Pale Flower (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Pale Flower from The Criterion Collection is a Japanese-language Blu-ray crime drama directed by Masahiro Shinoda. The listing describes a newly released yakuza becoming involved with a gambling addict, and includes an interview, selected-scene audio commentary, and the original theatrical trailer.

At a glance

Japanese New Wave gangster romance directed by Masahiro Shinoda.
English subtitles are listed for the Japanese-language film.
Special features include a director interview, selected-scene commentary on score and sound design, and the original theatrical trailer.
The listing gives a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Often bought together

Tokyo Drifter (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

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Pros and cons

Pros

The three listed extras offer context from the director and commentary focused on the film's score and sound design.
English subtitles are specified for the Japanese-language presentation.
A single-disc format keeps the listed edition straightforward.

Technical specifications

17 specifications

Disc and film
Format	Blu-ray
Number of discs	1
Runtime	1 hour and 36 minutes
Aspect ratio	2.35:1
Language	Japanese
Subtitles	English
Genre	Action & Adventure
Rating	NR (Not Rated)

Credits and release
Director	Masahiro Shinoda
Contributors	Chisako Hara, Eijiro Tono, Mariko Kaga, Masahiro Shinoda, Ryo Ikebe, Takashi Fujiki
Studio	Criterion Collection
Release date	May 17, 2011
Item model number	17028019

Special features
Director interview	Interview with director Masahiro Shinoda
Audio commentary	Selected-scene audio commentary on the film's score and sound design by film scholar Peter Grilli
Trailer	Original theatrical trailer

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.2 ounces

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers collecting Criterion Collection editions of Japanese cinema.
Fans of Masahiro Shinoda and Japanese New Wave crime films.
Buyers looking for English-subtitled Japanese-language cinema with supplemental interview and commentary.

Less suited to

Viewers who need a film rated for age suitability, since the listing marks it NR.
Buyers seeking a 4K UHD edition, as the listed format is Blu-ray.

Pale Flower (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 81 ratings

5 stars81%81%
4 stars8%8%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars4%4%
1 star4%4%

The aggregate ratings lean strongly toward the top star category, though a smaller share fall in lower categories. That provides a generally favorable but limited signal about customer reception. No written review themes are supplied, so it does not establish particular strengths or explain the less favorable ratings.

Frequently asked questions

What language and subtitle options are listed?

The film's language is listed as Japanese, with English subtitles.

What special features are included?

The listing names an interview with director Masahiro Shinoda, selected-scene audio commentary by film scholar Peter Grilli on the score and sound design, and the original theatrical trailer.

How long is Pale Flower?

The listed runtime is 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Is this a 4K edition?

No. The listing identifies this edition as Blu-ray.