Jakoman and Tetsu – 88 Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Japan, 1964
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Writers: Keizo Kajino, Akira Kurosawa, Senkichi Taniguchi
Cast: Ken Takakura, Tetsurô Tanba, Isao Yamagata, Yôko Minamida, Kumeko Urabe, Wakaba Irie, Hizuru Takachiho, Shinjirō Ehara

Release Date: April 21st, 2025 (UK), April 22nd, 2025 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 99 Minutes 30 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: 12 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £16.99 (UK), $34.95 (USA)

"Set in 1947 in a small coastal village among the majestic snowy landscapes of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Ken Takakura (the Abashiri Prison series, Ridley Scott’s Black Rain) is Tetsu, the prodigal son who returns from the war to help out his father Kyubei with the family herring fishing business. His arrival coincides with that of a one-eyed miscreant named Jakoman, played by Tetsuro Tamba (Harakiri, You Only Live Twice), who bears a long-standing grudge against Kyubei and is intent on causing as much mayhem among the hordes of seasonal fishermen as possible." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.75/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "High Definition Blu-ray presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio".

Jakoman and Tetsu comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 33 GB

Feature: 27.3 GB

The source is in great shape; some minor debris remains. Though black levels are generally strong, there are moments where they are not convincing; image clarity is solid, and compression is very good.

Audio: 4.25/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Japanese with removable English subtitles. The audio sounds clean, clear, and balanced, and range-wise, things sound very good.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a stills gallery with music from the film playing in the background (stills/poster), an introduction by Mark Schilling (18 minutes 21 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an audio Commentary with Tom Mes and Jasper Sharp, reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings and a 20-page booklet with cast & crew information, and an essay titled Jakoman and Tetsu written by CHRIS D.

Summary:

When Kinji Fukasaku directed Jakoman and Tetsu, it was very early in his career; he had only directed 8 films and was still searching for his voice as a filmmaker. A screenplay co-written by Akira Kurosawa was made into a film in 1949, and Kinji Fukasaku's Jakoman and Tetsu is based on that. Though only written by Akira Kurosawa, one can see many elements that are synonymous with his films. That said, it is fascinating to see Kinji Fukasaku's interpretation of a source connected to Akira Kurosawa.

The narrative revolves around an aging fisherman, Kyubei, and a man named Jakoman, who holds a grudge against the former. Things are already not running smoothly with the fishery, and the arrival of Jakoman causes additional problems. Jakoman bullies the workers hoping to inflict the pain and suffering he felt because of Kyubei’s actions. Another issue for Kyubei: it's believed that Tetsu, Kyubei's son, is presumed dead at sea. However, one day, events take a dramatic turn when Tetsu returns home, and his presence compels Jakoman to somewhat rein in his behavior.

What starts off as one man’s quest for revenge evolves into a story rooted in grievances. Besides Jakoman’s conflict with Kyubei, there is a woman, Yuki, who was a former lover of Jakoman, and she has her grievances. Then there are the workers at the fishery, and Jakoman whips them into a frenzy about their wages, causing another grievance. That said, the way that Kinji Fukasaku brings all of these grievances together is masterful.

All around, the cast are excellent in their roles, and yet it is the two leads, Ken Takakura’s (Abashiri Prison) portrayal of Tetsu and Tetsurô Tanba’s (The Wolves) portrayal of Jakoman, that carry this film. Ken Takakura is given the task of taking on a role originally portrayed by Toshirô Mifune, and he proves he is up for the challenge. That said, it is Tetsurô Tanba’s portrayal of Jakoman; he perfectly captures this character's spitefulness and bleak outlook. Another performance of note is Shinjirō Ehara's (House of Terrors) portrayal of Osaka, a man who tries to convince Jakoman that holding onto a grudge is not the way. Though we are forever shaped by our past, Osaka proves from experience that nothing is gained from dwelling on it.

It is always refreshing to see a filmmaker work outside of their comfort zone. Though Jakoman and Tetsu is a departure from the type of films Kinji Fukasaku is known for, it still retains a core element of his cinema: conflict. The well-constructed narrative gives key moments an ample amount of time to resonate, and pacing is not an issue as things move briskly to a very satisfying conclusion. Another strength is how the visuals allow the performances to be the focal point. Ultimately, Jakoman and Tetsu is arguably one of Kinji Fukasaku’s most underrated films.

Jakoman and Tetsu gets a first-rate release from 88 Films that comes with a strong audio/presentation and insightful extras, highly recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer