American Yakuza

'American Yakuza' rises above most of the other b-grade action movies that clog up the video shelves because of its outstanding cast. Viggo Mortensen, is now well on his way to being a major star thanks to Peter Jackson's Tolkien trilogy, but many of us have been following his career for quite some time, since Sean Penn's brilliant 'The Indian Runner' say. Mortensen is excellent as "Nick" an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the Yakuza, and finds himself caught between his obligations and his loyalties, especially when a gang war with the Mob escalates. Ryo Ishbashi ('Audition') plays Sawamoto, the Yakuza who becomes Nick's friend and mentor, and Michael Nouri ('The Hidden') plays Sawamoto's Mafia rival Campanela. The rest of the cast includes comedian Franklyn Ajaye ('Carwash') as Nick's contact, Robert Forster ('Jackie Brown') as his boss, Nicky Katt ('The Limey') as Campanela's right hand man, and Yuji Okumoto ('Brain Smasher... A Love Story') as one of Sawamoto's crew. This is by no means the best crime thriller I've ever seen but thanks to the great cast I enjoyed watching it. Definitely worth a rental this one.

A story of a police who infiltrates inside Yakuza which has business in US soil. But soon he discovers the beauty and respect of family he's offered place in.. Companela's guys, Italian mafiosos are seen arrogant and dumb, while Japanese criminals are somewhat peace loving; a bit too romantic setting. But still, not bad setting. Ryo Ishibashi acts well as Japanese Yakuza, and Viggo Mortensen is ever so cool.

The plot offers very few surprises. It is a standard B-movie plot with formula characters.

However, two things raise this movie from the usual B-movie fare.

First, both Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi turn in understated, yet thoughtful, performances that create chemistry and add a dimension of believability to their characters beyond what simply appears on-screen.

Second, creative camera angles and striking visuals lend an air of intelligence and elegance to many of the key scenes in the movie.

"Nick Davis" (Viggo Mortensen) is an F.B.I. agent who has been sent on an undercover mission to infiltrate a warehouse owned and operated by the Yakuza. As it so happens, although they have a deal with the Italian Mafia, the boss named "Dino Campanela" (Michael Nouri) decides to double-cross his Japanese partners by sending some hit men to assassinate his main rival by the name of "Isshin Tendo" (John Fujioka) who just happens to be visiting that particular warehouse. Fortunately, Nick just happens to observe the armed gunmen sneaking into the warehouse and manages to thwart their efforts in time for Tendo to escape. However, one of Tendo's key lieutenants by the name of "Shuji Sawamoto" (Ryo Ishibashi) isn't so lucky as he is wounded in the ensuring chaos and is subsequently carried by Nick to a safe place and where he his wounds are treated. Grateful to Nick for saving his life, Shuji offers Nick a job working for him which results in serious repercussions for everyone involved. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an enjoyable crime-drama which had an interesting plot, plenty of action and some good acting as well. I especially enjoyed the performances of both Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi who worked very well together. Likewise, having an attractive actress like Anzu Lawson (as Nick's girlfriend "Yuko") certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, I liked this particular movie and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Half way through watching this film I had the sudden suspicion that I had seen this film before but, after checking, discovered that I hadn't - and I think that signifies its biggest failing. Essentially it's by-the-numbers film-making, making use of every genre cliché which means it has a certain predictability about it.

Viggo Mortensen gives a decent performance, although for me his pretty boy looks means he's miscast in the role of an undercover cop who infiltrates the Yakuza, and the story is reasonably entertaining and fast-moving. The characterisation is fairly predictable though: wise older Japanese gangster, hot-headed younger gangster, cold-blooded Italian gangster, etc. The film sometimes looks as if it's heading in some interesting directions (the Italian mobster's verbally abused sidekick for example) but these turn into dead ends. The cinematography is first-class though. Successful on its own low-budget terms, the film will entertain those who watch without high expectations.