The Mad Fox

THE MAD FOX:

When it comes to foreign films, it's intimidating to learn just how much undiscovered cinema is really out there.  And the work of Japanese directors like Tomu Uchida can often be a culture shock, as the majority were intended for domestic audiences and make few concessions to international appeal.  Such is the case with The Mad Fox (1962), a flamboyant, theatrical kabuki-like fable that takes full advantage of the widescreen process to recreate a living scroll on celluloid.  While the script and performances pull from a specific collection of Japanese traditions and mythology, the visual execution itself needs no translation.

 

Caught in a political conspiracy, Lord Yasuna and his beloved, Sakaki, are framed for the theft of a sacred scroll.  After Sakaki is murdered to conceal the truth, Yasuna goes mad with grief, eventually mistaking Sakaki's twin sister for his lost love.  Things get even more muddled when the spirit of a fox takes pity on Yasuna and takes human form to soothe his mind...the form of - you guessed it - his beloved Sakaki!

 

The politics of it all will probably fly over the head of anyone not familiar with Uchida's body of work.  But it's surprising how much surface-level appeal remains, from rotating sets and masterful shot compositions to dream-like interludes and flourishes of hand-drawn animation.  Technically, it's a wonderfully unique mix of genres and styles.  And once you become invested in the plight of poor lovesick Yasuna, the script takes on the best aspects of a fairy-tale, familiar yet beautifully different at the same time.

 

Arrow Films' Blu-ray delivers another stunning glimpse into the complicated and mysterious world of Japanese cinema.  The transfer is top-notch and extras include an essential commentary from Jasper Sharp (which pairs well with his commentary on Arrow's other Uchida release, Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji) plus a trailer, image gallery and collector's booklet.

 

 

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