- Release year: 1980
- Director: Tôru Murakawa.
- Producers: Haruki Kadokawa, Mitsuru Kurosawa, and Tatsurô Shigaki.
- Screenplay by: Shoichi Maruyama.
- Cinematography by: Seizô Sengen.
- Music by: Akihiko Takashima.
Synopsis: a man with difficulties adjusting to a regular life begins to see murder as his only enjoyable pastime.
Shotgun Commentary: constantly surprising, aesthetically beautiful, and thematically hardcore.
Review
Beast to Die is a Japanese noir film that explores the darkest corners of the human condition through a beautiful lens that doesn’t shy away from the grime and the horror. The film is constantly evolving and never gives you a boring beat. Radiance brings you this fascinating exploration of the human condition, restored in 4K as part of their July releases. More info after the review.
The duality of a killer
The feature follows Kunihiko Date (Yûsaku Matsuda). He is an ex-war correspondent who got fired after taking pictures of the war that were too explicit and gory to be used in any outlet. He navigates his new life in the city quietly, keeping to himself and making no personal connections despite others’ attempts. As a way to connect with others, he kills people. This is, admittedly, not the most ideal way to feel things, but to each their own.
Soon, his exploits are not enough. Enter: the sidekick, Reiko Sanada (Takeshi Kaga). Sanada is a hot-headed man that loses his job in front of Date when he confronts a customer the protagonist is eating with and disrespects him. Their relationship is twisted and tricky, to say the least, one of mentor-apprentice, partners in criminal activities and, from time to time, enemies.
The film can be easily divided into two parts. The first one is more traditional noir, where the protagonist drifts through life alone, wrapped in shadows, crime and sordid situations. His demeanour is similar to that of Travie Bickle (Taxi Driver, 1976) or Patrick Bateman (American Psycho, 2000), a detached loner who likes to play god because that is the only way he can feel anything.
However, the film takes a sharp turn when it suddenly becomes an exploration of PTSD. Naturally, this is something that is hinted from the very beginning. Still, knowing that a psychopath is made and not both doesn’t make Date’s breakdown any less majestic.
The shinning star
Matsuda completely knocks it out of the park as Date, using his eyes as his most powerful weapon. He manages to go from completely dead inside, to unnerving, to kind, to angry or stressed in seconds merely utilising his gaze.
Before you begin to wonder, yes, he does use the rest of his face from time to time too. But, honestly, you don’t actually miss it when he doesn’t. In fact, that lack of expression surrounds the character of a mysterious aura that makes his final reckoning all the more intense.
Jaw-dropping cinematography
Like any self-respecting noir movie, its style is flawless. Every scene plays with the lights and shadows of the setting to direct your eye and guide your brain into seeing and feeling exactly what you should, without any need for verbal or gestic guidance. The colours used to present relevant moments or pieces are bright and intense, almost yelling at you for attention from their position on screen.
The combination of both factors makes truly unforgettable scenes like that of the death of the flamenco dancer, and that of the weapons dealer. Both moments are slowed down for easier examination by the audience and, for once in an infinite amount of examples, you truly feel like it is a thoughtful, necessary use of this effect. Not just for the sake of drama or ego, but because there are so many elements deserving of attention that a slow motion is the only possible solution.
All in all, Beast to Die is a fantastic watch if you aren’t squeamish about facing the hardest realities of humanity. It can be a hard watch in content, but it is also a gorgeous piece in terms of technique and visuals. Overall, a great watch for noir fans.
Radiance’s Blu-ray of Beast to Die is out now. Link and details below!
LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY FEATURES
- 4K Restoration by Kadokawa
- Uncompressed stereo PCM audio
- Newly filmed interview with director Toru Murakawa (2025, 20 mins)
- Newly filmed interview with screenwriter Shoichi Maruyama (2025, 23 mins)
- Critical appreciation from novelist and screenwriter Jordan Harper (2025, 12 mins)
- Newly improved English subtitle translation
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
- Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Tatsuya Masuto and Tom Mes
- Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
Find the Radiance release right here!
Advice to take from this movie:
- Don’t get friendly with murderers.
- Never trust a guy you barely know who shows up to rob the bank you’re in.
- Always suspect people in fisherman hats if they aren’t fishing.
What’s your take? Have you watched Beast to Die? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