Sankuchuari

This film, [sanctuary], is an excellent film based on a manga I have not read (by writer Buronson and artist Ryoichi Ikegami).

Akira Hojo and Chiaki Asami are friends from high school, who decide to change Japan.

We then go forward several years, and Asami has now become a secretary to Dietman Shuichi Sakura while Hojo has become a member of the Yakuza. Both have their leaders in their grasp. Their skilful manipulation makes for very compelling viewing, even if there is a lot of sex and violence.

Unfortunately, the film tells only part of the story. That's the weakness. And the fact that there are no more movies available.

A standard, and maturely grounded Manga crime story, but very well-done for what it's trying to achieve with strong character beats. Although I thought the female detective would have had more of a role, especially how they set her character up motivation wise early on. Anyway the new kids on the block. Young and ambitious and a threat to the established elder figures. Begin their plans of shaking things up influencing control and power. Although towards the end there's a neat spin on the expectations when things don't go the way you might think. Crime and politics in this moody yakuza themed drama is brimming with genre tropes right down to the backstabbing schemes, aggressive acts of violence and smoothed over by its soothing jazz soundtrack. There's a nice cover song of James Ingram's 'A Baby's Born' over the end credits. Crisp looking animation helps evoke realism too.