Take Aim at the Police Van (1960)

Under the cloak of night, a master marksman orchestrates a ruthless assault on a police van, extinguishing the lives of two prisoners in its cold, metallic confines. Tamon, the dutiful yet unassuming guard on duty, is suspended in the aftermath of this calculated carnage. Yet, instead of wallowing in the sting of professional disgrace, he embarks on an arduous journey to uncover the truth behind the brutal executions. As Tamon meticulously combs through the lives of the victims, he becomes entangled in a web of enigmatic relatives, past lovers, and shadowy figures who once shared their confined space. Every clue he unearths, every tidbit he discovers, slowly threads together the complex tapestry of a chilling conspiracy. His relentless pursuit of justice draws him towards the Hamaju Agency, an organization shrouded in whispers of illicit activities. With its owner behind bars, the elusive Yuko, his enigmatic daughter, emerges as an intriguing figure, constantly surfacing in Tamon's path. Is her recurring presence coincidence, or is she a crucial piece in this intricate puzzle? Guided by his unwavering belief in humanity's inherent goodness, Tamon continues his quest for truth. But as the body count rises and coincidences metamorphose into sinister patterns, he must confront the looming specter of his own mortality. Can Tamon unravel the mystery before he becomes the next casualty? And who, in this murky world of deceit, is the formidable Akiba? "Take Aim at the Police Van" is a thrilling journey through a labyrinth of secrets and lies, where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between hunter and prey blurs with every step.

Take Aim at the Police Van is an action movie featuring Michitarō Mizushima and directed by Seijun Suzuki.

Take Aim at the Police Van is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.