Honor and Redemption in the Underworld

Read Time:4 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Tokijiro: Lone Yakuza
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Genre: Action, Adventure, History
Year Released: 1966, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Tai Katô
Writer(s): Shin Hasegawa, Masahiro Kakefuda, Naoyuki Suzuki
Cast: Kinnosuke Nakamura, Junko Ikeuchi, Jiro Okazaki, Keiko Yumi, Yōko Mihara, Nijiko Kiyokawa, Kiyoshi Atsumi
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order here: www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the shadowy corners of the yakuza world with Tai Katô's film, TOKIJIRO: LONE YAKUZA doesn't just chart the life of a “gangster” but delves into the moral quandaries and battles that come with the territory. As we follow Tokijiro, whose role is captured by Kinnosuke Nakamura, we see a man wrestling with the stringent demands of the criminal codes and his moral compass. The movie sets a dark, intense tone from the start, ideally setting up the stage for a narrative packed with ethical conflicts and personal strife.

What sets TOKIJIRO: LONE YAKUZA apart from typical yakuza dramas is its deep dive into the personal cost of a life entwined with crime. As Tokijiro confronts the consequences of a murder committed to fulfill duties, he embarks on a journey of redemption, which drives him to protect the deceased's family. This introspective look at redemption examines the burdens of legacy and the possibilities for moral recovery even within the depths of decay.

Under Katô’s direction, the film employs a unique cinematographic style that relies heavily on low angles and long takes. This grounding of the narrative in a raw, palpable reality pulls the audience into the heart of Tokijiro’s tumultuous life. The movie’s visual storytelling enriches the experience, enhancing immersion into the complex layers of the protagonist's struggles.

The narrative is punctuated with themes of sacrifice, seen through Tokijiro's interactions and evolving relationships, particularly with Asakichi and Okinu, the widow. These relationships bring a poignant emotional depth to the storyline, illustrating the severe implications of loyalty and honor in the yakuza world.

TOKIJIRO: LONE YAKUZA shuns the typical glorification of violence, opting for a more reflective approach that considers the broader implications of violence on the human psyche. The film’s climax intertwines raw emotional moments with sequences of calculated violence, magnifying the profound messages at its core.

Kinnosuke Nakamura’s portrayal of Tokijiro is nothing short of riveting. He brings a layered authenticity to the character, making Tokijiro’s internal battles resonate with intensity. This performance adds depth to the film, making Tokijiro a formidable and profoundly relatable character.

Katô’s storytelling subverts traditional yakuza film tropes, prioritizing character development over plot. This contemplative approach invites viewers to ponder the intricate dance of honor, redemption, and the personal tolls exacted by strict adherence to moral and ethical codes.

TOKIJIRO: LONE YAKUZA transcends simple yakuza cinema to explore the impacts of life choices, the burdens of duty, and the possibility of redemption. It’s a standout piece that encourages deep reflection on the human condition through the lens of a yakuza’s life. Guided by masterful direction and a powerful central performance, it is brought to you in a restoration from Radiance Films, paying honor to the film’s past.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
High-Definition digital transfer
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Interview with film critic Koushi Ueno about the film’s place in genre cinema history (2024)
A visual essay on star Kinnosuke Nakamura by Japanese cinema expert Robin Gatto (2024)
New and improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by scholar Ivo Smits and a newly translated archival review
Limited Edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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