Hell Dogs

Nice cinematography and story.

The characters are well developed and you really understand their motivation and why they are acting like that, they are also pretty different with different life stories that are very well acted out.

The violent scenes are very well masked-up so they don't seem that gritty nevertheless you manage to have the whole story.

I really liked the connection between the two leads, if was believable.

Nice soundtrack, it really manage to communicate the tension in a very subtle way. I would definitely look for the scores.

The twist at the end was interesting, I even had a moment " would he or wouldn't he do it"

This scheme is not new: vengeance, undercover cop, so this violent crime flick from the Rising sun country is only destined to hardcore fans of this kind of material. It is well paced, with an atmosphere and directing elements specific to the Asian film methods; western film industries have of course another way to present and develop a story. I have seen better in the Japanese crime category, easier to follow. A bit too long, but most of those Asian films are rarely shorter. Many talkative parts are useless for me, to appreciate this movie. But I don't regret to have seen it. It is rare, it won't be available on DVDs, I guess, only on Netflix, so if you crave for this Japanese, or even Korean, crime movie.

Couldn't take protagonist seriously as he is supposed to be a fighter but from the fist shot it is obvious that he has never lifted a weight or even heard of a gym.

Regardless, the action is good and visceral.

The story is better than expected even if it has some wtf moments.

So if you just want some action with at least some quality this movie is well worth watching!

So to recap here are some things to improve upon:

Cinematography: most of the shots were generic with just a bunch of dudes walking around in obvious sets.

Please put more effort to cinematography, it can make or break a movie!

Also if someone is supposed to be an unstoppable fighter... he should look like one.

Finally, if you make an Yakuza action movie, the political side should be fast explained (like this movie did... in the beginning) Especially when everything eventually boils down to "KILL EVERYONE"

Anyway, watch it but don't think too much.

I tuned into this film because of netflix. I I consider myself a connoisseur of asian films it could have been just another straight justice story but it's emaculate filming and performances separate it. The story of an undercover cop catching out the criminals is one thing , The ending wasn't fleshed out enough to have the emotional impact expected. The story of this film is not difficult to understand but the film wants you to think it is. If I had to complain it would be against its runtime. 2 hrs and 17 minutes is madness!! It still works however and is still worth a watch. Despite all its downfalls it's still an incredibly strong film.

Hell Dogs is a gripping crime drama about a damaged police office who goes undercover with the Yakuza and forms bonds with his crime family. There is a lot of Donnie Brasco in here. The acting is great. The action and the violence is top notch. The film's cast is very strong. The direction and cinematography is as good as anything you will find in Korea or Hollywood. The same with the fight choreography. The film's story has been told in different ways but this one is effective and engaging. I really found myself riveted from start finish. These film's walk in the gray area where there is a fine line between the good guys and the bad guys, but maybe that is more realistic. I love the obsession with the Italian Mafia by the Yakuza. Japanese with English Subtitles.