This was, BY FAR, one of the best Yakuza movies i have ever seen. From the graphic violence to the internal politics of the Japanese mafia, these movies earn a well deserved place in anyone's mafia library. The series follows the life of Shozo Hirono, an ex WWII Japanese soldier, and his rise and fall within the tumultuous ranks of the Yakuza. The movie chronicles the violent start of the Japanese mafia to about the end of the 70's. I really enjoyed the ENTIRE series, but i felt that it lost its gusto towards the end of the 5th movie, and it ended in a very "japanese" way: with commentary and non violent closure. Hirono retires unscathed, and walks off into the veritable sunset.. Other than the lame ending, the ENTIRE SERIES is straight up and down, one of the most awesome and REALISTIC views into the secret world of the yakuza, that i have ever had the absolute pleasure of viewing.
