Trigger Warning: The Shape of Night contains an exploration of sex work, the narrative of which may prove difficult to endure for those who’ve suffered sexual assault.
In 1929, Japanese film studio Shochiku was established, transitioning from the theatrical arts to the cinematic ones. Considered one of the major four studios in Japan (as well as the oldest), their contributions to cinematic history include recent releases like animated films Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM (2024) and Lonely Castle in the Mirror (2022), but also live-action titles such as Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill (2023) and A Man (2022). However, most cinephiles know of Shochiku from films such as Tokyo Story (1953); Harakiri (1962); I, Executioner (1968); and Flowers of Shanghai (1998). In May 2021, physical media boutique Criterion added Flowers of Shanghai to their collection and, in January of 2024, Radiance Films added I, Executioner to theirs. Now, Radiance is set to add another Shochiku films to their repository with a 1080p restoration of Noboru Nakamura’s 1964 kaleidoscopic drama The Shape of Night (夜の片鱗), complete with two on-disc featurettes and limited-edition booklet.
Along the gleaming lights of a street in Tokyo, call girl Yoshie (Miyuki Kuwano) patiently waits, nonchalantly observing those who pass by her, her indifference an extra element of allure to her nicely dressed figure. After Yoshie is approached by Hiroshi (Keisuke Sonoi), the pair go to a lounge to relax and get to know one another; her enigmatic answers to his general ice breakers doing little to clear the air of mystery enveloping Yoshie. The pair eventually go to a hotel together, after which Hiroshi requests to meet again, to which Yoshie agrees to do under the conditions of (a) her own availability and (b) his ability to pay. But as the two spend time together and Hiroshi’s questions about her past continue unabated, Yoshie’s walls begin to come down and, with them, a sense of hope and optimism long since gone arises. But will it be enough to free her from a life she entered reluctantly, maintained unwillingly, and now is unsure how to break from?
The Shape of Night is a heartbreaker and not for as many of the reasons as one might expect based on the premise. Though Nakamura’s film was released several years into the first wave of Japan’s pink cinema — films which included nudity and sex, such as 1969’s The Blind Beast — and sex is a significant aspect to the film as both representation of power within the respective couples and currency within the communities they reside within, The Shape of Night doesn’t leer or degrade Yoshie any more than the narrative requires. In other words, Nakamura would rather capture moments of Yoshie before coitus or in bed after, leaving the act of sex to the imagination. The significance here is that sex, while important to the relationships within the film, is not a necessary component for the audience as it relates to the story. Even before the audience learns how the cool and controlled Yoshie was once a doe-eyed factory worker in post-World War II Japan, the sex between her and Hiroshi is skipped in favor of a soft blue filling the frame, as though a gentle shade is being pulled down upon them; only for us to return when Hiroshi is getting redressed. And again as we learn of Yoshi’s boyfriend Eiji (Mikijiro Hira) and his inability to pay his debts, both as a person and as a member of the yakuza, which result in Yoshie taking on a punishment her for being unwilling to work as a sex worker for Eiji and to remind Eiji that he’s without options, the violation by the yakuza upon Yoshie is not something we witness. Nakamura opts, instead, to focus on Eiji breaking down as he’s forced to sit outside the room where it takes place, thereby cementing that sex matters within the narrative as a weapon or tool, a means to communicate or connect, but it doesn’t have to be done by showing flesh or the forcible taking of it. Because of this, The Shape of Night is able to focus on the characters and their relationships, what they offer each other, what they hold back, and the push-pull that takes place in the spaces in between longing, responsibility, and the want for freedom.
