Black Lizard (1968) Kuro tokage | Region-Free (Blu-Ray) | Directed by Kinji Fukasaku

Presented in 1080p with English subtitles

Title: Black Lizard (1968)

Alternate Title: Kuro tokage

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Plot Synopsis:
A cunning female jewel thief, known as Black Lizard, plots to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy jeweler to steal the exquisite “Star of Egypt” diamond. To thwart her plan, the jeweler hires Japan’s top detective, Akechi Kogorō. A high-stakes battle of wits ensues between the detective and the elusive Black Lizard, leading to unexpected mutual respect and affection.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Kinji Fukasaku
• Writer: Masashige Narusawa (screenplay), Yukio Mishima (play), Rampo Edogawa (novel)
• Cast:
  • Akihiro Miwa as Black Lizard
  • Isao Kimura as Detective Akechi Kogorō
  • Kikko Matsuoka as Sanae Iwase
  • Jun Usami as Shobei Iwase
  • Yukio Mishima as Human Statue

YouTube Trailer:
Black Lizard | Trailer

IMDb Link:
Black Lizard (1968)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Miller – ★★★½
   “Lupin, Fantomas, Diabolik and Dr. Mabuse are all expert super criminals and Black Lizard can be added to that list as well. This film is a wild ride of campy thrills and over-the-top performances. The cat-and-mouse game between Black Lizard and Detective Akechi is both entertaining and surprisingly touching.”
2. DeathRayDive – ★★★★☆
   “A cinematic hero is only as good as the opposing villain. The characters headlining Kinji Fukasaku’s 1968 crime film BLACK LIZARD may or may not have chairs at the same table as the aforementioned, but they certainly make a case for it. The film is a delightful blend of crime thriller and camp, with a standout performance by Akihiro Miwa.”
3. CineBeats – ★★★★☆
   “The decadent world of the Black Lizard is a visual feast. Kinji Fukasaku’s direction combined with Yukio Mishima’s script creates a unique cinematic experience that’s both bizarre and captivating. The film’s exploration of identity and obsession is both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in the 1960s Japanese avant-garde scene.”

Meta Description:
“Black Lizard” (1968), directed by Kinji Fukasaku, is a Japanese crime thriller featuring a battle of wits between a master jewel thief and a brilliant detective, based on the play by Yukio Mishima and novel by Rampo Edogawa.