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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.

"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.

'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.

Viggo Mortensen's American and Ryo Ishibashi's Yakuza, Highlight this Low-Budget Gangster Movie that Never Really Amounts to More than a Slightly Above Average Go for this Type of Thing.

It Seems to Try Some Stylish Turns Here and There but the Violence for Example is Tone Inconsistent and this Makes for an Odd Feel to the Film. The Shootouts are Kinetic and Bloody but when it's Up Close and Personal the Movie Switches its Gear and Cuts Away at the Last Minute.

Wanting to have it Both Ways Makes for a Frustrating Tone as the Film can't Decide on What it is. A Personal Inside Story of Loyalty and "Friendship" or a Kick-Butt John Woo Ripoff.

Overall, Worth a Watch for the Two Lead Performances and Some Scenes that Work Well with Good Cinematography. The Movie Looks Better than Most B-Movies with a Soft Color Scheme that Adds a Bit of a Laid Back Ambiance. However, the Italian Mob-FBI-Yakuza Angle is a Lackluster Affair and Not Handled Very Well.

American Yakuza tries to be two separate movies and ends up failing in both attempts. The first side of the story is of relationship between Nick and Shuji, two men who end up becoming almost inseparable. This strand works thanks to strong acting from Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi.

Unfortunately, the more predominant side of the story is the usual "turf war" stuff involving copious shoot-outs, slow motion and people flying through the air while firing two pistols. Yes, we're in a Hollywood that had taken note of John Woo's films and was doing everything to emulate them. Unfortunately, the action sequences here are just imitation, and rather silly as a result.

Although the depiction of the Yakuza in this film is rather understated - we learn little of the warrior code that we see in the likes of Takeshi's BROTHER - Ishibashi is outstanding as the gangster with a conscience.

I also found the amount of story in the film to be too little. There just isn't enough intrigue to sustain the running time and including B-movie favourites like Michael Nouri and Robert Forster just isn't enough. Try HARD-BOILED instead.

When Nick Davis (Viggo Mortensen) abandons prison after one year in solitaire , he is contracted to operate forklift at a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo . Subsequently , little by little , he infiltrates the American arm of the Yazuka , Japan's dangerous criminal underworld . He rises through the ranks and is adopted by Sawamoto (Ryo Ishibashi) into the powerful Tendo family led by chief Isshin Tendo (John Fujioka). Along the way , Nick falls in love for a beautiful Japanese girl (Cristina Lawson) and takes off the rival family led by Dino Campanela (Michael Nouri) . Nick is lured away by the Japanese Mafia--the Yakuza-- , but things go wrong.

Nail-biting ad suspenseful thriller in which a two-fisted man finds himself caught between the Yazuka , FBI and the vengeful American Mafia . In the motion picture there is thriller , emotion , pursuits, shootouts and being interesting enough. Thrilling and moving film by Frank Capello with the ordinary ingredients such as non-stop action , thrills, chills , romance , betrayalsl and crossfire . The plot of the film results to be a little routine with the typical undercover man and the ending has the usual violent confrontation with high body-count . Along with very known Viggo Mortensen here stands out an over-the-top support cast , such as : Ryo Ishibashi , Michael Nouri, Okumoto , Anzu Lawson , John Fujioka , Nicky Katt and Robert Forster.

The motion picture was regularly directed by Frank A. Cappello , who originally did not want to do the trademark "Mexican Standoff" in this film , but producers begged Cappello to include these scenes in John Woo style , such as : Better tomorrow (1988) , The Killer (1989) , Bullet in head (1990) and Hard Boiled (1992) . Cappelo is a good craftsman , he started his own film production company at 23. Special effects laden commercials were his forte and Frank worked on more then 300 spots for top agencies and companies including AMC, where he created the Midnight Movie Express Trailers that got him noticed in Hollywood. Frank's directing career started after he wrote and directed a 35mm short "The Ivory Tower" which was accepted into Academy Consideration and was screened before features at local theaters. Producers saw the short and Frank landed his first feature directing job on an indie film with rising star Viggo Mortensen in this ¨American Yakuza¨(1993). Frank would go on to direct rising star Russel Crowe in Tristar's "No Way Back" He also wrote, produced and directed the tiny indie film "He Was A Quiet Man" that starred Christian Slater and William Macy. The film won several festival awards including Best Picture and Best Director and found itself listed as one of the top 10 Indie films of the 2000's. Rating : 5.5/10 . Average but passable and acceptable . The picture will appeal to Viggo Mortensen fans.

Nice cinematography, catchy music. The action sequences are better than most cable movies, but not quite Woo, Cameron, or McTiernan.

I personally enjoyed the plot. I like the conflicted feelings an undercover cop feels when torn between loyalty to friends and duty. (Or actually the conflict the viewers feel.) And IMHO I think the story is also above average for typical cable actioners.

