GONIN is one of the best Japanese movies I've seen. It's use of symbols and dreams in almost every scene makes it a bit hard to get into at the first watching, but if you see it several times, you will see why this is one of the highlights of Ishii.
The story is easy to follow and is about five men trying to rip of the Yakuza. Things doesn't go exactly as planned (do they ever?), and they end up chased instead.
This could have been a really bad film because of the simple plot, but because of the extremely powerful characters, the complex figures that we see and with full blown motives of everyone involved, this gets to be a very interesting and good movie.
I've seen this movie about five times now, and I must say that it has grown. I see new things and can explore side-plots still, which is why I keep coming back to this wonderful film.
If you think it is too slow, too weird, too violent, too Japanese or antyhing like that, maybe you should give it a second chance.
This is NOT your standard action movie. This is NOT Violent Cop or a HK-film. This is pure drama with an action movie thrown into the mix. Beautifully made, with exploring of gay sexuality, mafia psychology, more true characters than any other action film. It's a gem.
I've voted 9 of 10. I would have given it a 10 if I had thought what I think of this movie the first time I saw it. Now, it might be a bit too complex, but that again just makes it a film that will be nice to see in ten years from now.
Very good film.
