The Mad Fox

When it comes to foreign films, it's intimidating to learn just how much undiscovered cinema is really out there. And the work of Japanese directors like Tomu Uchida can often be a culture shock, as the majority were intended for domestic audiences and make few concessions to international appeal. Such is the case with The Mad Fox (1962), a flamboyant, theatrical kabuki-like fable that takes full advantage of the widescreen process to recreate a living scroll on celluloid. While the script and performances pull from a specific collection of Japanese traditions and mythology, the visual execution itself needs no translation.Caught in a political conspiracy, Lord Yasuna and his beloved, Sakaki, are framed for the theft of a sacred scroll. After Sakaki is murdered to conceal the truth, Yasuna goes mad with grief, eventually mistaking Sakaki's twin sister for his lost love. Things get even more muddled when the spirit of a fox takes pity on Yasuna and takes human form to soothe his mind...the form of - you guessed it - his beloved Sakaki!The politics of it all will probably fly over the head of anyone not familiar with Uchida's body of work. But it's surprising how much surface-level appeal remains, from rotating sets and masterful shot compositions to dream-like interludes and flourishes of hand-drawn animation. Technically, it's a wonderfully unique mix of genres and styles. And once you become invested in the plight of poor lovesick Yasuna, the script takes on the best aspects of a fairy-tale, familiar yet beautifully different at the same time.Arrow Films' Blu-ray delivers another stunning glimpse into the complicated and mysterious world of Japanese cinema. The transfer is top-notch and extras include an essential commentary from Jasper Sharp (which pairs well with his commentary on Arrow's other Uchida release, Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji) plus a trailer, image gallery and collector's booklet.

I recently encounter Hashizo Okawa and became a big fan. This beautiful movie is the only one available at Amazon.com, currently. Hopefully TOEI digitizes and adds subtitles to their excellent Jidaigeki movies in 50’s and early 60’s more.

The great director Tomu Uchida is not as celebrated outside Japan as some of his contemporaries, notably Kurosawa; but with the finely remastered Arrow issues of 'Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji' (1955) and, now, 'The Mad Fox' (1962), that should change.Based on a famous Bunraku (puppet) drama, telling a tale of political rivalries, love and madness - enriched by the interaction of the human and fox worlds - the film mixes theatrical stylisation and dream fantasy in a beautifully-paced drama merging song, dance and unforgettable visual splendour with a folk-tale narrative which is also a moving tragedy of love. I only hope that more of this masterly director's films will be available soon - meanwhile, anyone with an interest in Japanese cinema must see this gripping work of art.

This has got to be seen to be believed. A gorgeous colour flooded fantasy fever-dream that anticipates both Seijun Suzuki and David Lynch! Strongly recommended to anyone that realises that Kwaidan is a masterpiece and wondered whether there anything else like it. Look no further. Thank you Arrow.

Hmmm.... Some spectacular color design, but it's a bit awkwardly directed, and very talky. Tomu Uchida is no Kurosawa / Mizoguchi / Kobayashi etc. This is more Kabuki theatre than it's cinema. Only for really hardcore connoisseurs of old Japanese films.