The Crimson Kimono

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Insomniac X Jan 30 Capably photographed detective drama which struggles to balance its social themes with the demands of its narrative. The film is compelling in its examination of its protagonist's social and cultural alienation, and its central depiction of an interracial romantic relationship eight years before Loving v. Virginia. Unfortunately, the love triangle subplot drags on long enough to derail the momentum developed in the film's opening act, causing the story to lag before a hasty conclusion. See more Bill T 03/15/2023 WOW! Samuel Fuller, a director who admitted I've never been too crazy about, totally knocks it out of the park with this film, about two detectives, one white and one Asian, trying to find the killer of a sleazy burlesque dancer. Their investigation goes into Japantown, or Chinatown, or somewhere similar, as they investigate clues and witnesses. The first part of this I thought was very interesting, as these two investigate leads on their own, and each lead story is intercut with one another. It's a fascinating device I've actually never seen (and more on this a bit later). Anyways, they do get a lady who may be able to recognize the lead suspect if she saw him again. the white agent soon falls for this (white) lady, but soon the lady realizes, and soon the asian detective realizes, that they're hot for each other! So there's a real triangle happening. Oh, did I mention it's 1959? Stuff like this was still frowned upon. The Asian detective knows it, and so it's killing him how to break it to his partner without him being hateful or even mortified. WAIT, did I say there was a murder mystery going on? LOL Remember how I was marvelling at the split stories happening at the beginning? Fuller MARVELLOUSLY uses this device to split up the two stories, the mystery, the romance, and (three if you count it) the race politics. The conclusion is JUST GREAT, it so ties in to what was said before. I was so so super impressed with this movie. See more @Blobbo 12/18/2022 Remind Blobbo episode Naked City or Route 66. Narrative stagnate after a while, though. See more 05/05/2022 omk, I love this movie so much. It's problematic, but its being problematic in fresh and unexpected ways for 1959 is so exciting. Also, James Shigeta and that incredible radio/Shakespearian tragedy voice... See more susan f 05/22/2021 Great to see a film with a less simplistic view of USA race relations. I thought Shigeta was great. Not over the top at all for a 1959 film noir/love story. See more ashley h @ashleyhobgood87 06/09/2020 The Crimson Kimono is an excellent film. It is about two detectives who seek a stripper's killer in the Japanese quarter of Los Angeles. Victoria Shaw and Glenn Corbett give fantastic performances. The script is well written. Samuel Fuller did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama and mystery. The Crimson Kimono is a must see. See more Read all reviews

The Crimson Kimono

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