|
The Yakuza |  | Director: Sydney Pollack
Actors: Robert Mitchum, Ken Takakura, Brian Keith, Herb Edelman, Richard Jordan
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy New: $5.78
as of 11/27/2009 10:38 CST details
You Save: $14.20 (71%)
New (31) Used (7) from $5.68
Seller: astro_video
Rating:  40 reviews
Sales Rank: 3180
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Original Language), Japanese (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Portuguese (Subtitled), French (Dubbed)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 112 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: D75315D
UPC: 012569753150
EAN: 0012569753150
ASIN: B000JLTR8G
Theatrical Release Date: March 1975
Release Date: January 23, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
| • | From Academy Award-winning director Sidney Pollack ("The Firm," "Absence of Malice") comes this suspenseful adventure about a Harry Kilmer (Oscar-nominee Robert Mitchum, "Cape Fear"), an American man determined to rescue his employer's kidnapped daughter from the Japanese mafia in Kyoto. Written by Paul Schrader ("Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull") and Acadamy Award-winner Robert Towne ("Chinatown ," "T |
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
From Academy Award-winning director Sidney Pollack ("The Firm" "Absence of Malice") comes this suspenseful adventure about a Harry Kilmer (Oscar-nominee Robert Mitchum "Cape Fear") an American man determined to rescue his employer's kidnapped daughter from the Japanese mafia in Kyoto. Written by Paul Schrader ("Taxi Driver" "Raging Bull") and Acadamy Award-winner Robert Towne ("Chinatown " "Tequila Sunrise"). "Dazzling displays of swordplay" praises Newsweek while Rex Reed proclaims this "an exciting riveting totally original motion picture."Running Time: 112 min.System Requirements:Run Time: 112 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE UPC: 012569753150 Manufacturer No: 75315
Amazon.com essential video
Complex to the point of being pleasingly convoluted, this Sydney Pollack film (from a terrific script by Robert Towne and Leonard and Paul Schrader) is an intriguing blend of Western and Asian sensibilities. Mitchum, in one of his best roles of the 1970s, is drawn to the Orient by an army buddy (Brian Keith), whose daughter has been kidnapped. But when he gets to Japan, Mitchum finds that her kidnappers are the shadowy Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia--an organization that is as vicious as it is tradition-bound. He must call on friends he made after World War II for favors and finds himself unintentionally trampling on issues of honor, even as he battles for his life and that of the girl he is seeking. Surprisingly heartfelt and deliciously exciting, the film features a sorrowful performance by Mitchum and a stoically touching one by Ken Takakura. And what great samurai swordplay! --Marshall Fine
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 40
 sidney pollack's magnificent cross cultural crime drama . . . October 8, 2009
trebe
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Yakuza (1974) is a superb west meets east crime drama, set in Japan involving the shadowy organized crime hierarchy known as the Yakuza. Harry Kilmer (Robert Mitchum) served in the army in postwar Japan, and is returning to the land of the rising sun, for the first time in over twenty years, to help his old army buddy George Tanner (Brian Keith), recover his kidnapped daughter.
Today, many Americans are familiar with some elements of the Japanese culture, like martial arts, ninjas, samurai warriors, and the Yakuza. Much less was known about such things in 1974, when versatile director Sidney Pollack took on this challenging project, where about 95% of the action was shot in Japan. Working with a Japanese film crew, and communicating through a translator, it was most fortunate that Pollack had a solid screenplay to work from.
Rather than an all out action film, The Yakuza, has a real story with many subtle undertones. As Japanese beliefs are very different from those in the west, a certain amount of cultural education was made a part of the film. The story begins in postwar Japan, where Harry Kilmer with the military police, saves the life of Eiko Tanaka (Keiko Kishi) a young widow struggling to survive with her daughter Hanako. Harry loves Eiko, but she refuses to marry him. In 1951, Eiko`s brother Ken (Takakura Ken), thought to have been killed in the war, miraculously returns from the dead. Harry helps Eiko to buy a bar as a farewell gift, before returning to America.
Kilmer returns to Japan with Dusty Hoeskstra (Richard Jordan), along for added muscle. They are staying at the home of Oliver Wheat (Herb Edelman), another army buddy who chose to stay in Japan. Harry has a warm reunion with Eiko, and Hanako (Christina Kokubo) who is now a young woman. George Tanner, always a wheeler dealer, made a deal to deliver guns to Tono, a member of the Yakuza, Japan's mysterious version of the mafia. Tono kidnaps Tanner's daughter, when the deal goes sour. Ken Tanaka is now a martial arts instructor, but at one time was a member of the Yakuza. Harry contacts Ken, to request his help in freeing Tanner's daughter. Firearm ownership was largely prohibited in Japan, but Wheat is a collector, and provides Kilmer and Dusty with guns. The rescue mission is successful, but lives are lost, setting in motion a series of violent and tragic events, and revealing a twenty year old secret.
