashima
Writer(s): Kaneto Shindô
Cast: Ayako Wakao, Yunosuke Ito, Hisano Yamaoka, Yuko Hamada, Eiji Funakoshi, Kyû Sazanka, Manamitsu Kawabata, Shôichi Ozawa, Hideo Takamatsu, Chôchô Miyako
Language: Japanese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available December 19, 2023; pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: ELEGANT BEAST bursts onto the screen as an engaging dark comedy, unraveling the complexities of post-war Japan. Within a single day, this film balances satire and drama, using a focused cast of ten to intricately dissect the societal transformations that accompanied Japan's economic boom. ELEGANT BEAST explores a different time, a canvas painting the nuances of a society under transformation.

At the helm of ELEGANT BEAST stands Yûzô Kawashima, a name that resonates with innovation in Japanese filmmaking. His journey, marked by challenges and health issues, led to a defining moment in cinema. With his past as Yasujirō Ozu's assistant and his directorial hand in over thirty films, Kawashima crafts a narrative in ELEGANT BEAST that is humorous and poignantly critical of societal expectations.

Central to ELEGANT BEAST is the Maeda family, embodying the shift from traditional values to a narrative steeped in greed and deception. Far from the quintessential family image, the Maedas are intertwined in a complex web of schemes and fraud. The storyline takes a compelling turn by introducing a character whose sneaky ways surpass those of the Maedas, adding a fun twist to the unfolding plot.

Tokizo and Yoshino Maeda, forgoing the path of honesty, pull their children into their labyrinth of deceit, paving the way for financial manipulation and moral decay. Minoru, their son, embarks on a journey of embezzlement, which adds depth and complexity to the portrayal of a family mired in moral ambiguity.

Kaneto Shindô’s screenplay is a critical component of ELEGANT BEAST. Infusing the narrative with dark humor and biting wit engages audiences in a reflective dialogue with the characters. ELEGANT BEAST is more than just a family drama; it mirrors post-war Japan's moral shifts. The film critiques the consumerism and ethical degradation of the era, setting the Maeda family's distorted values against the backdrop of conventional norms. The narrative weaves through confrontations and moral questions, casting the characters as victims and architects of their destinies.

Kawashima’s directorial approach is notable for its strategic use of space and framing. The film's setting transcends its physical boundaries, becoming a stage that reflects the psychological and material realities of the characters. This deliberate use of space and perspective challenges the audience, elevating ELEGANT BEAST.

ELEGANT BEAST transcends the boundaries of typical cinema. It is a thought-provoking reflection on post-war Japan and moral transformations, blending satire, comedy, and keen observation. Enhanced by Kawashima's visionary direction and remarkable cast, ELEGANT BEAST is a compelling watch for anyone seeking a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human nature and societal evolution.

Bonus Materials
– New 4K restoration
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Interview with film critic Toshiaki Sato
– Appreciation by filmmaker Toshiaki Toyoda
– Visual essay by critic Tom Mes on post-war architecture in Japanese cinema
– Trailer
– New and improved English subtitles
– Reversible sleeve
– Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Midori Suiren and contemporary archival writing

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]