Every country has its ‘Beast on the Loose’ film. While the apex might be ‘Jaws’, classics like ‘Tremors’, ‘The Host’, ‘Razorback’ and many others besides are a reminder of the mileage in the concept. Among the lesser known options is Japan’s entry, the Sonny Chiba-directed ‘Remains’ (also known by the much more enticing international title of ‘Yellow Fangs’), a film that, it becomes apparent when the end credits roll, deserves greater recognition.
In 1915, a mountain village in Japan finds itself at the mercy of vicious bear attacks. The main antagonist is nicknamed ‘Red Spot’ who, as the film opens, has completed a suitably brutal attack on a family. The villagers band together to kill ‘Red Spot’ but the bear soon disappears and the attacks stop. Having lost her family in the attacks, Yuki has continued to be vigilant and returns to her home a few years later a changed woman. Her friend Haiyaku (Sanada) who, it was hoped, she would have married before leaving years before, is now the chief defender of the community and waits for the inevitable return of ‘Red Spot’.
Most ‘Beast on the Loose’ films start with a bang and ‘Yellow Fangs’ is no exception, opening with a ‘Razorback’-style attack that rattles the viewer immediately. It’s intentionally shocking and sets up the idea that no-one is safe in this movie (which is based on a true story), a fact that adds tension from the very beginning. While ‘Yellow Fangs’ settles into the usual ‘Beast on the Loose’ quiet after the initial attack, this becomes a chance to introduce characters and this is where lesser films tend to stumble; it’s easy to get the visceral threat right, but another thing to create interest in the moments of relative calm. ‘Yellow Fangs’ is well written enough to give the viewer characters to care about and whose journey you are interested in, meaning when the sporadic raids happen, they have even more impact.
‘Yellow Fangs’ benefits from a splendidly evocative Japanese mountain setting which becomes a character in the film. The snowy peaks and dusted forests add another layer to what is already a fascinating film, creating that sense of isolation and hardship that increases the threat. By the time the finale arrives, there has been so much invested in the different aspects of the production that the closing action really hits home. It’s surprising that this is one of only a few films that Sonny Chiba directed as he handles every aspect so well, especially in a challenging filming location. Hiroyuki Sanada, who we are now used to being an international star, is as magnetic as always while Mika Muramatsu has plenty of gumption in the female lead role.
‘Yellow Fangs’ is an excellent creature feature that may have slipped under the radar for many audiences. Hopefully, Sanada’s burgeoning reputation worldwide might mean that this changes soon.
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