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The films approach is light hearted with some tongue in cheek nods to the X-files conspiracy theorists. It's not an SF gore fest, in fact they go out of their way to avoid the gore we've come to expect with such a sub-genre.

The writing is excellent in places and overall you engage with the protagonists- watching Tim & John is really entertaining (in a good way). I think with lesser leads this would have sunk without a trace.

It only seems to drag with the antagonists are on screen as the wolf SFX leave a lot to be desired. They throw in some matrix style fight scenes, but they aren't amazing.

Watch it for Tim & John if nothing else- great scenes.

An East meets West culture clash - old versus new traditions intertwined into the plot - that delivers a gripping thriller that has some stunning and very real looking sword fights. Treachery and honour in equal measures, plus some twists you'll have to wait until the end to understand fully . The clothes may date it,but the script, direction and acting soon make you forget all about that.

Everyone puts in corking performances, although the younger cast members get a little left in the background. Ken Takakura and Bob Mitchum put in grim character portrayals against the soft back drop of Eiji Okada (of Lady Snowblood fame) character, who is caught between 'n' betwixt the two men in her sad life.

At the end of the day it's the fight scenes and the meaning of Japanese honour that will stay in your mind. Whereas the later "Blackrain" got a little silly about it's chase scenes, Yakuza keeps it's feet firmly on the ground.

Only one question remains, why the heck isn't it out on DVD? 29-04-06 update: A-ha! I found the Warner VCD version in the Philipines. This will have to do until they release the DVD.