Crazy Thunder Road

"Bird of Fire" by Shigeru IZUMIYA thunders through the cinema as ISHII's graduation film defines speed as a culture, presenting montages of street collisions and the rush past city outskirts and neon lights, without attempting to replicate a particular state of mind. Spinning wheels and blurred images of the city completely dissolve when the greaser punks take to the streets, wreaking havoc on Tokyo. The idea of a fluid perspective reaches its peak as shots from the opening montage reappear throughout the film, especially in a moment when a character seems to hallucinate. Three generations of bikers, three distinct social structures. And a love story, complete with tunnel vision, but without moralizing. The broader perspective has long since ceased to function here and is certainly not desired. However: "I will blow away every man in this city," declares the vengeful Jin. At least, in the safety of the cinema seat, that works without danger!

– Claudia Siefen-Leitich