GATE OF FLESH

Japan, 1964, 88 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Seijun Suzuki.

The films of prolific director Seijun Suzuki had some popularity as well as notoriety in the middle of the 1960s. They have been resurrected at various times in decades since.

This is a picture of postwar Japan, plenty of occupying Americans. However, the focus is on the young women who are prostitutes after the war, living in their own particular enclave, independent in their manner, not wanting pimps, but involved in some commercial deals.

The film is in colour, quite lavish to look at, especially with each of the women having her own distinctive clothes and bright colours.

There is a contrast between the poor young woman fallen on hard times who is actually taken in to the group, dominated by the leader, but eventually attracted to the wandering mercenary who lives amongst them.

The man is played by regular Suzuki star, Jo Shishido.

The film spends a lot of time focusing on the women, their interactions, their work as prostitutes, clashes with Americans, the initially innocent young woman falling in love, and their clashes.

The films of Suzuki are to be seen in the context of the 1960s history of Japanese filmmaking. Apparel from the 1960s and 70s might be to look at the films from the company, American International.