Watch Tokyo Drifter

Tokyo Drifter is a 1966 Japanese film directed by Seijun Suzuki, known for his avant-garde and stylistic approach to filmmaking. The film tells the story of Tetsu (Tetsuya Watari), a former member of the yakuza who becomes a drifter after his boss decides to give up his criminal life. Despite his wish to leave behind his past, Tetsu finds himself caught up in a new conflict when rival gangs try to recruit him.

The film starts with a series of stylized shots, featuring Tetsu walking down a deserted street, carrying a suitcase. The opening credits are projected onto the walls and pavement as he moves forward, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. This unusual approach to filmmaking sets the tone for the whole movie, which is characterized by its vivid colors, pop-art visuals, and use of music to underline the emotions of the characters.

Tetsu is a notorious yakuza, known as the "Tokyo Drifter" for his ability to escape from any situation unscathed. When his boss, Kurata (Ryuji Kita), decides to retire and hand over the control of his gang to a rival organization, Tetsu becomes a free agent. Kurata gives him some money and encourages him to start a new life, warning him to stay away from the yakuza world.

However, Tetsu finds it hard to sever his ties with his former life. He meets up with his old friend and fellow gangster, Kenji (Tamio Kawaji), who invites him to work for a rival boss, Otsuka (Hideaki Nitani). Tetsu turns him down, but soon discovers that Kenji has been killed by Otsuka's men. Tetsu is then arrested by the police on suspicion of murder, but he manages to escape custody and goes on the run.

Tetsu crosses paths with Chiharu (Chieko Matsubara), a lounge singer who used to work in a club owned by Kurata. She offers him help and shelter, but Tetsu's presence endangers her life as well. Otsuka's men track down Tetsu and Chiharu, and they are forced to flee once again. They end up in a western-style ghost town, which becomes the setting for the film's climax.

The film's visuals are stunning, with each shot carefully designed to convey a specific mood or emotion. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with bright primary colors dominating the screen, creating a contrast between the grim reality of the yakuza world and the stylish and vibrant aesthetic of the film. The music, composed by Hajime Kaburagi, also adds to the film's overall sense of style, with upbeat jazz and pop songs contrasting with the violence and betrayal that unfolds onscreen.

One of the most striking aspects of Tokyo Drifter is its use of violence. Suzuki depicts violence in a stylized and almost surreal manner, with characters bleeding multicolored blood and the sound effects exaggerated for effect. The violence is never glorified, and instead serves as a commentary on the senseless and destructive nature of the yakuza way of life.

Overall, Tokyo Drifter is a groundbreaking film that blends genre conventions with avant-garde filmmaking techniques to create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. With its vivid colors, stylized visuals, and emotionally charged story, the film remains a beloved cult classic that has inspired countless filmmakers around the world.

Tokyo Drifter is a 1966 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.