The Shadow of the Tyrant

Based on the masterpiece of Japanese literary writer TANIZAKI Jun’ichirō, Naomi, this is an ambitious work by KATASHIMA Ikki showcasing his unique and bold style of cinematography. The original novel is set in the early 20th century during which the western influence largely affected Japan. However, this film version is set in the 70s, when Japan was starting to enjoy its affluence and the World Exposition was held in Osaka. In the middle of a hot and humid summer, Joji, a middle-aged man, appears to be enchanted by a young and attractive Naomi. Joji openly pursues her, while Naomi sometimes despises and makes fun of him. Regardless, Joji falls more and more for her. One Day, Naomi suddenly disappears. Joji’s jealousy and obsession surmounts until it threatened to destroy them all.

A government team researching cures for plague find their results put on the Official Secrets list. One of their number is so incensed by this that he lets the maimed and jealous companion of a female colleague draw him into what, technically, could be a treasonable act.

To celebrate his 90th birthday, an old single journalist, Sabio, wants something special from Rosa Cabarcas’s brothel: an intense night of love with a virgin teenager. The madam finds him the ideal young woman, Delgadina, a factory worker, who is selling her virginity to support her family. When he sees Delgadina sleeping angelically, he loses interest in pure pleasure and falls in love with her. That love was not meant to be true, but fate changes, and that hope is born of an opportunity for unbridled love.

A useless and bloody vendetta has been going on for ages between two families in this Mexican village. Men, sons, have killed each other for generations, for a so-called conception of honor in a revenge that never ends since it is also triggered by people of the village. Now, today, there are only two sons left, one in each family. One has become a doctor in the big city and his culture is modern. The other last one - of the other family - hasn't left the village and is waiting for the doctor to come "home" as he plans to kill him, to settle this war on this matter of honor once and for all. And the people of the village want blood.

A generous doctor is aghast that the population of a small island is being oppressed and mistreated, but is seemingly unable to do anything about it, until the arrival of a young woman and the death of one of his friends prompts him into action.