Hokuriki Proxy War (1977) Dir. Kinji Fukasaku Radiance Films

[DukeTogo84]

Wow, another Fukasaku film? It's been a good time if you're a fan of his works and this is one of his more interesting films and would mark a change for him moving forward. Highly suggest people check this one out!

Kinji Fukasaku's Hokuriku Proxy War (1977) (UK/US/CA)

https://diabolikdvd.com/product/hoku...gion-preorder/

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
High-Definition digital transfer
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
New interview with actress Yoko Takahashi (2024, 15 mins)
New interview with screenwriter Koji Takada (2024, 19 mins)
Yakuza film historian Akihiko Ito on the real-life Hokuriku Proxy War murder case (2024, 15 mins)
Trailer
Newly improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Limited edition booklet featuring newly translated archival writings on the film
Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

Hokuriku Proxy War

Loose-cannon gangster Kawada rebels when his two-timing boss forms an alliance with a major crime syndicate. The syndicate’s main rivals see Kawada as their perfect proxy, but his furious temper quickly rubs them the wrong way, leaving Kawada to face overwhelming forces. Fukasaku's final yakuza film features some of the strongest women’s roles in his career, plus a raucous central performance from Hiroki Matsukata (Cops vs Thugs) and support from the legendary Sonny Chiba.

[Takuma]

Oh wow, this new restoration hasn't even premiered in Japan yet! Toei Channel is still airing the old stone age master which looks barely better than my Toei DVD.

This is one of those films that, against all common sense, never got a home video release outside of Japan. Why? It's one of Fukasaku's most badass films. Well, better late than never!

[darkness2918]

This is one I’ve always wanted to check so definitely need to pick it up.

[FlexMentallo]

I am in for this, been having a great time exploring Fukasaku's catalog these last few years.

[DukeTogo84]

Site review is up

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Hokur...375242/#Review

My copy should be in tomorrow.

[deadheadbill]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Site review is up

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Hokur...375242/#Review

My copy should be in tomorrow.

I mean, it's supposed to be a farce. The reviewer acts like he doesn't know that?

[Watershipdownisgood]

Originally Posted by FlexMentallo

I am in for this, been having a great time exploring Fukasaku's catalog these last few years.

Same mine comes in the same week as Iced, and Drugstore Cowboy yes it is an interesting selection of titles I know, but I enjoy all kinds of genres so it's perfectly fitting for me.

[DukeTogo84]

Finished watching Hokuriku Proxy War last night from Radiance and wanted to share some thoughts. Kinji Fukasaku's final Yakuza film and it's a doozy, and I mean a real doozy.

The star of this is Hiroki Matsukata as Kawada, who was a regular in Fukasaku films, and would often get large roles, but only got the lead twice in Fukasaku films. Here and in the also exceptional Blackmail is my Life. Hiroki plays his role of a mad dog yakuza with a bit more cunning and intelligence than you would expect from such characters. Usually these type characters are moves behind on the chess board, but here, while it's not apparent initially, he's actually moves ahead.

If you like films like Battles Without Honor you'll feel at home here. TONS of characters and the double crosses end up have double crosses, and then those double crosses have another double cross, and it just never ends. You're never quite sure whose aligned with who until the cards are all out.

This film is mainly known for its snowy setting and a certain death scene that honestly will shock you as much as it shocks its characters. I've seen similar death scenes in other films, but this is the one time where it's actually shown in graphic detail. The film is loaded with famous Toei actors of the time, including Sony Chiba in a very restrained role for him. It's not everyday you see a 70's Japanese film where he doesn't kill or even hit anymore and is actually pretty calm outside of his over the top costume wearing a fur coat. Ko Nishimura has a fun part as a sniveling old man boss, who retires only to be replaced by another sniveling old man boss played by Hajime Hana.

Special features are all strong, and we get an interview with actress Yôko Takahashi which I thought was great as I don't think I've seen her in an interview. I love the Radiance Japanese film extras as they are actually interviewing people in Japan versus films scholars in the US/UK. Hopefully Francesco sends Tom back to Japan for more of these!

Overall, a very solid release for what I would consider an exceptional film. Fukasaku wouldn't return to the straight laced Yakuza film ever again, although he would do one more crime film that involves the Yakuza in Triple Cross (1992). There are still a ton of Fukasaku films in need of releases so hopefully this train doesn't stop. I nominate 3 Outlaw Brothers next or Bloodstained Clan Honor. Unless Fran can make miracles happen and we can get Virus or Under The Flag of the Rising Sun. Either way, viva Kinji Fukasaku!