Vengeance Is Mine (1979) – The Most Underrated Criterion Masterpiece?

Why do we lie, cheat, steal… even kill? Today I dive into Shohei Imamura’s Vengeance Is Mine (1979), Criterion spine #384, one of the most chilling and fascinating films to come out of Japan’s New Wave era. Based on the real-life 79-day crime spree of serial killer Akira Nishiguchi, the film blends true crime, black comedy, psychological drama, and masterful direction from Imamura — one of Japan’s most important but underrated filmmakers.

In this review, I break down:
The film’s themes of guilt, morality, and vengeance
How Imamura portrays crime without glamorizing it
Ken Ogata’s phenomenal performance
The film’s “In Cold Blood meets Catch Me If You Can” narrative energy
Documentary-style camerawork and voyeuristic perspective

Why Vengeance Is Mine remains one of the greatest Criterion releases
If you love Japanese cinema — Kurosawa, Ozu, Imamura, New Wave films, or anything Criterion — this is a must-watch.

📀 Film: Vengeance Is Mine (1979)
🎬 Director: Shohei Imamura
📚 Criterion Spine #: 384

✨ What’s Your Favorite Japanese Film?
Share your picks in the comments! Have you seen Vengeance Is Mine or any other Imamura films? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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