I was anxiously awaiting the chance to see this movie. I had only seen Viggo Mortensen in Hildago and A Hostory of Violence. I can't wait for Alatriste to come out on DVD as it will probably never play in my theater as I am a huge Perez-Reverte fan.

I was really disappointed. I know this is early stuff, but it just did't seem to have much point. Infiltrating the mob to catch them is old, and the Japanese-Italian angle is interesting, but this just had a few interesting moments in between a lot of shooting. Mortensen did not get much good dialog. The only really good part of the movie was the culture clash. Maybe a second viewing will make a difference, but I doubt it.

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.

B-grade directing, lousy story and bad acting from the entire cast, including Viggo Mortensen. I was expecting more when they claimed to have "technical guidance from real-life Yakuza gangsters", but this film was very disappointing indeed. Some scenes were so badly carried out I was forced to fast-forward past them. Avoid unless you have nothing better to do.

Except for the cursing, this could have been a TV movie. And except for the Asian angle, any episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger". The "action scenes" are just as realistic as you'd expect from any other low budget flick. And the acting slightly more so. Which is to say it's not completely unwatchable if that's what you like.

That's just not what I like.

Oh, and I'm really sick of movies that show guys pulling out their weapons, holding them up in front of an open vehicle window so everyone can see them, and checking the magazine and racking a round into the chamber just before they go into action. That would have been done back before they ever left their headquarters.

Maybe I'm just spoiled by watching Hong Kong crime flicks.

There is absolutely nothing edgy about this gangster flick. The description should say something to the effect of "What the Yakuza and Italian Mob would be like if it was run by High School teachers!!" There are so many better movies I could have spent an hour and a half watching. I could see some entertainment value in this movie if they had an action superstar like Chuck Norris, Stallone, Seagal or anybody like that, but I just don't know what Viggo Mortensen is doing in this movie. The acting is bad all around, but Viggo is just extremely blah in this one. John Woo may have been able to add enough flair to make this story cool, but the stunts, martial arts scenes, and shooting scenes are way below average. Very bad movie.

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.

I've seen the 1993 action thriller "American Yakuza" once before, but it has been many years ago. And truth be told, I only remembered it by its title. And thus, as I had the opportunity to revisit the movie here in 2025, of course I opted to do so.

The storyline in the movie is pretty straightforward. Sure, it is an enjoyable enough movie, but I have to say that it is not exactly an outstanding storyline. Writers Takashige Ichise, Max Strom and John Allen Nelson put together a script that made for a watchable movie, but a bit generic for an action thriller of this kind actually.

The acting performances in the movie were good, with Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi in the leading roles. The movie also have the likes of Michael Nouri, Yuji Okumoto and Robert Forster on the cast list, so there are some familiar faces.

If you enjoy action thrillers, give "American Yakuza" a go, by all means. You might enjoy it way more than I did.

My rating of director Frank A. Cappello's 1993 action thriller "American Yakuza" lands on a five out of ten stars.

Another interesting part for Viggo Mortensen. Tracking down his movies is an adventure. He does choose some unusual and fascinating characters to play. Although I don't think this one is exactly play for him; he goes for the gut. He is really in deep. I had to watch this film (DVD) twice to get some of the dialogue, and I wish I spoke Japanese, but it was worth it. (Viggo, with his laconic accent needs to be miked better.) The plot is complicated and there seems to be a plethora of doublecrossing, double dealing bad guys - even the so-called good guys.... but then you should watch this flick. There is some terrific acting all around. And plenty of action.

I don't normally like gangster movies, but this is definitely an exception. I saw it twelve years ago and was very impressed. And having bought it on DVD recently, it is just as good today.

The quality of production is excellent considering the amount of money they spent on it. The action scenes are tense and well constructed. The scene in the van with the Japanese music is hilarious. Every scene in the movie is meaningful and progresses the story nicely.

On the downside, I felt that Viggo Mortensen's character didn't have that much to say for himself, his dialogue could have been improved, for example, when he first joins the Yakuza, you would expect him to have questions.

I won't spoil the ending by stating it here, suffice to say that it seemed a little unrealistic. But, a movie definitely worth watching.

American Yakuza is a story of an FBI agent named David Brandt (Viggo Mortensen) who poses as Nick Davis and infiltrates the Japanese Yakuza. This is written in the plot outline but it seems to be a twist in the story about a 3rd of the way through. While on the job, Nick helps the Yakuza when they are surprise attacked by the Mafia. After fending off the attackers he saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto (Ryo Ishibashi), who just happens to be a high ranking Yakuza member. It is here that they establish a friendship and an eventual spot in the Yakuza for Nick Davis.

