Tokyo Fist (1995)

Wonderful character development!

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Go in cold, and you're likely to emerge with your blood boiling. This has to be seen to be believed.

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

people compare this to raging bull I don't see any comparison other than it being a boxing film. The film it self has a basic plot of man is stalked by old friend, old friend steals girl, man goes crazy and decides to learn boxing. sounds simple right well if you know the director you know your in for a freaky acid trip similar to tetsuo the iron man not on the same level as its more believable. The violence is over the top and you need to work out some things on your own. In my opinion its more about the girl than either of the men but that's my opinion. I would also like to state that I hate boxing movies but I would recommend this film to everyone its fast paced and never gets dull also has that old grimy scan line look about it and some not bad cinematography so if your fan of the director and tempted to miss it due to the subject matter don't make that mistake.

The first ten minutes are awesome. The movie is very strong, but the quality varies a lot along its development until its bad end. Both the fast paced training scenes and the oppressive Tokyo city footage are very nice. Though, the bizarreness of the story bores. This is a live action film with an anime aesthetics (for anime fans perhaps the movie pleases more). It could be a great movie if it had developed better the main character's ordinary life as a white collar, the chaos of the city (the story does not explore the interesting way the town is shown), the dangerous boxer who tattooes the number of defeated challengers on his shoulder. Less emphasis in body horror and sneezing blood would also contribute to a more satisfactory outcome. The director's brother should be substituted by a better actor. A different and better story for the love triangle would be necessary too. To conclude, the director/writer/actor Shin'ya Tsukamoto has the skills, but lacks good taste and makes bad decisions.

Shinya Tsukamoto is one of the most original directors to date. He's sick, he's twisted, and he's entirely original. I saw Tetsuo, his most famous film, this past January. Now I consider it a masterpiece. It was maybe the only movie that made me scream out loud because of the horror presented. Then this past week I found Tetsuo II: Body Hammer, and found it almost as ingenious as the first. Now I have seen the third of three of his films which has been released on video in the United States: Tokyo Fist.In plot, it is little different than Rocky. Just add a love triangle subplot. But in style, it is quite an amazing film. It's enough to break you. I don't think it's as good as the Tetsuo films, but it is an original and great film. 8/10

Have you ever thought that almost every movie you see is bound to be american? Of course I am assuming that you live in the western world and you are living what has been called a perfect life. You go to work in the morning, then you return home to eat, watch maybe a little television or read a book and go to bed. That is how it is Japan too. But Tsukamoto doesn't think that way. He goes BEYOND that. And it isn't pretty whatever he sees. His movies has the same elements every time. Fast Editing and persons at the moment before they get a mental breakdown. Expect a dark, dark movie. He uses symbolism more than american presidents have lied and violence as a metaphore. I shouldn't tell what. This movie is bound to make you think for some weeks. And that can be nice? P.S Be sure not to miss his next film "Gemini". I saw it at Bergen International Film Festival and I am stunned.