Since they began releasing restorations and first-time high definition editions, such as with The Shape of Night which has not been available on Blu-ray until now, Radiance Films has developed a signature look and style that exudes class and elegance. With brand new artwork from artist Time Tomorrow (a frequent collaborator), the packaging for The Shape of Night features a striking image of Kuwano ( Late Autumn; Three Outlaw Samurai) amid several strands of blue and red, her figure in profile, with her face pulling focus. It’s hard to tell which of the men, Sonoi (The X from Outer Space) or Hira (13 Assassins; Three Outlaw Samurai), is presented next to her as his face is blurred, but it honestly doesn’t matter as the men are less significant other than what they represent. As is Radiance’s style, this release uses a removable OBI strip so that you can either display the included materials or not, based on your personal preference. Because they use a clear disc case, the liner can either display the new art or a reproduction of the original art from the theatrical release. Time Tomorrow’s work captures the sense of longing that permeates the film, so that’s the side this reviewer would favor over the original design. Also included is a 27-page booklet that contains images from the film, the usual cast and crew information, restoration information, and, in this case, two essays: one 2023 essay from Chuck Stephens and a 1964 reprinting of an essay from The Shape of Night cinematographer Tōichirō Narushima. The first offers context of the film within the cinema of the era, while the second drills into the specifics of shooting the film. With no direct commentary from Nakamura, screenwriter Toshihide Gondo (Twin Sisters of Kyoto), or original concept writer Kyoko Ohta, this essay is the only direct line to those involved in working on the film.
However, this is not to suggest that the bonus materials aren’t without connective tissue that will enlighten your viewing experience. There are two featurettes that will not only educate you on The Shape of Night, they will help fill in gaps regarding Shochiku and filmmaking in Japan during that time. The first is a 16-minute interview with Yoshio Nakamura, the son of director Nakamura, who shares his insights into his father’s working process, amid photos of the family at rest and Nakamura at work. There’re several interesting anecdotes, but the greatest joy is watching Yoshio physically convey just how happy he is that people are still interested in his father’s work and continuing their legacy. The second, the visual essay from Tom Mes titled “Major Changes,” specifically focuses on the lengthy history of Shochiku as a studio, in relation to other studios, their works, and the players involved, making for an educational experience that offers a broader context on the film itself. No art is made in a vacuum, so to learn how The Shape of Night was sort of made in response to pink cinema shapes (or reshapes) how one may respond to it within the framework of Japan’s filmography.
**Be advised that the official materials do indicate some kind of five-minute Easter egg video is present on the disc, but I’ve yet to find it. According to David Brook of Blueprint Review, the five-minute video is part of the Yoshio Nakamura interview, but I can’t seem to locate/access it. I’ll likely feel stupid when I do, but nothing appeared at the end of the film, after the credits on the Yoshio interview, after the Tom Mes visual essay, and I couldn’t locate anything hidden on any of the menu pages. Not even X-Men (2000) style. IYKYK.**
Before wrapping entirely, this home release review should mention the quality of the video and audio elements. Keeping in mind that this is a high definition release, meaning 1080p, not 2K or 4K, what we receive is quite lovely. There’s no information regarding how Shochiku developed their HD file that Radiance used to create this disc, but it’s largely free of dirt and grime, the colors resplendent as appropriate, the natural tones of this realistically shot tale neither muted nor blown out. There is visible grain, but not so much as to imply without restoration or treatment from aging. Similarly, there are no audio issues present. Even when played through a 5.1 surround system, the uncompressed mono audio track is clear and crisp so that we don’t lose any of the dialogue to score or ambient noise. We may not know how this release was constructed, but there’s no doubting the results.
If you’ve been tracking the work of Radiance Films, chances are you’ve already decided if picking up The Shape of Night is a thing you plan to do. If past is prologue, their work demonstrates quality and this is another release wherein that does appear to be the case. This is a beautiful film whose heaviness makes it difficult at times, especially with an ending that’s as crippling as it is puzzling. At the minimum, if this is a first-time watch, you can trust the quality ahead of the purchase. If however, this is a first time watch and you’re not sure if the film falls in line with your regular taste or interests, waiting for a sale may be your best bet. This edition, like most Radiance editions, is limited to 3,000 copies, so make your choice, but don’t wait too long.
The Shape of Night Special Features:
- High-Definition digital transfer
- Uncompressed mono PCM audio
- New interview with Yoshio Nakamura, son of director Noboru Nakamura (2024, 16 mins)
- Major Changes – a visual essay on the artistic upheavals at Shochiku studios during the 1960s by Tom Mes (2024, 13 mins)
- Easter Egg (2024, 5 mins)
- Trailer
- New and improved English subtitle translation
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
- Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Chuck Stephens
- Limited edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
Available on Blu-ray April 30th, 2024.
For more information, head to the official Radiance Films The Shape of Night webpage.
For more information, head to the official MVD Entertainment Group The Shape of Night webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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