A COLT IS MY PASSPORT (1967)
Director:Takeshi Nomura
Nikkatsu Corporation
I'd never heard of Japanese film-noir or even knew that such a genre existed until I watched Takeshi Nomura's hard-boiled thriller,
A Colt is My Passport a couple of weeks ago. Blending classic criminal treachery with Morriconesque spaghetti western traits, the film tells the story of Kamimura, a professional hit man who has been sold out by his Yakuza employers after he assassinates a rival gang leader.
Forced to hide out at a dodgy trucker motel, Kamimura and his loyal sidekick Shiozaki have been dealt a shaky set of cards by the hands of fate, and every play they make to save their own lives sees the noose grow tighter as Yakuza thugs from both gangs close in around their hideout. Despite the odds being against the two fugitives, a pretty maid is on their side, but she has her own demons to contend with.
Joe Shishido who plays the brooding gun for hire has the distinct cosmetic feature of cheekbone implants, which give him an almost Chipmunk-like aesthetic. He got the operation when he was young to help improve his 'blandly handsome features'.
Most probably destined to be re-made by Tarantino, this clever piece of black and white cinematography oozes with so much effortless style and understated cool that it makes you want to wear a tailored black suit, part your hair to the side and take up chain smoking.
File under: smooth criminal.
- Review by Jordan Bloomer
Here's the trailer: