American Yakuza

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

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.

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 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.

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.