Love and Betrayal in the Yakuza Underworld

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sympathy for the Underdog [Limited Edition] (Bakuto gaijin butai)
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Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1971, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Kinji Fukasaku
Writer(s): Kinji Fukasaku, Fumio Kônami, Hirô Matsuda
Cast: Koji Tsuruta, Tomisaburō Wakayama, Noboru Andō, Tsunehiko Watase, Asao Koike, Hideo Murota, Akiko Kudō
Where To Watch: available June 25, 2024; pre-order here UK www.radiancefilms.co.uk or US www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SYMPATHY FOR THE UNDERDOG hits with a powerful punch, blending traditional yakuza drama with the sharp edges of corporate crime. In this stirring narrative, Koji Tsuruta's portrayal of Gunji emerges from a decade in prison, where he finds that a new breed of corporate criminals has overtaken the yakuza world he knew. Determined not to be sidelined, Gunji heads to Okinawa, where he can reassert his old-school values in a place where corporate influence has yet to corrupt.

Kinji Fukasaku directs this film with a keen eye on the evolution of yakuza culture from a code of honor to a cutthroat corporate battleground. The transition involves changing tactics and profoundly transforming the underworld's essence. Set against the backdrop of strategically important Okinawa, the film unfolds amidst the complexities of geopolitical tensions and American military presence, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

As Gunji steps onto the island, he does more than just change locations; he also steps into a new chapter of crime, challenging both old foes and new adversaries in a landscape that blends the past with the present of a new criminal era. The ensuing conflict, rife with strategic maneuvers and brutal confrontations, becomes a battle for relevance against the encroaching changes that threaten to render traditional yakuza obsolete.

Fukasaku's direction brings an intense realism to the tale, utilizing quick cuts and sharp angles that thrust the audience into the heart of Gunji's tumultuous world. This visual storytelling accentuates the film's raw narrative, highlighting the struggle for survival in an ever-evolving battlefield where loyalty is scarce, and danger is a constant companion.

The film’s portrayal of Gunji, by Tsuruta is a deep dive into the psyche of a man caught between times. His journey from a respected yakuza figure to a relic in the new world order is depicted with subtlety and depth, supported by solid performances from a supporting cast of unique characters that add to this cold world. These characters epitomize the shift in yakuza dynamics from honor-bound samurais to cold, calculating business people.

Amidst the high-stakes drama, the Akiko Kudô subplot adds a tender counterbalance to the harshness of the criminal exploits. Her doomed romance with Gunji provides a poignant exploration of personal loss amidst broader societal shifts, offering viewers a glimpse into the individual costs of the yakuza life.

SYMPATHY FOR THE UNDERDOG is more than just another crime film; it examines how globalization and modernization have reshaped traditional cultures and societal norms. Combining thrilling action sequences with insightful social commentary, the film appeals not only to longtime fans of Japanese cinema but also to newcomers intrigued by the historical and cultural shifts within the yakuza underworld. This film stands out as a compelling reflection on the changing tides of crime and power, delivering a story that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Bonus Materials
High-Definition digital transfer
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Audio commentary by yakuza film expert Nathan Stuart (2024)
Interview with Fukasaku biographer Olivier Hadouchi (2024)
Visual essay on Okinawa on screen by film historian and author Aaron Gerow (2024)
Trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Bastian Meiresonne and an archival review of the film

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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