Whilst the country found itself in a deep depression after defeat in World War II and subsequent occupation, the 1950s is considered to be the golden age of Japanese cinema. Three of the greatest films of all time (Rashomon and Seven Samurai – Akira Kurosawa and Tokyo Story – Yasujirō Ozu) were released that decade, but they were just the tip of the iceberg. Tomu Uchida’s Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji is a fine example of this great cinema.
Sakawa Kojūrō (Eijirô Kataoka) is on the road to Edo with his two servants Genta (Daisuke Katō) and Genpachi (Chiezō Kataoka). The samurai is a kindly master but becomes a completely different person when alcohol’s involved. On their travels they encounter a number of different people, including a father taking his daughter to be sold into prostitution, a travelling singer and her child, a policeman searching for a notorious thief and a pilgrim.
Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji is a charming and heart-warming drama which is full of love and humanity, but with a twist in the tail. In a society where samurais and lords were traditionally treasured, Uchida focuses on the common people. It’s undoubtedly his greatest work and features some remarkable black and white cinematography. Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji is a Japanese road movie with a difference.
Special Edition Contents:
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
- Original uncompressed mono audio
- Optional newly translated English subtitles
- Brand-new audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp, recorded exclusively for this release
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Corey Brickley
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic and filmmaker James Oliver
Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji is released on Blu-ray by Arrow Academy on 3 September.
