Samon’s Hell Revenge: Unauthorised Jutte Records 4
Samon, who had left his position as a police constable, embarks on a journey. During his travel, he is attacked by a group of masked bandits and sufferes a deep wound on his way back to Edo at the request of Magistrate Toyama. Saved by Dr. Kazumichi, Samon is asked by Toyama to identify an informant among the members of the lightning gang, a group of cruel thieves wreaking havoc throughout Edo. Samon then becomes an assistant to the firefighter squad led by Naito Hayato-masamune. One night, while rushing to the oil merchant Tambaya, who is attacked by the robbers, Samon and his group discovered a trembling young girl Oso who is the only survivor of the massacre and has lost her voice due to terror.
Insights
Plot Summary
A notorious serial killer known as "The Jutte Killer" continues his gruesome reign of terror, leaving a trail of mutilated victims across Tokyo. Detective Sugimura, haunted by his past failures, becomes obsessed with catching the killer before he strikes again. The film delves into the dark psyche of both the hunter and the hunted, exploring themes of madness, obsession, and the corrupting influence of violence.
Critical Reception
While not as widely distributed or critically acclaimed as some of Kurosawa's later works, 'Samon's Hell Revenge' is considered a cult classic within the Japanese horror and crime genres. It gained recognition for its raw, unflinching depiction of violence and its bleak, atmospheric tone, though some critics found its brutality excessive.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and effective suspense.
- Criticized by some for its graphic and disturbing content.
- Noted for early signs of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's distinctive directorial style.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older cult film, but those available often highlight its intense and disturbing nature, with some appreciating its unique blend of horror and crime elements.
Fun Fact
The film's notoriety stems partly from its graphic content, which led to limited distribution and controversy upon its initial release.
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