Overview: A television executive’s nine mistresses conspire with his wife to have him killed. When Miwako, one of the mistresses, tells him of the plot, he decides to fake his own death in front of them all.

The women panic and deny that they were ever serious about the murder, while Miwako even takes her own life in remorse. But when they find out the man is still alive, they put their original plan back into action.

Given complete creative freedom, Kon Ichikawa made this dark satire that is one of the undiscovered gems of Japan’s cinematic Golden Age. Featuring a stunning cast of Daiei studio divas and striking monochrome photography by Setsuo Kobayashi (Blind Beast), this is a merciless dissection of social relations and gender roles in affluent post-war Japan, scripted by Natto Wada.

Blu-ray Verdict: Ten Black Women is a dramedy centering the collaborative and conflicting schemes of a wife and nine mistresses who plot to murder a womanizing TV producer. It’s clever and kooky and I appreciate how Kaze (the womanizer) finds himself trapped in a “prison” of his own design by the end.

The humor works well also. It’s surprisingly hilarious in several spots. I really love the premise. Still, the movie wasn’t executed the best, in my humble opinion, especially insofar as characterization. A small point, perhaps, but this is why I am here, after all.

Personally, I would love a remake (movie or limited series) that allows for more development of Kaze’s lovers as well as his relationship with each woman. Several mistresses hardly spoke, if at all. More focus on characterization and the complicated relationships would’ve made the tangled web Kaze weaved more compelling to witness; especially when the schadenfreude ripens and machinations unfold.

That said, and overall, I think this is a really decent and worthwhile watch that features a stunning cast of Daiei studio divas and striking monochrome photography by Setsuo Kobayashi (Blind Beast). In short, this is a merciless dissection of social relations and gender roles in affluent post-war Japan. [S.N.]

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
4K restoration by Kadokawa Pictures
Original uncompressed mono audio
The Kon Ichikawa Story: a feature-length documentary directed by Shunji Iwai, featuring Ichikawa and his wife and screenwriter, Natto Wada
Trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Yuka Kimbara

Ten Women In Black (1961) [ORIGINAL TRAILER]

Official Purchase Link

www.radiancefilms.co.uk