finally got round to watching Gincho Wataridori ("Wandering Ginza Butterfly") (dir. Kazuhiko Yamaguchi, 1972) starring Meiko Kaji, Tatsuo Umemiya, and Tsunehiko Watase

I don't think it's possible for any film to be more "my jam" than this, and I absolutely loved it from start to finish. it just oozes 70s cool that makes this the best film decade imo. it's a bit silly, a bit cheesy, but who cares about that I could literally watch Meiko Kaji all day

Kaji plays Nami, recently released from prison and working as a hostess. when the madam of her bar is fucked over by the local unscrupulous yakuza boss she tries to hustle him at pool to pay off the debt. she wins the game but the yakuza refuse to honour the deal, and Umemiya is killed in the fallout

cue the violent climax with Kaji slicing up countless yakuza goons Lady Snowblood style (she even has the umbrella sword)

great soundtrack too, it was Meiko Kaji's debut album (2nd pic is my copy of the CD with it's gorgeous wraparound cover)

#physicalmedia