Complex Portrait of Anti-Hero Unfolds Across Trilogy

Read Time:4 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Game Trilogy (The Most Dangerous Game/Mottomo kiken na yuugi, The Killing Game/Satsujin yugi, The Execution Game/Shokei yugi)
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Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller, Drama
Year Released: 1978/1978/1979, 2023 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 4h 41m
Director(s): Tôru Murakawa
Writer(s): Hideichi Nagahara/Koji Hama, Susumu Saji/Shoichi Maruyama
Cast: Yûsaku Matsuda, Keiko Tasaka, Ichirô Araki, Hiroshi Nawa, Daigo Kusano, Kei Satô, Kôjirô Kusanagi, Kai Atô, Yutaka Nakajima, Kaori Takeda, Aiko Morishita, Hiroshi Shimizu
Where To Watch: available June 20, pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, www.arrowvideo.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of the GAME TRILOGY, a fascinating collection of films that collectively spin the complex tale of protagonist Shohei Narumi thanks to the consistently intriguing performance of Yûsaku Matsuda and the daring vision of director Tôru Murakawa, we get to witness Narumi's journey unfold across the three films, a deadly combination of over the top anti-hero insanity. All three films have been beautifully restored and preserved, offering an experience that feels like you’re sitting in the theater in the late 70s.

The complete Yakuza Film Trilogy is available outside Japan for the first time! The series' introductory film, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, introduces us to Narumi, a hitman fond of high-stakes gambling. It's a significant risk, yet one that perfectly encapsulates his character. This character was brought to life through Murakawa's innovative directorial style, creative narrative craftsmanship, and Matsuda’s stellar performances. The film takes the audience through the winding alleys of corporate power struggles. This initial film is a unique piece of Japanese gangster action film history, skillfully blending dark humor, a dash of cynicism, and heart-racing suspense wrapped up that perfect 70s atmosphere, underscored by a soulful jazz soundtrack.

THE KILLING GAME, see Narumi seemingly turning over a new leaf, leaving the shadows of his past behind and seeking solace in a life of simplicity. But his life has never been easy, and this man who has tried to escape his past sees old wounds ruthlessly ripped open as he is sucked back in, culminating in a climax that resonates with the harsh truth that you can never truly outrun your past.

Rounding out the trilogy is THE EXECUTION GAME (my favorite of the three, although they were all enjoyable.) Here, we find Narumi, disoriented, in an isolated room, with no idea of what is transpiring outside. Trapped within the boundaries of his fragmented memories of a mysterious woman, a disastrous event, and an unexpected job proposal, he's reluctantly roped back into his former life yet again with an assignment to take out a past associate. The film plunges into darker territories as we observe Narumi balancing on the precarious tightrope of mortality. The eerie atmosphere of this final chapter is accentuated by Matsuda's haunting performance and genuinely chilling score. This film shows Narumi's evolution over the trilogy, underscoring the multifaceted themes of solitude, survival, and a touch of honor in the face of prevalent cynicism.

The GAME TRILOGY provides a deep dive into the psyche of Shohei Narumi. This cinematic odyssey keeps viewers riveted from the first frame to the final credits in a perfect binge (just under five hours total, admit it, you’ve all binged a streaming series longer than that!) Under the brilliant direction of Tôru Murakawa and the nuanced performance by actor Yûsaku Matsuda, Narumi metamorphoses from the fearless killer in THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME to a reclusive and mysterious figure in THE EXECUTION GAME. This transformation is as absorbing as it is melancholic, offering a powerful exploration of a character who exists within the confines of society but also, apart from it, an intriguing amalgam of danger, allure, and loneliness. Can I just say how nice it is to see a trilogy with the same director and same lead actor in all three films! It makes for a more seamless experience that feels like they belong together instead of disjointed individual films.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentations of all films
Original lossless mono Japanese soundtracks
Optional newly translated English subtitles
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the films by Hayley Scanlon and Dimitri Ianni
DISC 1: THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME
Brand new audio commentary by Chris Poggiali and Marc Walkow
The Action Man, a 30-minute interview with director Toru Murakawa
Original Japanese theatrical trailer
Image Gallery
DISC 2: THE KILLING GAME & THE EXECUTION GAME
Brand new audio commentary on The Killing Game by Earl Jackson and Jasper Sharp
Brand new audio commentary on The Execution Game by Tom Mes
Remembering Yusaku Matsuda, an interview with Yutaka Oki, film critic and personal friend of Yusaku Matsuda
Game Changer, an interview with The Execution Game screenwriter Shoichi Maruyama
Original Japanese theatrical trailers for both films
Image galleries for both films

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO/MVD ENTERTAINMENT]