Karami-ai

Masaki Kobayashi 's The Inheritance (1962) a.k.a Karami-ai, is like a slapstick comedy made on the lines of a Noir Style suspense Drama, with new twists and turns around every 1m of reel. A dying man quest to find his children in order to prepare his last will so that her not loving & somewhat selfish wife ;does not take everything from his 300 million yen fortune; takes an Agatha Christie novel like turn when all characters come into play to get theirs hands on the big bounty. There are a lot of characters but still we do not get confused with the plot and are able to witness the plans for various parties unfold in front of your screen, some to success and others to no avail. Tatsuya Nakadai's Character 'kikuo Furukawa' shines less in this film but Nakadai has still managed to give him some soul. It is keiko Kishi's "Yasuko" who turns from a mellow secretary to an Cunning Vixen, who; through clever strategies turn the tide of events in her favour. Kobayashi's this film is short, fast-paced, well structured, well executed, with a jazzy soundtrack and classy Tracking Shots ; to increase the interest and concentration of the viewers.

This Kobayashi is of the ranks of Kubrick's "The Killing(1956)", Billy Wilder's "Double Idemnity(1944)", Hawks's "The Big Sleep(1946), Akira Kurosawa's"The Bad Sleep Well" and also his own other great works like "Human Condition Trilogy", "kwaidan", "Samurai Rebellion", "Harakiri", "Black River" and should reciever more recognition as these above mentioned great works ; which from the imdb's number of votes and reviews, does not look favourable to its caliber. Definitely a treat for a Noir, Kobayashi, or any avid Cinema Fan.

Tatsuya Nakadai is dying of stomach cancer. One third of his estate of 300 million yen must go to his wife, but he wants the rest to go to his three illegitimate children. As his lawyers and associates gather to figure out how to steal the money, only his quiet, loyal secretary, Keiko Kishi, seems to be on his side. Seems.

Masaki Kobayashi movie of greed and lies might be a very dry, black comedy, or it might be a story of greed and corruption impure and simple. The sum of money would have been worth $1.5 million in 1962, the equivalent of $13 today. That's a lot of incentive for greed. All of the characters except Miss Kishi are open and honest about their greed when not in Nakadai's presence. Miss Kishi gives a veautiful, guarded performance.

First thing that comes to my mind writing a few words about this movie, is how entertaining it is. I expected to be a very good drama movie, not as great as other movies of Kobayashi but i was sure i was going to like it. THE INHERITANCE is absolutely entertaining, exciting and clever. A fun ride, with unlikeable characters who try to deceive one another. I don't mind movies with unlikeable characters as long as they are interesting. In that respect, this movie is a success because every character is interesting. It was like a Black and White, Japanese, old version of SUCCESSION (the tv series).

So, there is a darkly comedic element here but above all, this is a film noir drama. Easy to follow, great acting, beautiful jazz music, nice twists/turns and a very good ending. A cynical view of the human nature.

The suspense is for finding the answer to "Who's going to grab the inheritance?" Who will succeed? And how? As in a good Agatha Christie novel, we witness a parade of characters that, yes, want the money. And money... changes everything. Intrigue and double-crossing plans, jazz music, femme fatales that start to appear everywhere and a spectacular visual film in high contrast low-key lighting (pure chiaroscuro) within unbalanced frames that take the most of a full 2.40:1 aspect ratio.

Kobayashi is one of the finest directors, perhaps very underrated. A few months later he would shoot "Harakiri". He knew his craft. This is a solid film to enjoy.

Beside the fact that it has the beautiful and talented Keiko Kishi in it, this is an excellent movie. The twists and turns will keep you wondering. There is so much deceit going on! I cannot tell you the end, but, I was guessing along the way and still couldn't get it (the ending) until the last few minutes.

I further suggest "Ten Dark Women" if you want even more entertainment.