88 Films releases the hidden gem by the director of Blind Woman’s Curse and Horrors of Malformed Men
Back in the 70s, while looking to maintain a sense of relevancy Toei decided to exploit the then current motorcycle movement called bōsōzoku, mixing that with the tried and true juvenile delinquent film to craft another salacious narrative “based on true events” like their Yakuza fare. Heavily influenced by the cult doc God Speed You! Black Emperor on Japanese motorcycle gangs, which Toei also released, the film directed by Teruo Ishii (Blind Woman’s Curse/Horrors of Malformed Men) – 1975’s Detonation Violent Riders! is a trippy and sordid trip with a group of Japanese bikers who ironically enough, call themselves The Black Panthers.
The film stars real life biker Koichi Iwaki as Iwaki – a loner mechanic who dreams of one day becoming a motocross racer, while moonlighting nights, racing the local biker gangs, but refusing to join. But after saving the innocent Michiko (Tomoko Ai) from being sexually assaulted at a biker party and standing up to the old guard, he quickly gains a following and reluctantly becomes their leader, no doubt seduced by the notoriety and power. Eventually a gang war breaks out between Iwaki’s Black Panthers and just about every biker gang in Japan. This all while dealing with Michiko’s protective older brother Tsugami (Sonny Chiba) who actually is a retired motocross racer.
I was unaware of Detonation Violent Riders! Until I hit play on that 88 Films disc, but I was instantly enraptured by the groovy soundtrack and the odd mix here of fictional and real footage that plays with your perception of the events unfolding, lending them an almost documentary feel. Toei put out a call out to real gangs to participate in the film, which gave the production its own problems documented on the film’s special features. Koichi Iwaki delivers an impressively engaging performance as the lone wolf, Rebel Without a Cause here, yet struggles when he’s on screen with Chiba, who’s simply hamming it up. The chemistry however with the virginal Tomoko Ai helps to not only propel this story but cements the stakes as she wins over the biker but sadly becomes a pawn in the all out third act war.
The presentation of the film is very clean, with excellent contrast. The only issue is this clarity highlights the various stocks and cameras used given the different filming settings like on a bike or in a darkened room. But it looks fantastic. The film is paired with an informative video essay on the film that digs into the origin of the concept and the history of Toei paired with a commentary that more jokey than I would have liked with a film such as this helps to add even more depth to your viewing with some great informative bread crumbs.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Blu Ray Presentation In 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
- Original Mono 2.0
- Audio with new English Subtitles
- Audio Commentary By Ashley Darrow And Jonathan Greenaway of the Horror Vanguard Podcast
- Brand New Video Essay by Nathan Stuart
- Stills Gallery
- Trailer
- Original And Newly Commissioned Artwork By Ilan Sheady
TECHNICAL SPECS:
- Region: AB
- Picture: 2.35:1 AR
- Audio: Japanese Mono
- Subtitles: English
- Runtime: 86 Mins
As far as Japanese biker movies go, Detonation Violent Riders! is a wild ride and the nihilistic ending is going to lose a few folks. While it does get bogged down in some of the trappings you’d expect from the juvenile delinquent sub-genre, the film ultimately rises above its limitations through its third act big swings and action set pieces. Detonation Violent Riders! was an impressive entry in a crowded and sordid genre that paints a much more grim picture than I was expecting as the credits rolled. If you’re looking for a hidden gem this definitely checks all the boxes and it’s a film I can’t wait to share with like minded folks.
