In this cool, seductive jewel of the Japanese New Wave, a yakuza recently released from prison becomes entangled with a beautiful and enigmatic gambling addict. What initially appears to be a redemptive connection instead pulls him deeper into the criminal underworld. Bewitchingly shot and edited, with a fever-dream-like score by Toru Takemitsu, Pale Flower (Kawaita hana) is a pitch-black excursion into obsession and fate.

Release Information:

• Original Release Year: 1964
• Studio/Distributor: The Criterion Collection

Feature Presentation:

• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Audio: Japanese

Special Features:

• Interview with director Masahiro Shinoda
• Selected-scene audio commentary on the film's score and sound design by film scholar Peter Grilli
• Original theatrical trailer

Technical Specifications:

• Format: Blu-ray
• Region: FREE
• Language: Japanese

Cast & Crew:

• Director: Masahiro Shinoda