Based
on a 'tell-all' book by Yakuza lawyer Yukio Yamanouchi about a mob hitman
who would like to retire. The story follows Tachiana and his woman in
their attempt to escape the clutches of the Yakuza only to be sucked back
into the clan through heroic notions of loyalty. The plot escalates into
a bloodbath when a gang of disrespectful young tuffs - oblivious to 'the
old ways' - attempt to outs the big boss and take control.
Like
many contemporary Japanese film masters, director Rokyro Mochizuki broke
into mainstream cinema after cutting his teeth on pink films. His early
efforts include a series of crass projects like Hongan Video: Hagu
[Real Action Video: Skin] and Onnanie Musume [Masturbating
Girl]. In 1987, Mochizuki held a mirror to the porn industry with the
film Skinless Nights, a biting satire of the sex business.
That movie established him as the new cinematic sophisticate, winning
praises from many tough critics. In the ten years that followed, he concentrated
on an exclusive diet of Yakuza film of which this is considered his best.
Ryo
Ishibashi is a familiar Japanese actor who can often be found in Yakuza
actioners including numerous Takashi Miike films (the leading role in
AUDITION,
GOZU,
the star-studded IZOet al). Ryo was also effectively sinister in G@ME
[Game]. Mr Ishibashi is married to Kurosawa actress Mieko Harada,
from RAN [Rebellion], and cult hits DOROROandFIRST
LOVE. Before he started acting, Ryo was a member of the Japanese
rock band ARB.
A
Japanese film with English subtitles; widescreen uncut (106 min.);
for ALL REGIONS, playable on any American DVD machine.
Extras include selected trailers.
Graphic Violence/Nudity/Sexual Brutality
for Mature Audiences
