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Ken

Thu May 8 - Sun Jun 1
Sword Trilogy II: An exploration of the conflict between ancient traditions and modern values in 1960s Japan.
Thu May 8
-
Sun Jun 1

Kenji Misumi’s only contemporary drama explores the conflict between ancient traditions and modern values in a Japanese society torn from its roots. Adapted from Yukio Mishima’s sadomasochistic short story of the same name, Ken is shot with tense black-and-white widescreen compositions. It’s set in a kendo dojo that is a veritable hothouse of rivalry and self-repression. Led by the impeccably moral, intimidatingly driven head apprentice Kokubu (Raizô Ichikawa), a training camp for young swordsmen is compromised by the jealousy of third-stringer Kagawa (Yūsuke Kawazu), who plans to undermine Kokubu and his charges with sensual temptations. One of Misumi’s darkest efforts, Ken is a psychological examination of erotic sublimation and corruption in the guise of a martial arts film. 

Director
Kenji Misumi
Duration
95 min
Year
1964
Country
Japan
Language
Japanese
Subtitles
English
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