This film is allegedly set in the 80's, but it could have been a Japanese remake of an American street gang film of the 50's and 60's. The lead character Ko is played by Shota Matsuda, who is a good actor with a lot of charisma. The film follows Ko and his five friends from the Sanaka region who are in school, but who are always having fights, even when they are outnumbered. Ko will be exactly what Ko is and even the interest of Yui Aragaki, who plays Yamada, will not stop him. It seems he is constantly in fights through the film. The message of the film is ambiguous, it doesn't really take sides on the need for violence issue. It has blood (of course) but, again, it reminds me of street gang films from the United States. Ko even has a d.a. hairstyle (like Henry Winkler's Fonzi from Happy Days, hence the retro idea). I bought the DVD, but don't be fooled by the description on the DVD, this film is not about trading places with an honor student. Its about proving your mettle, but the film doesn't have a decisive message. Watchable but not essential.
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