Killers on Parade

Masahiro Shinoda's 1961 Japanese film follows a contractor who targets a woman journalist. To get the job done he hires several young killers, all after the same target and none aware of the others. The humour comes from that crowd. None of the killers can manage the work and they get in each other's way; the narrative deliberately dissipates its tension and makes the idea of assassination ridiculous. Shinoda was among the studio's young directors and this is one of his early works. The narrative uses song sequences and direct address; the tone is sardonic and the pace high. Shima Iwashita is in the cast. Who it's for: those who like Japanese genre cinema of the sixties and sardonic comedy. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a serious crime narrative; the film mocks the genre throughout.