With powerful understated performances by Mitchum, and Takakura Ken, the situation slowly builds to an inevitable confrontation, that mixes traditional Japanese sword fighting with firearms. The final battle between Ken, and Tono's Yakuza gang members is very deliberate, and well choreographed by Pollack. Slower paced than a traditional Japanese fight, the scene is quite effective, as tension is allowed to build, and each kill can be appreciated more.
Even after the fighting is done, the ancient Japanese belief in `giri' (obligation), and the importance of honor, which has been the motivation for much that has occurred, continues to be the protocol that must be followed. Kilmer eventually comes to believe that `giri' applies even to him, and in a remarkable gesture, responds in the traditional Japanese fashion. For some, the Japanese perspective may forever remain a mystery.
Sidney Pollack's commentary is full of insights about the production of this unique film. Working with a crew and some cast, that did not speak English, making a movie that is both poignant, and with impressive action sequences, is a notable achievement. Pollack's honesty is striking, when he says that the film belongs to the 70's, and that he is uncertain if he would make the film today. This was one of the early bridges between eastern and western mainstream studios, in the action/crime genre. Very credible, with great performances by all, extremely well-written, with many cultural nuances that the average westerner may not appreciate, it is more than a violent shoot/slice `em up. This is the first of several Pollack films to be scored by jazz great Dave Grusin, and he does a fine job of melding smooth jazz with Asian elements.
Although Mitchum was capable of greatness, Pollack says that like a mule, at times took some coaxing to get the best out of him. Fortunately it appears that Pollack provided that coaxing, as Mitchum's performance is stellar, without pretense, and always ringing true, with even his pronunciation of Japanese smooth and natural. A period piece perhaps, but Pollack's film is quite the insightful masterpiece.
Fast delivery, awesome movie July 6, 2009
Misha Schweigbraun
Great movie, with a deep storyline but not too difficult to follow. If you are interested in organized crime movies mixed in with a little culture. If you are a gamer i suggest also lokking at the Playstation 2 games of Yakuza and Yakuza 2 as a compliment for the movie.
Superb June 24, 2009
Donald F. Lessnau (Redford, MI)
A Masterpiece. One of the best films of all time. Pollack captures an authentic view of real Japanese culture while mixing in the American influence. Deep, genuine and moving. Unbelievably well done for both sides of the ocean. A must see and a must have.
 My Yakuza Story June 16, 2009
A. Gyurisin (Wet, Wild, Wonderful Virginia)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
"The Yakuza" is one of those slow introductory films that seems like it will be pure melodrama, but then dramatically turns into full-fledged action served with a side of revenge. Director Sydney Pollack has no fears of educating the nondescript viewer into the world of Japanese culture, specifically that of the renowned Yakuza. Robert Mitchum is our lead, as we travel into Japan to help a friend, reunite with family, and eventually bring down a whole slew of gangsters. This film begins like a simple trip, all the normal stops are made and emotional heartstrings are pulled - it is dull at first. Pollack's introduction into not only the world of the Yakuza, but also into Mitchum's past with our majority characters initially felt heavy. While it was easy to follow these characters, more was needed to make our interaction with them more enticing, or more relevant. The first act of this film pulls out of the gate, with no hope of finishing the race. Mitchum is entertaining as a man knowledgeable of Japanese culture, and because we didn't quite know all of his past, he is captivatingly mischievous. His friends, his possible daughter, his connections with the gangsters, kept my eyes glued to the screen - even if the beginning of the journey jaded me. Then, "The Yakuza" changed.
What was at the outset was this uninteresting voyage from point A to point B in Mitchum's past, suddenly (and surprisingly) transformed into this action film, equipped with double-cross, mayhem, and deliciously choreographed fight sequences. It felt as if Mitchum wanted to get his feet we prior to just firing a gun throughout the film, and I don't blame him - but the pace drastically needed to be quicker. Then Pollack introduced us to, whom many consider the "star" of this film, Ken Takakura. My first introduction to this man, I was left desiring more. His stone stare, the pensive ego, the unknown past (both in this film and an actor) brought a fresh page to this story. His quiet demeanor allowed us to understand the Japanese Yakuza culture and comprehend the pride that follows. As Takakura enters this film, it changes. He brings life into an otherwise recycled drama - and I think Pollack knows that. Whenever possible he uses Takakura, and weaves a story that at times feels more about Takakura than about Mitchum. Perhaps the work of Takakura's acting ability, or more the ability that a young Paul Schrader had prior to "Taxi Driver" - this film becomes an important film once Takakura becomes involved.
