Matsunaga (Mifune) is a young, low-level, yakuza boss of a small town. He is diagnosed with Tuberculosis while being treated for a gun shot wound to the hand, by Doctor Sanada (Shimura). Matsunaga's disease and descent towards death, reveals the pitfalls and isolation of the yakuza lifestyle. Sanada has a steadfast dedication to helping his
Continue reading ➞ Drunken Angel (醉いどれ天使) (Yoidore Tenshi) (1948)
Daisuke Itō's three part series tells the story of robin hood style folk hero Kunisada Chuji. Praised at release in 1927, the was lost until partially found in the 1990s. The film follows anecdotal tales of Chuji's honor and dignity as he leads his band of fugitives. Instead of self glory and self preservation at
Continue reading ➞ A Diary of Chuji’s Travels (忠次旅日記) (Chuji Tabi Nikki) (1927)
Takeshi Kitano's Brother brings a member of the yakuza to L.A. where he runs into the mafia. While not Kitano's best film, namely Zatoichi, Sonatine, or Kikujiro, I still applaud his attempt to bring his style to an American audience. In the end, the story has been done before and the acting is silly at times.
