American Yakuza (1993)

An American FBI agent is lured away by the Japanese Mafia--the Yakuza--in this action film.

Director:

Frank A. Cappello (as Frank Cappello)

Writers:

Takashige Ichise (story) (as Taka Ichise), Max Strom (screenplay)

Stars:

Viggo Mortensen, Ryo Ishibashi, Michael Nouri

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Viggo Mortensen	...	Nick Davis / David Brandt
Ryo Ishibashi	...	Shuji Sawamoto
Michael Nouri	...	Dino Campanela
Franklyn Ajaye	...	Sam
Yuji Okumoto	...	Kazuo
Anzu Lawson	...	Yuko (as Cristina Lawson)
Robert Forster	...	Littman
John Fujioka	...	Isshin Tendo
Nicky Katt	...	Vic
Jimmy Taenaka	...	Taka (as James Katsuyuki Taenaka)
Saiko Isshiki	...	Aya
Fritz Mashimo	...	Okazaki
Jeff Bankert	...	Medical Student
Rosine 'Ace' Hatem	...	Agent #1
John Hammil	...	Agent #2

Storyline

When Nick Davis leaves prison after one year in solitaire, he is hired to operate forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo. The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia leaded by Dino Campanela and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto, who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate in the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko forces him to help his Japanese family.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | showdown | hero | yakuza | fbi | 

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Taglines:

In America, they call it the Mafia... In Japan, they call it Yakuza... When they meet, they call it war!

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Viggo Mortensen, on being asked why he took the role: "I was quite broke and needed a job."

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Goofs

When the mobster empties the Thompson sub machine gun,the shot of the casings shows the brass as crimped,which are blanks.

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Alternate Versions

The 18-rated German video version was cut for violence in many scenes. The TV-Version and the DVD-Release are also cut

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Connections

Followed by Back to Back (1996)

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Soundtracks

Won't Be Long
Written by Bro.KORN
Published © 1990 by Burning Publishers Co., Ltd. & FUJIPACIFIC MUSIC INC.

User Reviews

Much Better Than Average Budget Flick

Nice cinematography, catchy music. The action sequences are better than most cable movies, but not quite Woo, Cameron, or McTiernan.

I personally enjoyed the plot. I like the conflicted feelings an undercover cop feels when torn between loyalty to friends and duty. (Or actually the conflict the viewers feel.) And IMHO I think the story is also above average for typical cable actioners.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 December 1993 (Japan)

Also Known As:

American yakuza

Filming Locations:

Echo Park Lake, Echo Park, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, NEO Motion Pictures, Overseas FilmGroup

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color