74

You can definitely feel that this is a beginner film for Kobayashi. We see a lot of tough things here that he eventually developed into more polished ideals, but this film isn't anything super special. I like the themes that we can see used in The Human Condition Trilogy, I think this leading into that is a very strong upwards move, but this is sadly the lower end of that spectrum. Nakadai did well here in what was apparently his first major role (congrats big bro!) Overall, nothing crazy, but decent for now.

74

You can definitely feel that this is a beginner film for Kobayashi. We see a lot of tough things here that he eventually developed into more polished ideals, but this film isn't anything super special. I like the themes that we can see used in The Human Condition Trilogy, I think this leading into that is a very strong upwards move, but this is sadly the lower end of that spectrum. Nakadai did well here in what was apparently his first major role (congrats big bro!) Overall, nothing crazy, but decent for now.

Film critic Imogen Sara Smith, in her intro to the Criterion Channel’s Japanese Noir collection, said Tatsuya Nakadai is “dangerously sexy” as the antagonist in Black River. And you know what? She’s right! Despite how despicable and cruel he is, it’s really his show here. He brings such cool chaotic energy to every scene he’s in and the scenes without him lack any of that exciting tension.

Film critic Imogen Sara Smith, in her intro to the Criterion Channel’s Japanese Noir collection, said Tatsuya Nakadai is “dangerously sexy” as the antagonist in Black River. And you know what? She’s right! Despite how despicable and cruel he is, it’s really his show here. He brings such cool chaotic energy to every scene he’s in and the scenes without him lack any of that exciting tension.