SEIJUN Suzuki and Kinji Fukasaku are two of the filmmakers Quentin Tarantino says inspired his “Kill Bill” doubleheader.
It figures, since the Japanese auteurs have achieved cult status among Tarantino and fellow film geeks.
Coinciding with the release of “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” the Japan Society is showing a film each by Suzuki (“Zigeunerwisen”) and Fukasaku (“Blackmail Is My Life”).
“Both directors are known for their unique cinematic images,” says Japan Society curator Kyoko Hirano.
Now in his 80s, Suzuki made his name with sex-and-violence-filled flicks in an array of genres, from yakuza to soft-core porn.
He’s probably best known for “Branded to Kill” (1967), featuring a hit man with a fetish for boiled rice.
Asked about that particular obsession, Suzuki explained, “It’s because he’s a Japanese assassin. If he were Italian, he’d get turned on by macaroni, right?”
Suzuki’s “Zigeunerwisen” (1980), showing Oct. 17, is set in the 1930s and, according to the Japan Society, “Portrays the intricate relationship of two couples floating between time and space, reality and hallucination.”
Fukasaku, who died in January at age 72, is famed for high-octane mob thrillers like “Graveyard of Honor and Humanity” (1975) and “Yakuza Graveyard” (1976).
He also helmed the kill-the-kids bloodbath “Battle Royale” (2000), which still has not been released here – and probably never will be. Too controversial.
A notorious womanizer, Fukasaku is reported to have nixed drugs that might have helped his fight against cancer because he feared they would hurt his sex life.
His “Blackmail Is My Life” (1968), unreeling Oct. 27, follows the exploits of a young swinger who will do anything to preserve his lifestyle.
You’ll find the Japan Society on East 47th Street, between First and Second avenues; (212) 832-1155.