A masterpiece of Japanese New Wave cinema, renowned filmmaker Masahiro Shinoda directs this brilliant modernist reworking of Monzaemon Chikamatsus classic play The Love Suicide At Amijima. Double Suicide examines the effects of one mans actions in light of strict moral codes. The play is often performed in the bunraku style (that is, with puppets). In the film, the story is performed with live actors, but also makes use of Japanese theatrical traditions such as the kuroko (stagehands dressed entirely in black) who invisibly interact with the actors. The film follows a paper merchant named Jihei (Kichiemon Nakamura) who falls in love with a prostitute named Koharu (Shima Iwashita). Unfortunately - despite his best efforts - he can't afford to redeem Koharu from her master and owner of the brothel she works for. This leads to the two lovers ultimately taking their own lives. Double Suicide is a mesmerising film which asks deep questions about the role (or interplay) of fate and free will in human actions. The occasional appearance of hooded background figures, sometimes just to change the scenery, is done in such a casual manner that it underlines the view that you are not always in full command of what is perceived to be your reality. Truly a one of a kind cinematic experience.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
