From the vaults of Synapse Films come two “Pinky Violence” features from Japan’s golden early 70s era of filmmaking: Wandering Ginza Butterfly and its follow-up, Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She-Cat Gambler. Originally, these two titles were supposed to have been released around 2006-07 by a joint venture of Synapse and fellow indie distributors Panik House. Japanese movie lovers soon began to think that all of the fervor over these two films was for naught when Panik House filed Chapter 11. Fortunately, though, the good folks at Synapse are giving fans what they want.
Our first feature, Wandering Ginza Butterfly (1971), opens with heroine Nami (Meiko Kaji) being released from prison for the murder of a yakuza member. Heading back to Tokyo’s upmarket Ginza district to live with her uncle, the dishonored woman takes employ as a hostess in a club with the help of newfound amigo, Ryuji (Tsunehiko Watase). As is usually the case of recently paroled individuals who start to do well for themselves, somebody has to come along and ruin all of
the fun. In this case, it’s a yakuza gang who are determined to get the deed to the club.
With a remarkable visual style all its own and a climactic showdown in a billiard hall, Wandering Ginza Butterfly does surprisingly well considering there isn’t much of a story to go on here. Confidentially, I think my significant other enjoyed it way more than I did. The giveaway was when she practically ripped the DVD from my hands after I asked “So, do you want to keep this one?” Oh, hey, there you go fellas: you can say that it is recommended for women by women if that’ll help convince your partner to buy it! I saved your bacon again, guys. That’s me, the ol’ bacon-saver.
So anyway, not too terribly long after the first Wandering Ginza Butterfly flick was released in Japan, a follow-up, Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She-Cat Gambler (1972), found its way to theaters as well. The plot this time consists of our Red Cherry Blossom beauty Nami returning to the Ginza district once more to seek vengeance on the man who murdered her father several years prior. Just take the story from the first film, change a few names and faces, et voilà: a whole new film.
Article comments
1 - Mirella
What kind of critic is that? [Edited]