Almost a decade before Imamura’s Vengeance Is Mine, Shindo crafted this fascinating documentary-inspired portrait of a serial killer that drew upon the actual events of a troubled nineteen-year old who went on a murderous rampage, killing four people with a pistol stolen from an US navel base. Shindo’s meticulous research into the background of the anti-social youth, including extensive interviews with his mother and acquaintances, brings a rare authenticity of unexpected detail to a film that also reads as an astute critique of American imperialism and reckless tabloid journalism.
Director: Kaneto Shindô. AKA 裸の十九才 / Live Today Die Tomorrow
Stars: Daijirô Harada, Nobuko Otowa, Keiko Torii, Kiwako Taichi, Kei Satô, Daigo Kusano.
Thank you so much, Jon! You’re the greatest!