Black Test Car

I read about this movie many years ago, and was delighted to be able to order it. For car fans, auto industry followers, and even noir afficionados, it's a must-have.The early Sixties skinny-tie styles are perfect period, and the strains as the Japanese auto industry heaves itself mightily into competition with the rest of the world ring true. Plus it's just way fun to watch.Totally worth it.

Many people don't believe that industrial espionage exists, or that if it does, that it's on a very small scale and not that big of a deal. While a fictitious 1960's era Japanese movie may not change that perception, "Black Test Car's" foray into that world will leave many people wondering how many car problems are based on internal coverups versus competitive sabotage. The media driven fury, ruined lives, and bankrupted companies highlighted here are akin to Toyota's stuck gas pedals, the Pinto's exploding tank, Nader's Corsair, and the "failures" of the Hudson abd Edsel. Before the advent of computers there was not much more of a cut-throat industial world than the automotive industry, although now that computers are merging with cars maybe there is still much left to be seen."Black Test Car" was directed by Yasuzo Masumura, who seemingly cranked out as many films in Japan as Ford pushed cars off the assembly line. The movie also seems to be a remake of sorts of his previous film, "Giants & Toys", which dealt with corporate espionage in the world of candy confectionary of all things. That film was shot in color with some comedic elements, although the message and effect of both movies was the same. "Black Test Car", shot in black and white with nary a reason to crack a smile throughout, seems like it may have been made at the suggestion of studio exec to make a more gritty, noir like version with the same concept and elements. Having seen both, I don't think "Black Test Car" suffers from that self-plagiarism in any manner (really, there is nothing new under the sun anyways). If anything, it may be better in that Masumura refined and built upon "Giants", making a more complex, harder to figure out story that works on many levels, including as a "who done it".Having enough genuine surprises along the way makes up for a few gaffes (for example, a test car with three occupants is involved in a horrible crash that should kill people in its own right, even before it blows up entirely, yet the only apparent injury is to one engineer seen later with a bandage on his head). A girlfriend's reaction at the end of the film also seems to defy logic, but was probably a studio rather than directorial decision. These can easily be overlooked however because of the film's many other redeeming qualities. The main message at the end is delivered a little heavy handed, but was also probably typical given the times. Besides that, the topics, issues, and situations are just as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. The film is paced very well and entertaining from start to finish.In terms of the disc itself, the picture quality is good, the music is non-distracting, and the sub-titles are clear. This is an easy pick-up for anyone who likes Japanese films from this era, or for those who would like to see a precursor to some more modern westerm films such as "Wallstreet". 4 1/2 stars.

Beauty of Amazon is finding an early 60's Japanese classic movie like this! Very dark humor along with interesting automobile story to go with it. Melodramatic acting, which seems typical of the genre - at least when compared to modern cinema, adds to period charm.

Very good movie. If you are looking to get into 60-70's Japanese Cinema, or if you are already a fan, this is the perfect movie. What could be a better backdrop for a thrilling drama than the cut-throat automotive industry of Japan in the 1960's.Black Test Car is parked in a very good spot within 60's Japanese Cinema, right between the simple and entertaining but intellectually shallow monster and yakuza movies, and the complex and sophisticated yet sometimes lofty and sleepy art movies of the time. It has action, drama, plot twists, and intriguing characters and emotion. Can't really say much more. Don't miss it.

This is great to watch as a companion piece to his 'Giants and Toys.' He was best as a director of movies with a good comic element - when he tried to add humor in other genres it sometimes comes across as in just terrible taste - but even that has its interest I suppose (I'm thinking of Red Angel -- and the gruesome humor and awful situations Ayako Wakao had to act thru.... worse than what she had to put up with in her role in 'Afraid to Die.')

Corporate spys, and such, all as vicious and real today, as potrayed in the film. Great movie, and the extras are good too.This is a fun movie, that can't be paused or stopped.