4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A very strong three stars for this documentary, December 15, 2008
This review is from: Young Yakuza (DVD)
This is an odd film, compelling but odd. I have no idea how it was done but the director of this film was able to gain access to a minor Yakuza crime family from the Shinagawa section of Tokyo (one of the promises made between the director and the yakuza boss was that only the legitimate aspects of the yakuza life could be portrayed, ie nothing illegal, no violence, etc).
The movie begins with the introduction of a ne'er do well young man, age 20, to a Yakuza apprenticeship that is to last one year. In between literal albeit stylized depictions of his everyday life as he learns to become a Yakuza are interviews with the Yakuza boss and scenes of him conducting business.
The Yakuza boss himself is more fascinating than the apprentice by far. Most of his musings involve the increasing strictures upon the gangs in Japan and also the deleterious effect of modernity upon an ages old institution. (Interesting aside about alterity: The man is a Roman Catholic in a country where Christianity is a tiny minority).
Although compelling, the movie doesn't contain any action to speak of, nor any commentary. So one is left to figure out that the the jolly gaijin who appears midway through is actually the Yakuza's confessor and priest who was sent for to arrange to have blessings said in the boss's name. This being deemed necessary, one surmises because of his precipitous fall in the gang hierarchy, "I am nothing now, because I put my job on the line" he comments.
Nothing is said about the circumstances surrounding this calamitous set back, only that he must now try to rebuild an organization.
The underside of the Yakuza life does make its presence known during the course of the film when certain events occur which are used to both demonstrate the risks one faces as a Yakuza and also to remind one that the Yakuza are an underworld gang.
The cinematography is beautiful. So good, in fact, that the film has the feel of so-called Cinema Verite. In fact, one goes back and forth throughout the film wondering if this is real or fiction, but for real it is.
Four stars for people fascinated by Yakuza.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The shadow of Japanese stoicism, May 27, 2011
This review is from: Young Yakuza (DVD)
I rate this documentary 5 stars for bringing to light the essence of the yakuza spirit: giri. Although the initial focal point Naoki (the apprentice) is lost with his sudden undeclared departure, the boss of the Kumagai clan Masatoshi Kumagai becomes an unparalleled protagonist who shares with the viewer his reflections on his role as a non-blood-parental figure of the clan members: to show affection in a contained, expressionless, and stoic way. I disagree with those who believe that the documentary 'lost steam.' Naoki reappears almost at the end, showing his directionless existence in between worlds (the underworld and the mainstream society). The documentary portrays aspects of the contemporary Japanese society that are little known. It breaks stereotypes, and challenges the Western expectation of a linear progression of a film. I applaud Limosin's work.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Real Life Yakuza, December 20, 2010
This review is from: Young Yakuza (DVD)
Yes, the main character leaves the Yakuza before we get to see him fully initiated. But this real life, which is impossible for a director to predict. If you want action, this film is not for you. If you want a realistic image of the modern Yakuza, then check it out.
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