Yakuza Papers 1: Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973) is a movie I recently rewatched for the first time in a long time on Tubi. The storyline follows the changing of the underground gangsters leaderships pre- and post- bombing of Hiroshima and the rise of Shozo Hirono.
This movie is directed by Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) and stars Bunta Sugawara (Spirited Away), Kunie Tanaka (Sanjuro), Gorô Ibuki (The Fort of Death), Nobuo Kaneko (Ikiru), Toshie Kimura (Three Outlaw Samurai) and Tamio Kawaji (The Warped Ones).
The movie has a great opening establishing characters and the feel for street life in Japan at the time. The family's, both past and present, are also well set up. The street justice, interrogation scenes and revenge kills are very well executed, especially for the era. The level of intensity between characters is well established and bubble over at the right times. The pace of the film is very good and there's just enough action to keep your interest to the final sequences which are sudden and blow your mind. The police, politic and bath house depictions were definitely entertaining. The cars, settings and attire are absolutely excellent and the final shootout is crazy and a perfect way to end the film.
This is a Japanese Godfather type movie that is an underrated gem and an absolute must see. I would score this a 9.5/10 and strongly recommend it.
This movie is directed by Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) and stars Bunta Sugawara (Spirited Away), Kunie Tanaka (Sanjuro), Gorô Ibuki (The Fort of Death), Nobuo Kaneko (Ikiru), Toshie Kimura (Three Outlaw Samurai) and Tamio Kawaji (The Warped Ones).
The movie has a great opening establishing characters and the feel for street life in Japan at the time. The family's, both past and present, are also well set up. The street justice, interrogation scenes and revenge kills are very well executed, especially for the era. The level of intensity between characters is well established and bubble over at the right times. The pace of the film is very good and there's just enough action to keep your interest to the final sequences which are sudden and blow your mind. The police, politic and bath house depictions were definitely entertaining. The cars, settings and attire are absolutely excellent and the final shootout is crazy and a perfect way to end the film.
This is a Japanese Godfather type movie that is an underrated gem and an absolute must see. I would score this a 9.5/10 and strongly recommend it.