Shussho iwai

Widely regarded as one of Japan's most eminent filmmakers, Hideo Gosha's exceptionally refined artistry is put to inspired use in his immaculately shot, doom-laden masterpiece 'The Wolves'. Dark, brutal, melancholic, and peppered with astringent outbursts of uncomfortably intimate violence, 'The Wolves' retains all of its visceral intensity. Hideo's layered, emotionally dense, potently simmering study of loneliness, fealty, and love is never less than impressive. While ostensibly a stark tale of Yakuza blood feuds, there's a depth to these lucid characters actions which lends gravitas to their scheming. This rich, consistently fascinating, highly detailed narrative is brought to vivid life by a compellingly focused lead performance from Japanese icon, Tatsuya Nakadai as weary, flint-edged gangster, Seji Iwahashi. 'The Wolves' (1971) is muscular, vital filmmaking with an unsually deft touch, music maestro, Masaru Satô's sprightly score is exemplary, and the bravura brine-lashed climax is sure to take your breath away!