The Yakuza (1975)

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

I saw this movie several times when I was twenty something then several times when thirty something and just watched again as fifty something.. boy oh boy, it is still a friggin awesome movie. It just doesn't date. The script is thoughtful, respectful to culture and very mature.If you are looking for a ton of useless violence then move along, it is not about that. In fact, some of the fight scenes are pretty realistic from the point of view that the antagonists appear to be well aware of their mortality and show their hesitation in putting their lives on the line. There is no riddling nor intricate plot - it is straightforward and easy to follow yet portrays a brilliant story of respect, honour and tradition. Robert Mitchum and Ken Takakura are simply brilliant. Sydney Pollack directs yet another masterpiece. If you have never seen this movie, it just has to be on the bucket list.

This is just so good I can't believe that not only had I not seen it but not even heard of it. Screenplay by Paul Schrader (and his brother) just before he did Taxi Driver should have drawn attention but then maybe the Scorsese film took all the attention. Sydney Pollack's direction is assured and he gets great performances from everyone, but I reckon it is the script thats the thing. Moreover it is the only US film I have ever seen that seems to have the vaguest notion of Japan and it culture. So much of this rings true that it tingles with the excitement. The 70s streets of Tokyo and Kyoto are something to behold and the believable interaction between the main characters quite fabulous. There is bloody action here but for a film with such a title nothing like as much as expected, and all the better for it. Love, memory, betrayal, loyalty and repayment of debts both financial and emotional are all here - oh and Robert Mitchum and ken Takakura are great.

There's a seductive quality to the opening of "The Yakuza", between the score and the stylized credit sequence, that just draws you in. I get lost in its attractiveness. It's kinda like "Chinatown" in that regard, but I was surprised at just how nice this movie is to look at. They captured Japan's outdoor beauty, the sets are striking (really dig Herb Edelman's open floorplan house), and the Kyoto Convention Center is amazing.But the film's real power lies in its well-written story, which drags grizzled Robert Mitchum back to Japan only to be mixed up in the workings of the Japanese mob. It's here that we get a crash course on the discipline, sacrifice and honor (twisted though it may be for some of these people) that make up this culture; and just how one's life can be made or broken over the importance of a debt to another person. "The Yakuza" isn't without its shootouts, but they culminate in a truly fine swordfight - one that sees one man stare down many. The movie's final moments with Mitchum and Takakura is a moving piece of cinema, and one hell of an ending. There's a profound sadness once we hit the end credits, but it's a story very well told.Side note: if you're a comics reader, this pairs remarkably well with the Claremont/Miller run on Wolverine.10/10

When visiting Japan, I learned westerners, especially Americans often insult their Japanese hosts easily, yet are hardly ever admonished for their bad manners. Instead, the Japanese pretend as if the infraction is one any child makes and therefore is politely corrected. Honoring their parents by correcting their guests is done in such a way as to bring honor to the task and therefore is not done with any malice. That then is the premise of this film "The Yakuza." Our hero Harry Kilmer, (Robert Mitchum) is a former American soldier who was a Military Police officer during the occupation of Japan. Unbeknownst at the time, he found what he thought was a widow and her child who could use some sympathy and financial help. What Kilmer did not know was that her husband, Tanaka Ken (Ken Takakura)who was believed dead, returns and learns Kilmer did what he as the husband was suppose to do and feels obligated to remain silent. Years pass and now an old friend of Kilmer, George Tanner (Brian Keith) sends for him seeking help against a Yakuza gang who has kidnapped his daughter. Kilmer decides to ask Goro (James Shigeta) for his brother Ken's help and since Ken cannot refuse, is obligated to help. Richard Jordan is Dusty who although works for the rival, switches side and helps Kilmer. What Kilmer is unaware of is that his friend does not tell him the truth and thus endangers both men. The film is filled with subtle power and like the people of Japan worthy of deep respect as one learns the true meaning of friendship and Giri; obligation. An excellent piece of film culture which obligates a reviewer to grant the movie the status of Classic. ****