In A Snowy Grove

 This week two Japanuary staples return. 

     The Jidaigeki psychological crime film that dragged Japan into the international film stage, kicked (with The Bicycle Thief and Monsieur Vincent) the Academy Award doors open for international films, innovated narrative structure in a way that had been endlessly imitated but never rivaled, changed the way films are shot and edited, and its title has become the term for different points of view and interpretations of the same event across all fields of study. A monk and woodcutter take refuge from a storm under a decaying gate outside Kyoto. They have just been witnesses in a trial and are still trying to understand what happened in that sunny forest grove between the dead samurai, his bride, and an infamous bandit. Is there a definitive truth in Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon?
     11 years after having her bloody revenge, Yuki Kashima better known at large as Lady Snowblood, is finally taken into custody and sentenced to death. Her transport is overtaken on the way to the gallows and Yuki is offered an out by the head of the Secret Police. If she infiltrates the home of an enemy of the state, finds some dangerous documents, and executes the traitor she will be given immunity from her previous crimes. Before long Yuki begins to question her mission and must choose between her freedom and the freedom of all. Based on the manga by prolific author Kazuo Koike. Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance
     All that and Kevin isn't afraid of no ghosts, Dave eats too many marching marshmallows, and Tyler plans his escape from yet another basement sex dungeon. Join us, won't you?

Episode 240- In A Snowy Grove

Harold and Yuki

      This week Dave takes it upon himself to amend two grievous oversights. After learning about gaps in cohost viewings, and making some small sacrifices to Meiko Kaji for guidance, a vision was given unto Dave and he cheated the random pick pull to bring everyone to deliverance.

     Born to avenge her family, trained through her entire childhood, finally unleashed and hell bent on gory revenge. Yuki seeks out those who killed her father and brother and spent days raping and torturing her mother. Raising standard samurai exploitation to the highest of visual poetry, not even death can keep Lady Snowblood from her satisfaction.

     Harold is bored and the only thing that keeps him entertained is a light spot of dramatic suicide. His mother, uncle, and therapist don't understand him and he can't live the life they proscribe for him. Then one day, at another crashed funeral, Maude drifts into his life. A dark comedy about existential anxiety and what might be found when you embrace it. One of cinema's greatest love stories, Harold & Maude.
     All that and Kevin gets dirty in Cape Town, Tyler spirals in nostalgia, and Dave runs out of places to hide his sacrifices. 

Episode 205- Harold and Yuki