Betrayal and Loyalty Amongst the Yakuza

Read Time:4 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Wolves, Pigs, and Men (Ôkami to buta to ningen)
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Genre: Action
Year Released: 1964, 2024 Eureka Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Kinji Fukasaku
Writer(s): Kinji Fukasaku, Jun'ya Satô
Cast: Ken Takakura, Rentaro Mikuni, Kinya Kitaoji, Shinjirô Ehara, Sanae Nakahara, Hiroko Shima, Jiro Okazaki, Shunji Kasuga
Where To Watch: available August 19, 2024, as part of The Masters of Cinema Series; pre-order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: WOLVES, PIGS, AND MEN, directed by Kinji Fukasaku, unravels the complex world of crime, loyalty, and familial decay against the gritty backdrop of 1960s Japan. This yakuza drama delves deep into the lives of three brothers trapped in the clutches of organized crime, revealing the dark heart of human nature through a lens of raw, uncompromising storytelling. While it may not hold the iconic status of Fukasaku's later works, it is a pivotal exploration for those intrigued by the genesis of yakuza cinema and the more profound, often unsettling human stories within.

In post-war Japan, the eldest brother, Kuroki, carves a path into the murky depths of the yakuza, pulling his younger siblings, Jiro and Sabu, into the violent whirlpool of the underworld. The film brilliantly captures the erosion of their bonds as their allegiances shift from blood ties to criminal alliances. The narrative arc is a powerful reflection on how deeply crime can seep into and disintegrate personal relationships, leaving lasting scars on what was once sacred.

The film's style is a standout, as Fukasaku's direction marries the harshness of realism with artistic flair, pulling from the French New Wave and American noir to create a visually jarring experience that echoes the brothers' tumultuous lives. Techniques like quick cuts, handheld shots, and freeze frames amplify the chaos and instability that envelop the characters. At the same time, Isao Tomita's score underscores the film with an unsettling and captivating rhythm.

Drama escalates when Jiro, recently released from prison, ensnares Sabu in a high-stakes heist with promises of fast cash. However, the plan spirals into a betrayal-ridden nightmare, pushing each brother to the edge, revealing their vulnerabilities, and forcing them to confront the ultimate price of their choices. The betrayal reaches a boiling point when Sabu, cornered and deceived, makes a drastic move that sets off a catastrophic chain of events, putting their brotherhood and survival on the line.

Fukasaku doesn't shy away from depicting the yakuza world with brutal honesty. The characters, especially Jiro, who manipulates his brothers as mere chess pieces, and Sabu, who struggles between subservience and the fight for self-governance, are portrayed against a backdrop that challenges conventional notions of morality and justice. This stark narrative invites viewers to question who genuinely are the predators and the prey in a world with moral ambiguity.

Loyalty—or the lack thereof—emerges as the film's central theme, presenting itself as a rare commodity within the brothers' bleak reality. The film thoughtfully explores how each brother's dilemma with loyalty leads to dire consequences, weaving a story that's as much about the choices one makes as it is about the inescapable repercussions that follow.

Despite the heavy themes, the film avoids becoming an exercise in gratuitous violence. Instead, it offers a thoughtful critique of the characters' decisions, framing the violence as a tragic but inevitable facet of their existence. This measured approach enhances the film’s authenticity and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.

The performances by Ken Takakura and Kinya Kitaoji are particularly noteworthy. They capture the complex duality of being tethered by blood yet torn apart by the criminal world. Their portrayals enrich the narrative, adding layers to an already compelling storyline and affirming WOLVES, PIGS, AND MEN as a profound study in character development and directorial insight.

Acknowledging its modest budget and the director's evolving cinematic style, WOLVES, PIGS, AND MEN is a testament to Fukasaku’s formative directorial skills. It serves as a raw, insightful prelude to his more celebrated works. It remains a potent, standalone gem in the annals of Japanese cinema, offering a stark, unfiltered look into the depths of human nature and the shadows of the criminal underworld.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju)
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a restoration of the original film elements supplied by Toei
Original Japanese audio track (uncompressed LPCM mono)
Audio commentary track by Jasper Sharp
Interview with screenwriter Junya Sato
Interview with producer Tatsu Yoshida
Interview with Kinji Fukasaku’s biographer, Sadao Yamane
Trailer
A collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Japanese cinema expert Joe Hickinbottom

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]

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