Sword(Ken)

Serving as the screenwriter, Mishima Yukio entrusted his sadomasochistic short story into the mighty hands of Misumi Kenji, acclaimed for his chanbara and jidai-geki. A contemporary drama set in a martial arts school, it evolves around a head apprentice swordsman, whose impeccably moral and intimidatingly driven character attracts jealousy and grudge of his fellow, who plans to undermine him with sensual temptations. In high-contrast black and white, Misumi captures Mishima’s fascination with masculinity with sweat-soaked close-ups and stylishly choreographed scenes of combat. Through an electrifying hothouse of rivalry, self-repression and erotic sublimation, it explores the conflicts between samurai traditions and modern values.