Pale Flower (1964)

The 1964 Japanese movie Pale Flower was directed by Masahiro Shinoda and was shot entirely on 16mm black and white film. For having been shot on 16mm film, this movie is extremely beautiful.

I am unable to find pictures that truly show off the beautiful cinematography of this film, but trust me, if you like amazing black and white photography, that's enough reason to see this film. On an extremely small budget the film makers were able to establish a very heavy and emotional visual style that is almost film noir.

The film is about a Japanese gangster who is recently let out of prison. He tries to get back in touch with his life by seeing the people he once new and returning to his old gambling joints. While tending to his gambling needs he encounters a beautiful woman gambler with guts. She is extremely intriguing and becomes entranced by her mystique. He takes her to a high stakes gambling match and she is an instant hit with the mob crowd. This is all fun and games, but they inevitably run into problems with rival mobs and broken hearts.

The film is beautifully told and has the feel of an American about poker film, in this film they play Mahjong. Although there are some scenes that feel out of place, they are entertaining and are almost used as comic relief. Yes the film probably could have done with out them, but it's those scenes that let you know the movie doesn't take itself too seriously.