Vengeance Is Mine (1979)

[pro-bassoonist]

Vengeance Is Mine Blu-ray REVIEW



Hello guys,

Here are the packaging photos for Shohei Imamura's Vengeance Is Mine.
(More in the review above).





Pro-B

[PowellPressburger]

I picked this title up yesterday at Barnes, it was a blind buy but I think I will like it. Are there any other fans out there for this film. This thread is lifeless.

[Gerby]

I found it to be a bit overated...not bad but no masterpiece

[PowellPressburger]

Originally Posted by Gerby

I found it to be a bit overated...not bad but no masterpiece

That can happen with a lot fo movies, people can build them up a lot. I have no expectations going into it. I always passed on the DVD edition and I barely know anything about the film so I think I will enjoy it more. I was really drawn to it when I noticed it was released in 1979.

[thrillmygorilla]

Thinking about getting this at some point.

[kuro_sawa]

In my opinion this is one of the best films of the 70s.

[Talal86]

this was a very successful blind buy for me! I enjoyed it a lot

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Gerby

I found it to be a bit overated...not bad but no masterpiece

Thinking about this movie as my final blind buy for the current sale and your post is what scares me.

Seems like it could be one of those 70s films that's pretty good, but nothing special as far as acting, dialogue and photography.

Anyone feel differently?

Anyone think it's a masterpiece?

If so...what specifically do you think is great about it?

Thanks in advance.

[Banned User]

I already have the MoC version. Probably need to check the extras and see about getting this one as well. I like the movie. The killer is very realistic and 'matter-a-factly' about his crimes. He's never over the top like most murderers in movies and his motives are left out in the open. I can image this is how a killer really is. The director is never judgmental and just lets the story play out for the audience to piece things together.

Its been awhile since I've watched it. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, but the acting is very good from what I remember. Probably need to give it another spin.

Now if we could get Imamura's version of The Ballad of Narayama. Though the current Ballad Of Narayama from Criterion comes highly recommended. Amazing sets and direction, bright vivid colors. Plus its one of those movies that can be watched over and over. The eerie melodies and songs along with the grim story, unique visuals and transitions its like no other movie I've seen.... Sorry to go off track there.

[Undeadcow]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Thinking about this movie as my final blind buy for the current sale and your post is what scares me.

Seems like it could be one of those 70s films that's pretty good, but nothing special as far as acting, dialogue and photography...

I think Vengeance is Mine is a standout movie; it's got a nice moodiness and a slow burn intensity. It can be a bit intense so maybe not to best general recommendation for a blind buy but it's definitely something worth seeing and occasionally re-watching. There's a good bit of strong drama to the film and it really blew me away the first time I saw it.

[Ray Jackson]

It looks like it's got some pretty nice "love" scenes in it.

...would that be a fair assessment?

[Undeadcow]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

It looks like it's got some pretty nice "love" scenes in it.

...would that be a fair assessment?

Yes, and it's got some vague religious subtext/commentary. Certainly not a routine movie and worth it's place in the CC. Relative to other films it's a matter of choice but Vengeance Is Mine is the sort of 'sleeper' CC title people might be prone to overlooking.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

It looks like it's got some pretty nice "love" scenes in it.

...would that be a fair assessment?

Watch the film. It's great.

For those interested, it's been hinted at by MoC that an Imamura box set is on the way this year. Whether it will just bundle all their current releases or add some new upgrades is yet to be seen, but here's a heads up! He is one of my favourite directors, hopefully Criterion or someone will continue releasing/upgrading his films stateside so there is a broader knowledge of his work here.

[BobbyMcGee]

One of my faves from the CC. For me, it is definitely one of those films that sticks with you afterwards. Those are some of my favorite types of films. Another for me that is in that same category from the CC is Breaking The Waves.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Undeadcow

Yes, and it's got some vague religious subtext/commentary. Certainly not a routine movie and worth it's place in the CC. Relative to other films it's a matter of choice but Vengeance Is Mine is the sort of 'sleeper' CC title people might be prone to overlooking.

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

Watch the film. It's great.

For those interested, it's been hinted at by MoC that an Imamura box set is on the way this year. Whether it will just bundle all their current releases or add some new upgrades is yet to be seen, but here's a heads up! He is one of my favourite directors, hopefully Criterion or someone will continue releasing/upgrading his films stateside so there is a broader knowledge of his work here.

Is there any other film from the 70s that you could compare it to in terms of style, tone and narrative structure?

I blind bought The Friends of Eddie Coyle and liked it, but wasn't blown away by it.

[llj]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Is there any other film from the 70s that you could compare it to in terms of style, tone and narrative structure?

I blind bought The Friends of Eddie Coyle and liked it, but wasn't blown away by it.

How familiar are you with Imamura? If you've seen a few other Imamura films, then you would find that this isn't that different in tone, style and structure from the rest of his stuff. I can't really compare it to any other films of the time period; Imamura's style is pretty distinctive.

Vengeance is Mine is essentially a character study without trying to explain, justify, judge, or sympathize the main character for the audience. It's classic Imamura.

If you've seen The Insect Woman and Intentions of Murder, this is pretty much up the same alley, except this time it's about a male serial killer. It's a gritty work, but like all Imamura films, it's still tinged with 'ahead of its time' dark humour. Its narrative style is messy and fragmented like most Imamura films are.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by llj

How familiar are you with Imamura? If you've seen a few other Imamura films, then you would find that this isn't that different in tone, style and structure from the rest of his stuff. I can't really compare it to any other films of the time period; Imamura's style is pretty distinctive.

Vengeance is Mine is essentially a character study without trying to explain, justify, judge, or sympathize the main character for the audience. It's classic Imamura.

If you've seen The Insect Woman and Intentions of Murder, this is pretty much up the same alley, except this time it's about a male serial killer. It's a gritty work, but like all Imamura films, it's still tinged with 'ahead of its time' dark humour. Its narrative style is messy and fragmented like most Imamura films are.

Not familiar with Imamura's work.

...appreciate the feedback.

[Ray Jackson]

I'm taking my 15% off coupon to Barnes and Noble to buy this today.

It came down to Vengeance is Mine or The Vanishing.

Last chance to talk me off the ledge.

I'm not kidding you guys.

...a man's wallet is in your hands.

[Ray Jackson]

I read that there's a rape scene in this film.

It's not graphic is it?

...not a big fan of rape scenes.

[Ray Jackson]

Bought this and started watching it last night.

Got about 20 minutes in before there was a power outage in my neighborhood that lasted several hours.

...I was not happy.