Intimidation (1960)

Intimidation (Aru Kyohaku)
Directed by Koreyoshi Kurehara
Written by Kyo Takigawa and Osamu Kawase
1960/Japan
Nikkatsu
First viewing/FilmStruck

If you want to control someone, all you have to do is to make them feel afraid.” ― Paulo Coelho

This Japanese film noir packs a lot of goodness into just 65 minutes,

As the film begins, Takita is at a party celebrating his promotion to the head office of the bank he works at.  The festivities are interrupted by a private visit from a sinister figure who threatens to expose the illegal loans Takita made if he does not pay 3 million yen by the day after tomorrow.  The only chance Takita stands is to rob his own bank.  I’m not going to spoil the rest of the story because there are a number of twists.

All the characters in this are unpleasant and Takita, whom one would normally expect to be the protagonist may be the most unpleasant of all.  The story probably would not stand up to a more full length treatment but I was thoroughly entertained for the hour running time.  I’m looking forward to the other Kurahara films on my list.