Takashi Miike gives us a rollicking good time with this Yakuza thriller which melds a number of storylines which all take place during a hit night in Tokyo. While not as over the top as, say, ICHI THE KILLER or VISITOR Q, this is a violent, insane story with a cast ...of eccentric characters, most of who take an unbelievable amount of punishment and keep on coming. There are some laugh out loud moments and there is no scrimping on the violence. The film is based on a popular Playstation game of all things, but Miike manages to walk the line so that it doesn't devolve into utter silliness. As you watch the film, it's clear that Miike wants the audience to be "in on the joke" and there are several times the film will stop, wink at you, and make that clear. While YAKUZA is not something that'll change your life, it will make you smile. Yakuza film fans, Miike fans, and "games into movie fans" will undoubtedly enjoy this one.
Rating: 3 out of 5
~ Thom Carnell
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