Kurosen chitai

Good solid drugs and prostitution thriller set in old Yokohama. Complete with white trench coat, voiceovers and deep dark shadows this is Japan's answer to film noir and it fairy romps along with super cool jazz soundtrack. Bits of violence, bits of sex but generally a gutsy, moody, atmospheric tale with fine performances all round and lovely girls, in and almost out of costume. Fascinating to see the old city before the developments of recent years and at 80 minutes this doesn't let up and there are many fine moments including a fight atop a steam train, seemingly running through Yokohama and a bust up in what looked like a marionette warehouse. The extending opening sequence is particularly effective with street fortune teller and meeting in cramped room light by passing trains and culminating in naked death. Well worth seeking out, as I'm sure would be others in the series.