Plot: What’s it about?
In the United States we have an underground system of powerful criminals we call the Mafia, but in other countries these groups by other names. In Japan, you’ll find the Yakuza and Triads and these are the folks you don’t want to be on the wrong side of. These people control the exports, drugs, guns, you name it and they always make sure to dip into as many fields as they can, to maximize financial gain. The main base of these groups are found in Japan of course, but smaller bands can be found almost anywhere, even on U.S. soil. In an effort to undermine the activity of the American faction of a Japanese crime syndicate, the FBI sends in a special agent to try to make it inside the organization. Nick Davis (Viggo Mortensen) is chosen and he gives this new assignment everything he has, to fruitful results. As he rises in the eyes of the leaders, he is soon taken in as an official member of the organization. Davis realizes these people are criminals, but he has developed real bonds with some of them, which raises some inner conflicts about right and wrong. As he battles the other mob factions and delves deeper into his new lifestyle, where will Nick’s final loyalties fall?
As far a gun toting triad movies go, American Yakuza falls in the middle range of overall quality. The more you like the genre the better, but it never threatens to become a classic by any means. If you dislike the genre of course, then you won’t even give this one a second thought. The presence of Ryo Ishibashi gives this movie a boost right out of the gate and when he kicks into gear, so does the film. Had the picture focused more on his character this might have been a lot better, but he does bring a lot to the scenes he is in. I would have loved to have his character developed more and all, but I suppose that would have thrown off the storyline’s pace somewhat. The rest of the cast is good, especially Viggo Mortensen in the lead, but some of them just seem out of place in this genre. I think Mortensen is a fine actor and all, but this one should have been a pass for him in the end. The storyline runs full of inner turmoil, betrayal, and other staples of the genre and I don’t think the writing disappoints at all. If you love the genre and need something new to toss in the player, then give this title a chance and see what happens.
The film was directed by Frank A. Cappello, who has limited experience in the business, but still delivers a nice movie. This is a rather detailed and layered storyline, which could throw some directors off base, but Cappello comes through well and the film never becomes jumbled. I also like how he makes sure we get the information we need to make certain decisions about the characters, but never force feeds us too much. As such, we are able to make our own calls without being forced to think about the characters one certain way. The visuals are average most of the time, but when the right pegs fit, the cinematography hits a ten out of ten. So on the whole, Cappello turns in a solid directing effort and I hope to see more from him soon. He also directed another movie in this vein, one titled No Way Back. The lead in this film is played by Viggo Mortensen, who gives a nice all around performance. Mortensen (Crimson Tide, Floundering) has a lot of talent and uses it here, but he seems a little out of place in this role at times. Though he doesn’t have the bulk of screen time, Ryo Ishibashi steals this one with his terrific skills. He might not be a household name, but Ishibashi (The Crossing Guard, Back To Back) is a wonderful talent and one that is due for a real break. The rest of the cast is also good and includes Nicky Katt (Boiler Room, Strange Days), Cristina Lawson (The Shadow, Bloodfight), Michael Nouri (The Hidden, Captain America), and Robert Forster (Supernova, Kiss Toledo Goodbye).
Video: How does it look?
American Yakuza is presented in a full frame transfer, which seems to be an open matte version of the theatrical aspect ratio. I am not sure about that, but I assume so since no visible pan & scan was evident. I’ve always seen this on television, so perhaps it was shot full frame and then matted for a theatrical release, who knows. I think this visual presentation seems like a broadcast version of the film, though a little sharper in the details. Some edge enhancement is seen at times, but no serious compression problems hamper the transfer. There is also some grain on the print used, but nothing that extreme to be honest. Colors seem natural and bright, while contrast is stark and well balanced. Imagine a very sharp television image and that sums up this transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included 2.0 surround track is very good, but some of these action sequences simply plead for a full 5.1 remix. But as it stands, this version still tackles all the material and emerges in fine form, I doubt anyone will find this mix disappointing. I’ve only seen this movie on cable before, so I can easily claim this track to be the best I’ve heard this film sound. The music sounds good and the sound effects come through in active fashion, so no real complaints in those areas. The dialogue is clean and sharp also, no real complaints at all with this mix.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
