Black Lizard

Black Lizard, a classic Japanese film from 1968, is a unique blend of mystery, thriller, and camp, daringly positioning itself far ahead of its time. It is an eccentric cinematic jewel that serves as a highlight in the careers of director Kinji Fukasaku, actress-singer Akihiro Miwa, and novelist Yukio Mishima. This colorful and flamboyant crime story masterfully amalgamates psychological intrigue with a stylistic, gallant dramatic flair that sets it distinctively apart from other films of the era.

It's no exaggeration to portray the film as a cult classic, given its captivating narrative and irresistible, larger-than-life characters. Akihiro Miwa, a notable cabaret singer, and transgender activist takes on the role of the primary antagonist, the nefarious and elusive criminal mastermind, Black Lizard. The plot is centered on her nefarious mission to kidnap the beautiful daughter (Kikko Matsuoka) of a wealthy jeweler for a nefarious plan. Isao Kimura, celebrated for his role in “Seven Samurai,” embodies the character of detective Akechi, the equally enigmatic protagonist tasked with foiling Black Lizard's plan while protecting the innocent girl.

The movie draws viewers into an intense game of cat and mouse, a tactical battle displaying the wit, audacity, and flamboyance of the characters involved. Intriguingly, the film doesn’t take itself too seriously, despite its dramatic and life-threatening stakes. It reflects the dramatic irony that underpins Mishima's literary works, enhancing the charm of the movie. Black Lizard puts a spin on a classic crime thriller by emphasizing grandeur, showmanship and theatricality while still retaining an engaging and suspenseful narrative.

Miwa's unforgettable portrayal of the title role is alluringly memorable, possessing a unique charisma that could only be expressed by a performer with extensive experience on stage. Miwa's penetrating gaze, coupled with her tantalizing performance, adds a haunting allure to the character of Black Lizard. She excellently portrays a potent mix of emotional vulnerability, Machiavellian cunning, and intimidating cruelty, captivates the audience's attention, ensuring Black Lizard’s character leaves a lasting mark in their hearts.

On the other hand, Kimura's portrayal of Kogoro Akechi is an equally fascinating character study. Akechi is calm, clever, and equally enigmatic. Rather than being the classic, infallible detective, Akechi is portrayed as humanly fallible, thus bringing an element of realism to the movie. Kimura's performance adds an understated depth and humanity to the role, establishing a stark contrast to the more eccentric characters.

The secondary characters are small but significant, thoughtfully penned and brought alive with precision by a capable cast. Each character, albeit in individual capacities, contributes to the stage set by the leads, effectively enriching the narrative.

A riveting cornerstone of the film is its design. The movie’s striking color palette, imaginative costume design, and unique set pieces are intentionally over-the-top, an aesthetic that mirrors Miwa’s performance. These elements reflect the beautiful strangeness of the film, representing the extra layer of fascination that deepens the narrative’s memorability.

Director Kinji Fukasaku masterfully balances the movie's eccentricities with the elements of a classic crime-thriller, keeping the viewers intrigued till the end. He keeps the eccentric theatricality intact while layering the movie with emotional weight and psychological drama. The film's score, composed by Isao Tomita, is equally impactful, encompassing a myriad of styles from jazz to classical, setting the tone for the narrative’s progression.

Moreover, it's worth noting that Yukio Mishima himself makes a cameo appearance, which adds an added element of intrigue to the film. His appearance, along with his work in the adaptation of his own novel, contributes to the final doses of the film’s unique theatricality.

Black Lizard is indeed an eccentric amalgamation, a mesmerizing spectacle of performance, style, and intrigue that is reflected brilliantly in the film's narrative and aesthetic structure. It stirs away from the traditional norms of the genre, beautifully lending visually pleasing set pieces, innovative character construction, and narrative flamboyance while continually provoking a tantalizing suspense. Amidst the midst of masked identities and deceptive illusions, Black Lizard emerges as an unforgettable cinematic experience from the heart of the 1960s Japanese cinema.