The Crimson Kimono is one of the coolest detective films I've seen so far. The story follows two detective buddies Charlie Bancroft (Glenn Corbett) and Japanese-American Joe Kojaku (James Shigeta) as they investigate a murder case, and they came upon Christine Downs (Victoria Shaw), a beautiful painter with whom both men fall in love. Eventually Christine fell in love with Joe's poetic and sensitive nature. Tension arose between the two detectives as Charlie became furious since Joe stole his girl. Joe however doesn't hesitate to accuse his friend of racism. In the bold finale, it all ends with one of the most daring scenes ever filmed, even by today's standards.
First of all, this is a remarkably refreshing film, and that is because the story revolves around the psyche of the Japanese detective, as well as to sympathise with him. Samuel Fuller did not pull any punches here; the film is filled with those Fuller trademarks, such as the sudden occasional facial close-ups, to the starkly honest and down-to-earth dialogues. The ending scene was especially rewarding, when detective Joe Kojaku learns about the true nature of his heart ... it was delivered with such boldness and subtlety at the same time. James Shigeta, the actor who played detective Kojaku, is a great leading actor. He has a really soothing baritone voice that draws you into his character, one which at first doesn't seem to be prominent but later turns out to be the film's most complex character.
Still refreshing even by today's standards, this is an intelligent movie. It's a shame that the late Samuel Fuller never got a chance to re-release this film, as I learned that this movie isn't available on the shelves anymore. Highly recommended by anyone who ever gets a chance to get their lucky hands on this piece of brilliant film-noir.
First of all, this is a remarkably refreshing film, and that is because the story revolves around the psyche of the Japanese detective, as well as to sympathise with him. Samuel Fuller did not pull any punches here; the film is filled with those Fuller trademarks, such as the sudden occasional facial close-ups, to the starkly honest and down-to-earth dialogues. The ending scene was especially rewarding, when detective Joe Kojaku learns about the true nature of his heart ... it was delivered with such boldness and subtlety at the same time. James Shigeta, the actor who played detective Kojaku, is a great leading actor. He has a really soothing baritone voice that draws you into his character, one which at first doesn't seem to be prominent but later turns out to be the film's most complex character.
Still refreshing even by today's standards, this is an intelligent movie. It's a shame that the late Samuel Fuller never got a chance to re-release this film, as I learned that this movie isn't available on the shelves anymore. Highly recommended by anyone who ever gets a chance to get their lucky hands on this piece of brilliant film-noir.