Branded to Kill

Length: 91 minutes

Released: 1967-06-15

By: Seijun Suzuki

From: Japan

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Action, Noir

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About

Branded to Kill is a Japanese crime film directed by Seijun Suzuki, released in 1967. The story revolves around a highly skilled hitman named Goro Hanada, who is ranked as the third best in the underworld. However, his life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman and finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with rival assassins, the yakuza, and the police. Branded to Kill is set apart by its unique style and unconventional narrative choices. Suzuki's direction is known for its innovative visual techniques, including bold and striking cinematography, experimental editing, and avant-garde storytelling. The film's fragmented plot, filled with surreal and absurd elements, challenges traditional genre conventions and pushes the boundaries of narrative structure. Branded to Kill explores the concepts of identity and existentialism. The protagonist, Goro Hanada, grapples with his sense of self as he navigates a world filled with violence, betrayal, and deception. The film also delves into the dark and nihilistic aspects of human nature, examining the psychological and emotional toll of a life consumed by violence.