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The Yakuza (1974)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
March 1975 (USA) moreTagline:
A man never forgets. A man pays his debts. morePlot:
Harry Kilmer returns to Japan after several years in order to rescue his friend George's kidnapped daughter... more | full synopsisPlot Keywords:
User Comments:
A building 70s thriller. Very thoughtful and dramatic yet also punctuated by ACTION! moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Robert Mitchum | ... | Harry Kilmer | |
| Ken Takakura | ... | Tanaka Ken (as Takakura Ken) | |
| Brian Keith | ... | George Tanner | |
| Herb Edelman | ... | Wheat | |
| Richard Jordan | ... | Dusty | |
| Keiko Kishi | ... | Eiko (as Kishi Keiko) | |
| Eiji Okada | ... | Tono (as Okada Eiji) | |
| James Shigeta | ... | Goro | |
| Kyosuke Mashida | ... | Kato | |
| Christina Kokubo | ... | Hanako | |
| Eiji Go | ... | Spider (as Go Eiji) | |
| Lee Chirillo | ... | Louise | |
| M. Hisaka | ... | Boyfriend | |
| William Ross | ... | Tanner's Guard | |
| Akiyama | ... | Tono's Guard |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
Japan:123 min | UK:107 min | USA:112 minColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoCertification:
Finland:K-16 (cut) | Singapore:PG | France:-12 | Canada:14A (video rating) | Norway:15 | Norway:16 (cut) | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:RFun Stuff
Trivia:
This script sold for $300,000 which was the highest amount ever paid for a script at the time. moreGoofs:
Boom mic visible: The boom mic is clearly visible in one scene when Oliver Wheat grabs his cat while telling the story of Eiko to Dusty, the mic appears behind the table and is retracted as Wheat advances. moreQuotes:
Eiko Tanaka: Did you speak to Ken?Harry Kilmer: Yeah
Eiko Tanaka: Does he know we are here?
Harry Kilmer: Sure.
Eiko Tanaka: Is he unhappy?
Harry Kilmer: I'm on my way over to see him now.
Eiko Tanaka: But is he unhappy?
Harry Kilmer: Of course he's unhappy, he's been unhappy ever since he lost the war. I keep trying to tell him it's not his fault, he won't take my word for it.
more
Soundtrack:
Only the Wind moreFAQ
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Your not likely to see a more somber and serious gangster film. I find myself hardpressed to find another film like this with the exception of In Cold Blood that approaches the world of crime in such a somber manner that takes into account all the facets with tone that is 100% not a comedy. This film takes itself extremely seriously. This isn't any Scareface, Goodfellas, or even The Godfather. This is crime told in the same manner as a European character drama. Only the body count suggest the films actiony and possibly exploitative intentions.
The film follows our main character revisiting his old-WW2 roots in Japan, half revisiting loved ones and half going on a mission to rescue his old friend's daughter, who was kidnapped by a Yakuza crime lord. So, we get reconciliation and ponderings about their life in addition to a thickening plot filled with violent set pieces. The characters are extremely thoughtful, and much of the film is based around the choices people choose to make as pertaining to what they see to be their duty and debts.
We also get a very interesting look at Japanese culture and a sizable amount of gore. But still, though, even with today's inhibition about showing violence and fascination with Japan, they wouldn't make mob movies like this anymore.
If you enjoy action with slow-paced character-drama, this is definitely for you.