Nikkatsu Noir (Criterion Collection - Eclipse Series 17)

Thrill to the mukokuseki akushun ("borderless action") produced for these gripping crime dramas made by Japan's oldest film studio, Nikkatsu. This five-disc collection includes "I Am Waiting" (1957), director Koreyoshi Kurahara's lavishly shot debut in which an ex-boxer comes to the aid of a hostess dominated by her thuggish boss; Yûjirô Ishihara, Mie Kitahara star. Two criminals try to go legit, but that process becomes as painful as a stab from a "Rusty Knife" (1958) when they are witnesses to murder. Ishihara, Akira Kobayashi star. When killers "Take Aim at the Police Van" (1960) and take out the inmate inside, a prison warden is called to account. Michitaro Mizushima, Misako Watanabe star. A "Cruel Gun Story" (1964) is told when an ex-con gets roped into another caper as soon as he tastes freedom. Jo Shishido stars. Finally, Shishido plays an assassin playing it cool as two rival gangs clash, in "A Colt Is My Passport" (1967). With Jerry Fujio, Ryotaro Sugi. 7 1/4 hrs. total. Soundtrack: Japanese Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English. In Japanese with English subtitles.