Yoichi Sai's 'Doing Time' (2002) R1 USA DVD September 26th 2006.

The curse of the generic artwork strikes again, didn't notice what I had been looking at in pre-order listings for the past few weeks, that is until yesterday. For all those then that enjoyed Sai's recent film with Takeshi Kitano, the cracking 'Blood & Bones', a slightly earlier film makes a surprise appearance a few years down the line in America thanks to Parlour Pictures.

Synopsis from Facets, "Based on the manga comic by Hanawa Kazuichi, this lyrical prison drama chronicles the regimented lives of five criminal offenders in Japan. With nothing to do aside from crossword puzzles, menial chores, and obsessing over their next meal, the incarcerated protagonists of Yoichi Sai's drama lead lives marked by absurdity, existential humor, and quiet sadness. "Subtle and subversive... splendidly done" (Donald Richie)."

Parlour Pictures Official Site.
'Doing Time' Review by Donald Richie.
'Doing Time' at eFilm Critic.
'Doing Time' Review at Variety.
'Doing Time' Review at Heroic Cinema.

Pre-order the DVD here.