An Actor's Revenge (1963)

 Kon Ichikawa's "An Actor's Revenge"


Based on the 1934 novel by Otokichi Mikami, the 1963 film "An Actor's Revenge" centers on a Kabuki actor in late Edo Japan who seeks revenge on those responsible for his parent's death. The novel had been adapted to the screen numerous times before, the first time by Teinosuke Kinugasa in 1935. Coincidentally, the lead role in both the 1935 version and the 1963 version were both played by Kazuo Hasegawa. 

The basic story elements work well and are structured in a dramatic and engaging way. However, there is a bit of excess to the film that makes it feel somewhat bloated. A more stripped down version could have sufficed. However, one positive aspects from this perceived bloat is that the climatic final reckoning feels more weighted. 

Overall, I liked the film. However, there was some aspect of it that was missing for me. I'm unsure of what that is, but it felt incomplete as a dramatic piece.



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