Two Tokyo detectives (Imanishi and Yoshimura, played by Kensaku Morita and Tetsuro Tamba respectively) investigate the case of an elderly 'John Doe' found inexplicably beaten to death in a rail yard. The film is long (143 minutes) and plot (and sub-plot) complex, so patience and attention are needed (especially if, like me, you are watching a subtitled version) but it's well worth the effort. At times (notably towards the end) the imagery is mesmerising and the characters of Chiyokichi Motoura (Yoshi Kato) and his young son (Kazuhide Haruta) are beautifully rendered. The musical coda is excellent. Recommended.