If you ever wanted to watch a surreal metaphysical film that takes place in the realm of Japanese folklore, then Blood of Rebirth is definitely the film for you. Inspired by a tumultuous 5 year struggle that the director, Toshiaki Toyoda, has endured since being arrested for drug possession in Japan and then subsequently blacklisted from the very conservative Japanese filmmaking scene, the film in many ways is a love song to Toyoda’s unique point of view and style that defines him as a filmmaker to be reckoned with. It’s also Toyoda sticking up the middle finger to those that had praised him earlier, saying screw you for ruining the reputation he feels he deserves. After making cult hits like Tokyo Rampage, Blue Spring and 9 Souls, Toyoda was poised to breakthrough in the mainstream but was denied after his legal woes. With visuals the would make Jodorowsky proud, Blood of Rebirth is a true work of originality spawned from the anger of a talented and intense director.
Based on the Japanese legend of 15th century adventurer, Oguri Hangan Daisukeshige (Tatsuya Nakamura), Toyoda places us in a surreal world of tattooed Japanese slave workers whose real life roles serve more as symbols than actual characters. After being hired by a local despot, Daizen, to massage away a nasty venereal disease, Oguri is viley betrayed after refusing to stay longer. Daizen(Kiyohiko Shibukawa), upset that his newest pet wants to leave him so soon, poisons Oguri with sake, killing him despite his good intentions. But this movie wouldn’t be called Blood of Rebirth if there wasn’t some rebirthing going to happen.
Indeed, Oguri’s death is really just the beginning of his journey as he decides to return to Earth despite being granted permission to enter Heaven in the afterlife. This decision freezes his body into a permanent state of reflection and meditation about his past life before being allowed to fully return the present. All of this sounds crazy in summation, but using psychedelic visuals backed by thumping space rock from Twin Tail (think Mogwai but faster paced) Toyoda is able to weave a visual yarn that is extremely engrossing. As Oguri ventures back to the Daizen to claim his revenge, we realize that just like the filmmaker crafting the tale, nothing can stop this phoenix from rising again.
In the end, Blood of Rebirth is a film that may challenge your patience but ultimately rewards it with satisfying visuals and philosophical queries to ponder. The pace of the film can sometimes slow down to a halt, but overall there is enough humor and odd behavior to keep you perplexed and pondering. The final battle between Oguri and Daizen is also so satisfyingly bizarre that it’s almost worth the price of admission alone to witness the final scene unfold. It’s also interesting to consider the film as a testament to the bold power of a rebellious spirit personified as film. Shot in an incredible ten days, and feeling more like a dream than a complete film, Blood of Rebirth is sure to confound some viewers while fascinating others. But for all its surreal imagery and death defying plot twists, at its core the film is about the feeling of rejuvenation after one’s spirit has been totally crushed and the hope that lies in vanquishing our obstacles.
8 out of 10.
What did you think of Blood of Rebirth?
Blood of Rebirth screens at the Japan Society on Friday July 2nd at 9PM and Saturday July 3rd at 3:45PM. Buy tickets here.