I must admit, this film took several times to get into, especially with the sluggish introduction. I wasn't sold on Mitchum, trying to understand his relationship with everyone else surrounding him - and wondering why at nearly forty minutes we hadn't been properly introduced to the Yakuza yet. Then, like a phoenix in the night - Takakura arrives, and we are handed a powerful film full of betrayal and consequences. Pollack's direction, much like Mitchum's character, takes a moment to warm up, but in full swing, Pollack understands what he is doing and executes without forgiveness. "The Yakuza" is a brilliant film, one of those classic 70s films that I could imagine watching as a child and finding respect for the Yakuza. Like what "Goodfellas" was in the 90s, "The Yakuza" creates that same atmosphere - yet probably less watched. My suggestion - trudge through the first thirty minutes, and be prepared for a film that requires another viewing, an attention to detail, and a combination of both intriguing acting and powerful direction. "The Yakuza" was impressive.
Grade: **** out of *****
Promises To Keep April 6, 2009
PDC (USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Sydney Pollack's 'The Yakuza' is simply one of the best "gangster" films ever produced, made more complex, resonant, and distinctive by it's examination of and immersion in the unique and complex culture of Japan, both ancient and modern, and the rigid moral code of its organized criminal clans.
The film also benefits hugely by being made on location in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and by the fine performances of the marvelous Japanese actors in the cast, especially Keiko Kishi, a much-respected actress, and the iconic Ken Takakura, sometimes called the "Clint Eastwood of Japan". And, along with the film's often eloquent dialogue, it is his quiet, stoically resonant performance, along with Mitchum's wonderfully world-weary yet warm contribution, which gives the film its mournfully haunting emotional core.
And, at its heart, that core deals with the theme of "giri". Japanese for obligation, it is also defined as "burden", or, more specifically, "the burden hardest to bear". It is this theme which forms the powerful background to a moving and uncommonly layered study of obligation, honor, and friendship, and what those concepts mean when taken to their ultimate extreme.
Not particularly gory or explicit by today's standards -- or even when compared to 'The Godfather' films -- the violence makes a strong impact, nonetheless, both because of how it's choreographed and because of the particular use of the kitana, better known as the samurai sword.
Stylistically, the film has a unique rhythm -- a kind of poetic, almost mystical serenity punctuated by sudden bursts of harsh, kinetic, almost graceful violence. And Pollack's sure direction, both of his actors and the specific events of the world they live in, bring 'The Yakuza' to vivid life, aided immeasurably by a marvelous screenplay by Leonard Schraeder, Paul Schraeder, and Robert Towne, and by the evocative musical score by Dave Grusin which perfectly captures the mysterious beauty of modern day Japan.
But be mindful of the fact that, by today's standards, the pacing of this film is very leisurely and measured. The same is equally true of other late 60's, early 70's classics like 'Rosemary's Baby', 'The Conversation', and, to a degree, even 'The Exorcist'. In other words, 'The Yakuza' requires patience to let the story unfold in its own time. But the up-side is that this patience will be amply rewarded.
Interestingly, it's worth noting that Ridley Scott paid blatant homage to Pollack's film many years later in his own 'Black Rain', a very stylish (though inferior), slickly entertaining action film also set in modern day Japan. In addition to featuring many of the same story elements, including a plot dealing heavily with the Yakuza (though TONS of films also deal with that), the movie co-stars none other than Ken Takakura! And, both in Takakura's stoic resignation and moral authority, AND in his character's complicated relationship with his reluctant American partner (Michael Douglas), Scott tips his hat more than once to Pollack's undeservedly overlooked gem.
The somewhat barebones Warner Bros. DVD, at last does long overdo justice to the film's wide screen compositions and the lush yet elegantly understated cinematography of Kozo Okazaki, both bringing out the formalized, ritual beauty of Japanese culture and lifestyle.
Additionally, the bonus materials consist of a marvelous audio commentary by the late Sydney Pollack himself, giving much welcome insight into the film's production, and a "vintage" featurette (from which I derived the title of my review). But don't let that "vintage" throw you off. Like me, you'd probably expect the usual 1970's light, puff-piece, studio PR department 5-minute promo. But it turns out that the 'Promises To Keep' featurette is a much longer, more in-depth making-of piece, with a surprising amount of input from Pollack (he even narrates), as well as lots of behind-the-scenes footage both of rehearsals and the actual shooting.
A film that is like no other, you pass up `The Yakuza' at your peril. You really don't want to make the mistake of dismissing this gem as some 70's relic. After all, 'The Godfather' and 'Chinatown' are also of that particular "vintage"!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 40
|
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
| |
