Director
Masahiro Shinoda mixes pop-art with the traditional Kabuki-style in
this tale of 19th Century bandits who attempt to rescue a girl from
the clutches of a perverse warlord. The story is set in the red-light
district of Edo during the mid 19th century and involves a would-be
actor, Buraikan, who isn't interested in the limitations of a theatrical
stage but rather aspires to be a star on a "world" stage as
a leader of a revolution against a puritanical regime. That regime belongs
to Lord Mizuno Tadakuni, an extreme [real life] moralist who tried to
outlaw most anything pleasurable including novels, dolls, expensive
meals, desserts, art, and any theatrical entertainment. Lord Mizuno
claimed these things contributed to the decline of the country's moral
fiber. Meanwhile, he has no qualms about kidnapping a young woman for
his own sexual appetite.
The
wickedly funny script is written by Shuji Terayama, a counter-culture
playwright who began directing films in 1971. His GRASS
LABYRINTH was released as part of COLLECTIONS
PRIVEES. Internationally, Mr Terayama is best known for FRUITS
OF PASSION, a second sequel to THE
STORY OF O.
Director
Masahiro Shinoda began making movies in 1960, after working as assistant
to major filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu in the late fifties. Mr Shinoda is essentially
known for his work in the Chambara genre including SAMURAI
SPY and OWL'S
CASTLE. He is also the director for the award-winning MOONLIGHT SERENADE.
A Japanese
Film with optional English subtitles; widescreen format (16:9), fully
uncut print (103 min.), DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC, playable on any
American machine. Extras include theatrical trailer.
Violence/Nudity/Sexual
Situations
For Mature Audiences
