The Yakuza is a 1974 movie directed by Sydney Pollack.
An American detective travels to Japan to rescue his friend’s kidnapped daughter but finds himself the target of Yakuza operatives. Robert Mitchum stars as Harry Kilmer, a noir-styled, heavy-hearted hero. Mitchum’s easy, smoke-stained manner is interrupted by occasional bursts of violence as he and Ken Takakura’s Ken battle Yakuza soldiers. Takakura’s Ken is stoic and mostly silent throughout the movie. Yet in the cramped quarter combat scenes, he’s both efficient and brutal.
THE BEST – Honor
The code of honor is baked into Paul Shrader and Robert Towne’s script – Ken is bound to sacrifice himself out of duty – or “giri” – to Harry, while Harry finds himself committed to Brian Keith’s George. Mitchum’s Harry lingers in Tokyo despite Ken facing the brunt of the Yakuza’s revenge. There’s a nostalgic bent to this theme, as Mitchum’s World War II generation begins to fade and the Yakuza faces its own cultural reckoning.
THE WORST – Talking About Honor
But then again, it feels like Mitchum and Takakura have the same conversation regarding honor and obligation a dozen times.
THE WORST Part 2 – Harry Continually Messing Up April’s Life
Harry returns to Japan after decades to reunite with April, his one-time love and her daughter. They are both joyous to again see him. Then, he inadvertently causes destruction to their family before again leaving them.
Thanks a lot, Harry.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
The Yakuza is a solid, thoughtful story that features terrific acting and action sequences. Mitchum and Takakura form an intriguing odd couple and the cinematography is a cool homage to noir thrillers of the past. Worth a watch.
