Far from the typical over-the-top explosion of pop detritus that's come to define the current wave of Japanese gangster films, this exceedingly stylish couple-on-the-run thriller is mellowed by quiet moments of Tarantino-esque dialogue and a streak of unsettling, David Lynchian strangeness. A near-fatal encounter on a remote mountain road proves the salvation of a desperately unhappy hotel worker and a young gangster on the lam. Toshiko (Sie Kohinata) has been living as a virtual prisoner under the watchful eye of her nasty guardian, Sonezaki (Yohachi Shimada), a perverted hotel clerk who helps himself to Toshiko's savings and used underwear. Today, however, is Toshi...
Released:
1998
Rated:
NR
Length:
108 mins