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:

yakuza | fbi | mafia | forklift | undercover agent | 

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Taglines:

The mob has a new enemy.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the shot near the beginning of the inside of a time clock as someone clocks in, an enormous time clock was built by the director and shot in his garage. The paper inserted is about 2 feet wide, and it was shot sideways so that they could just let the heavy stamper drop rather than come up from the side to hit the paper.

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Goofs

(at around 1 min) When the Japanese bodyguard fires the last bullet out of the Thompson machine gun, the scene cuts to a shot of the spent bullet casings hitting the ground. As the shells hit the ground, you can clearly see the that ends of the cartridges, where the bullet exits the shell have been crimped, indicating that these are spent blanks. Real spent bullet casings are smooth.

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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

Ever Lovin' River
Written by Shane Thornton
Performed by X-Piracy
Published © 1991 by Deadtime Music

User Reviews

Action-packed but not a cliche; character really counts.

Another interesting part for Viggo Mortensen. Tracking down his movies is an adventure. He does choose some unusual and fascinating characters to play. Although I don't think this one is exactly play for him; he goes for the gut. He is really in deep. I had to watch this film (DVD) twice to get some of the dialogue, and I wish I spoke Japanese, but it was worth it. (Viggo, with his laconic accent needs to be miked better.) The plot is complicated and there seems to be a plethora of doublecrossing, double dealing bad guys - even the so-called good guys.... but then you should watch this flick. There is some terrific acting all around. And plenty of action.