Yakuza - A Arte da Extorsão

This is one of those movies where it's hard to talk about without bringing up a real-life tragic event linked to it, as the death of Juzo Itami is said to have been related to his films about the yakuza. They either didn't like being made fun of in this film, or wanted to stop him from making another film about their organization; maybe both.

I don't think this is quite as strong/funny/moving as either Supermarket Woman or The Funeral, which are my favorites from Itami, but it was still very good overall. There are some decent laughs to be had, the plot is mostly interesting (drags a little here and there, though), and I think when it gets a little more serious in its final act, it's still compelling. It might not be an essential Juzo Itami film, but it's a worthy watch for anyone who's enjoyed any of his other films.

As other reviewers have pointed out, Itami was stabbed by Yakuza after the release of this film. The reason: They felt it too realistic. I suppose they feared that if the public were to find out their "secret" methods of intimidation were just a bunch of hot air, so to speak, it would soften their scare.

And so when you watch this brilliant and dynamic piece of filmmaking, remember that for as outlandish as the characters and situations may come across on screen--as "over-the-top" as it may seem--there was enough realism in the portrayal of the Yakuza mindset to ruffle a lot of feathers.

Think about the fact that there are hundreds of Yakuza movies out there and that this one was the one to stir up outright violence. It's like a Japanese "Colors"; maybe not the most realistic film, but rather a representation that captures a certain animal instinct in some people--like bottled react juice.

Itami continued to provide strong roles for women in this film. And while I agree that this film is not as "wacky" as some of his others, it has just the right combination of farce and graveness to make it a gem.

Great movie, great director. 9/10

Like many of Itami's comedies the plot is simple, fun, and interesting. If you have ever lived in Japan, you can relate to the characters, and if you haven't you can just enjoy the immersion. The Yakuza were, and remain, an unpleasant side of Japanese everyday life. This movie gives hope to those who have been intimidated by this profession. In this story Miss Inoue, a lawyer specializing in Yakuza extortion practices teaches a group of hotel employees how to better protect their hotel's future interests. This results in lots of laughs and a few tense moments. Itami is a master. Try "Tampopo" for something a bit more off kilter. Overall I give it 8 out of 10.

O.K., when is the last time you saw a movie where the lawyer was the hero, and female to boot? If you like underdog films, you will LOVE minbo. It is very cleverly done and successfully demonstrates a quick wit outsmarts a quick temper, every time. The sub-titles are good and the action quick paced. Lot's a comedy and Japanese over-acting make this film just plain fun.

Minbo is Juzo Itami's most outrageous and entertaining film to date. Known as one of Japan's finest directors and one of its harshest social critics, Itami (who died, sadly, in 1997) took the yakuza head on in Minbo and produced a biting satire that packs more punch than a Jackie Chan double feature. Minbo is my second favorite of Itami's works, behind only the classic Tampopo. Unfortunately, I don't believe Minbo has been released on DVD. Try to get a copy on VHS. It's well worth it!