Blue Tiger

After her son is shot and killed in a Yakuza hit, Virginia Madsen goes after the killers, using an ancient Japanese myth about dragon tattoos to plot her revenge. Unlike another female assassin film, "Ms. 45", the plot here is not straightforward, and is somewhat unpredictable. The movie is well photographed, and has an outstanding rhythmic soundtrack, that reminds me of the work of Philip Glass. There is plenty of violence, and things progress at an acceptable pace. It should be noted that Harry Dean Stanton has a very limited part as a tattoo artist. As female revenge thrillers go, "Blue Tiger" ranks with with the best of them. Recommended viewing. - MERK

After watching in horror as her young son is shot and killed in an ambush by a Yakuza hit-man upon a leader of the Italian mafia, a woman named "Gina Hayes" (Virginia Madsen) sets out to track down and kill all of those responsible. To that end, after buying a gun she subsequently hires on as a waitress at a nightclub frequented by members of that specific Japanese organization. In the meantime, however, the battle between the two rival groups becomes even more heated and this creates great difficulty for everyone involved. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this initially appeared to be a polished Hollywood production which had a good cast and definitely showed some promise. Unfortunately, like so many films made during this day and age, there was a lack of realism which strained its credibility to a certain degree. Additionally, the chemistry between Virginia Madsen and Toru Nakamura (as the Yakuza assassin by the name of "Seiji") was rather tepid as well. Having said that, however, I don't believe that this was necessarily a bad film by any means and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Average.

"Blue Tiger" is a rare example of ambition almost overcoming budget, almost. The film tells the story of a young single mother who loses her 5 year old son when he is hit by a stray bullet in an attempt on a crime-lord's life by a Yakuza hit-man and her obsessive descent into the American Yakkuza underworld in search of her son's killer. The story which is rather original and urgent, is told in a straightforward manner, with some moments of stylish direction by Norberto Barba and cinematographer Christopher Walling who manage to give the film a much more lush look than would be expected from such a low-budget effort. But what truly sets this film apart are the combination of the stylish production and the energetic performances of the cast headed by the ever admirable Virginia Madsen who gives a touching and mesmerizing performance as the revenge-bent mother. Despite a mostly mediocre (and sometimes annoying) musical score, a first half that suffers from overly choppy editing that doesn't allow the first act enough time to breathe and develop properly and some misjudged moments of melodrama, this is one of those forgotten, ambitious B-movies that deserve a second chance for its sheer energy and ambition to transcend its humble origins.

Gina Hayes, a grieving mother driven to vengeance after her young son is killed in a Yakuza crossfire. Identifying the killer only by a distinctive blue tiger tattoo, Gina infiltrates the Japanese underworld of Los Angeles, seeking retribution.

Director Norberto Barba's 1994 offering Blue Tiger rises well above standard straight to video fare, delivering a moody, atmospheric thriller that's executed with care and style. Christopher Walling's cinematography brings an unexpected polish to the production, capturing the neon-lit streets, murky backrooms, and shadowy interiors with a noir sensibility. Despite its modest budget, the film's visual style and pacing enhance the gritty tone throughout.

Virginia Madsen gives a strong, driven performance, convincingly charting Gina's transformation from heartbroken mother to vengeful huntress. Toru Nakamura oozes sleek menace as Seiji, while Ryo Ishibashi (also seen in American Yakuza) lends subtle gravitas as another figure in the Japanese underworld. Harry Dean Stanton turns up in an extended cameo as a tattoo artist, adding reliable presence, while an uncredited Michael Madsen cameo adds a familiar face for genre fans. The supporting cast features Yuji Okumoto (The Karate Kid Part II) as a sharp detective and Dean Hallo, known for his role as a henchman in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, adding to the film's characterful line-up.

Though Blue Tiger saw only a direct to video release, particularly in the UK, it stands out for its simple yet effective story, written by Takashige Ichise and Joel Soisson, its atmospheric visuals, and confident execution.

Overall, a solid, stylish slice of 90s neo-noir revenge, and one that's worth seeking out.

Bobby Darin released a swing lp in 2002. It really wasn't the genre for his 1960's hits. But he grew up when swing was the most popular music. So he knew swing. This movie is made in the classic noir style. It is not the self-conscious, over the top, retro style like Sin City, or The Girl From the Naked Eye. No, whoever made this flick was old. They KNEW noir. But unfortunately in 2021, it is kind of slow, and cliched. Still gets five stars; because it is quality. Seen on Tubi, the free streaming site.