The Valiant Red Peony (Blu-ray) (UK Import)

Directed by Kôsaku Yamashita, Norifumi Suzuki, Tai Katô

Starring: Sumiko Fuji, Ken Takakura, Tomisaburô Wakayama, Kyôsuke Machida, Michitarô Mizushima, Kunio Murai, Kanjûrô Arashi, Teruo Ishiyama, Rin'ichi Yamamoto, Nobuo Kaneko, Kôji Tsuruta, Tatsuo Endô
Contributors: Norifumi Suzuki, Takeo Watanabe, Osamu Furuya, Tatsuo Nogami, Gorô Kusakabe, Kôji Shundô, Motohiro Torii
Studio: Eureka
Genre: World Cinema
Main Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Region: Region B
Release Date: 27 Jan 2025
Originally Issued: 1969
No of Discs: 2
BBFC Cert: (15) Suitable for 15 years and over.
Run Time: 291 minutes

Description

Triple bill of Japanese action dramas starring Sumiko Fuji. In 'Red Peony Gambler' (1968) Ryuko Yano (Fuji) is the child of a yakuza boss who wants a better life for his daughter, away from the family business. However, when he is murdered and his clan is disbanded, Ryuko takes the name Oryu Hibotan - after the red flower tattoo she bears - and vows to seek revenge for his death.

As a wandering yakuza, she intends to reform the Yano clan once she has exacted her vengeance. In 'Red Peony Gambler 2: Gambler's Obligation' (1968) Oryu continues her quest to promote justice and rebuild her family. When she arrives in a village of silk-makers and discovers that the workers are being exploited by greedy businessmen, she is determined to set things right.

Finally, in 'Red Peony Gambler 3: The Flower Cards Game' (1969), Oryu discovers that someone claiming to be her has been damaging her reputation. Once she identifies the culprit, she becomes involved in a power struggle between two warring clans.

Special Features

• Interactive Menus
• Bonus Footage
• Trailers
• Interviews: Tony Rayns (critic/East Asian cinema expert).
• Commentary: 'Red Peony Gambler': Chris Poggiali; 'Gambler's Obligation': Mike Leeder & Arne Venema; 'The Flower Cards Game': Tom Mes.