Sacrificing Integrity for Comfort

Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Threat [Limited Edition] (Odoshi)
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Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1966, Arrow Video Blu-ray 2024
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): Kinji Fukasaku
Writer(s): Kinji Fukasaku, Ichirô Miyagawa
Cast: Rentarô Mikuni, Masumi Harukawa, Kō Nishimura, Hideo Murota, Ken Mitsuda, Sanae Nakahara, Ryôhei Uchida
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Kinji Fukasaku's THE THREAT dives into the deep end of post-war Japanese society with a story that rips through the veil of economic prosperity to reveal the psychological scars beneath. It's a sharp departure from the typical thrillers of the '60s, swapping superficial suspense for a probing exploration into the life of Misawa (Rentarô Mikuni,) an advertising executive whose perfect façade crumbles under the weight of a home invasion. Two fugitives disrupt his domestic bliss and set the stage for a dramatic unraveling.

Right from the opening scene, THE THREAT sets a complex tone. At a wedding, Misawa delivers a speech about maintaining corporate image rather than celebrating marital bliss. It’s a façade, a performance for appearances, hinting at Misawa’s compromised integrity. This neatly ties into the film's overarching theme—sacrifice at the altar of career advancement, where personal values are often the first casualty in a relentless pursuit of professional success.

As the story unfolds within the confines of Misawa’s home, the film transforms his living space into a claustrophobic battleground. With each moment, director Fukasaku intensifies the close-quarters confrontation, using tight close-ups and rapid cuts that escalate the suspense and mirror Misawa's internal fragmentation. Here, Misawa faces the intruders Kawanishi and Sabu, who are not just physical threats but catalysts revealing the deep fissures in his life built on societal compromises.

Misawa’s crisis is mirrored by his son Masao's (Pepe Hozumi) growing disillusionment. Witnessing his father's struggles, Masao's faith in traditional authority crumbles, signaling a shift in generational values and the evolving concept of masculinity under pressure. This subplot adds a layer to the narrative, expanding on the film's exploration of personal and societal conflicts.

Fukasaku’s direction ensures that THE THREAT is more than just a psychological thriller; it critiques the social constructs that bind and define us. His dynamic camera work and sharp editing enhance the film’s thematic depth, making Misawa’s psychological disintegration palpable to the audience.

Adding Masumi Harukawa's character, Hiroko enhances the portrayal as a beacon of defiance. Her character challenges the submissive roles traditionally assigned to women in this era, starkly contrasting Misawa's compliance and highlighting her as a central moral and emotional resilience pillar.

As the film concludes, the changes within Misawa prompt a reevaluation of life's priorities, urging the audience to consider the actual cost of societal expectations. THE THREAT closes on a reflective and cautionary note, a reminder of the hidden depths of personal sacrifice required by the relentless pursuit of the 'salaryman dream.'

This Arrow Video release offers a window into Fukasaku's early work, showcasing his ability to weave personal drama with societal critique into a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. For those who relish cinema that challenges as much as it entertains, THE THREAT is a compelling examination of the sacrifices made in the name of progress and a potent reminder of the perils of yielding to external pressures.

Bonus Materials
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original uncompressed mono audio
Optional newly translated English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by Japanese film expert Tom Mes
Warning Warning Danger Danger, a brand new 20-minute video appreciation by critic and Japanese film specialist Mark Schilling
Original theatrical trailer
Image Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Hayley Scanlon
Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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