Arrow Video The Mad Fox

The great director Tomu Uchida is not as celebrated outside Japan as some of his contemporaries, notably Kurosawa; but with the finely remastered Arrow issues of 'Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji' (1955) and, now, 'The Mad Fox' (1962), that should change.Based on a famous Bunraku (puppet) drama, telling a tale of political rivalries, love and madness - enriched by the interaction of the human and fox worlds - the film mixes theatrical stylisation and dream fantasy in a beautifully-paced drama merging song, dance and unforgettable visual splendour with a folk-tale narrative which is also a moving tragedy of love. I only hope that more of this masterly director's films will be available soon - meanwhile, anyone with an interest in Japanese cinema must see this gripping work of art.

I anticipated viewing this film with some trepidation as, knowing from some 'yellow field' snapshots and masks that it wouldn't be realistic, exactly. But I needn't worry. Uchida's film is a masterful and indeed wonderful blend of styles, depicting a kind of Japanese folktale story about treachery, madness, soothsaying, twin sisters, genderfluid apparel and foxes that can change shape and perform magic. A great example of its theatricality: at the finale the whole house in which the main character had been living with his fox wife and son collapses onto the stage to reveal a barren landscape with waving grass. Marvellously done.'The mad fox' is quite unique - the only one having a similar kind of theatrical blend I know is 'An actor's revenge', an equally excellent film. Recommended for those of open mind.

This has got to be seen to be believed. A gorgeous colour flooded fantasy fever-dream that anticipates both Seijun Suzuki and David Lynch! Strongly recommended to anyone that realises that Kwaidan is a masterpiece and wondered whether there anything else like it. Look no further. Thank you Arrow.

Hmmm.... Some spectacular color design, but it's a bit awkwardly directed, and very talky. Tomu Uchida is no Kurosawa / Mizoguchi / Kobayashi etc. This is more Kabuki theatre than it's cinema. Only for really hardcore connoisseurs of old Japanese films.