I think the acting carried it. If you're not used to Japanese films it might seem a bit over the top, but that's a characteristic of the culture reflected in the film style. Overall this is a well-produced story with good characters. Side note: I didn't think the action was unrealistic-- as one reviewer commented -- but it puzzled me that so many cops and criminals were paralyzed with fear when confronted with a threat. That was the main flaw I noticed.
Review of The Blood of Wolves