For the most part, I enjoyed the story which pits the FBI against the Yakuza against the Mafia. You never know which way the tide is going to turn.

As for the acting, the major players were great. Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi did a good job in their leading roles. Some of the smaller parts could have used some work but overall, I enjoyed this movie and came out of it with no major complaints. 7/10

When Nick Davis (Viggo Mortensen) leaves prison after one year in solitaire, he is hired to operate forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo (John Fujioka). The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia leaded by Dino Campanela (Michael Nouri) and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto (Ryo Ishibashi), who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate in the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman (Robert Foster) calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko (Cristina Lawson) forces him to help his Japanese family.

I have just watched maybe for the sixth time the underrated "American Yakuza", one of the best movies of Yakuza movies with a solid dramatic story of code of honor and a beautiful romance. I became a fan of Viggo Mortensen after watching this movie in the 90's: his character is very well developed in one sentence of his liaison Sam, when he explains that David Brandt is a needy man without family that gives a great value to honor and does not admit betrayal. The screenplay is sharp and the production is classy, supported by magnificent direction and performances and an awesome soundtrack. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "American Yakuza"

Note: On 13 October 2018 I saw this film again.

What a fantastic action B-movie with a very interesting plot. Viggo Mortenson saves the life of a Yakuza and wins his trust and respect. Of course it's action but the whole movie shows how important friendship is and for what the tradition of the Yakuza stays. Michael Nouri from "Flashdance" and "The Hidden" and "Jackie Brown"-Star Robert Forster are also in this interesting movie. Don't miss it!

American Yakuza was a very good film when i bought it i thought it would just be an action film i was wrong. it is much more than just a run of the mill action movie it has a intriguing plot good acting and some good action.Viggo Mortensen stars as Nick Davis an FBI agent sent undercover in the Yakuza.Whilst undercover he becomes friends with the boss and becomes more and more loyal.i like Viggo Mortensen his films are normally good and so is his acting especially in this film. the action is decent and well directed but thats not what American Yakuza is about it is about drama and how characters are developed. the director did a good job as well with some stylish tricks with the camera. to end the review i thought American Yakuza was a very well made film with most of the actors on top form and good directing makes me give 9 out of 10

And not just because of Viggo Mortensen and his growing bandwagon. "American Yakuza," readily recognized as the standard shoot-'em-up, literally "explosive," machismo fare, sub=genre gangland venue, for the legendary flick audience of 12-year-olds, is, on second viewing, sans captions for these unhearing ears, considerably more. Consider the subtexts, of which there are at least two, maybe three. Four? Whatever, the young man who was an "extra" on-set at least during the climactic "shoot," provides a fascinating glimpse into this slice of the growing Mortensen oeuvre, his on-set preparation for the elegiac conclusion of a "B" movie made for the telly. That insight jibes with everything published since about this singular American film actor, his focus, his intensities, his truths, AND his OTHER interests that include poetry and prose and even politics. Made in '93?, this film has style and substance deeper than the surface sheen, which is more than sufficiently glossy. But, even then, may I attempt to up-point several subtleties that, to me at least, deserve notation, to wit: 1: In the never-never-everland of mob and gangster pix even antedating the "godfathers," rarely has there, if ever, been sidebar comedy touches that seem authentic, like the music=tape scenes on the fateful collection rounds. 2: The even subtler stagings of the elegant "family" dinner and the formal induction of the alien soldier. 3: At least one Yankee compendium fails to even list Ryo Ishibashi in the cast whilst naming every American "name." which. to me, is like omitting EITHER Bogard OR Hepburn when "reviewing" "The African Queen" for posterity. 4: And, in that central and crucial and motivating regard lies the film's raison d'etre, which leads to . . 5: The apparent, to me at least, fact that "American Yakuza" is, at heart, more a fable about a father-son. teacher-disciple, man-boy nexus than a meditation on crime OR violence. Bottom line: As with ALL such contemplations, the homo-erotic element is not only key, it is the central fulcrum AND function. And here, I cite the climactic "love" scene of the dying "don" and the grieving "son," PLUS that stunning staircase descent with the body of the "father." I seem to recall, from that single viewing almost 60? years ago, of Olivier's "Hamlet," wherein his Horatio intones the deathless? lines of the Shakespearean iconolgy, "Good night, sweet Prince . . . " Therein, the eulogy "rises," up the flights of circular? steps, whereas, in this case, the mute eulogy DESCENDS the multiple staircase, precious cargo in arms, grief unworded, honor, AND love, struck dumb. The day hyperhormoned men, never mind the boys, begin to understand their true "loyalties" to their own sex the while they proclaim their lust for women, that will be the day when humanity finally comes to grips with both its "sexuality" AND its emotional ambivalences.