Yakuza movies are a Japanese staple, but the topic has also been explored by international filmmakers.
Theyakuza genreis packed with loyalty, betrayal, brotherhood, and blood.
These films are often similar to Western action crime films, which drew inspiration from some legendary yakuza films.
Image via Nikkatsu
The movie was based on the book byFujita Goroand describes Ashikawa’s self-destructive and unruly personality.
Ashikawa is brilliantly played byTetsuya Watari, a great action hero of the time.
Graveyard of Honorfollows Rikio Ashikawa, a yakuza who rejects every code of honor.
Image via Toei
This yakuza noir depicts things basically falling apart, which is kind of its point.
He maintains and insists on loyalty, but soon realizes he’s more or less alone in his efforts.
Anyone who meets Kitano in a yakuza setting will assume he’s only done those types of movies.
Image via Toei
This explosive and raw filmdepicts street violence in its grittiest form; it’s purely based on survival.
This movie was the first in a series of five, and then Fukasaku revived the franchise withNew Battles.
There really is no honor in these yakuza stories.
Battles Without Honorand Humanitydepicts post-war Hiroshima and all the participants in its underworld.
2’Tokyo Drifter' (1966)
Suzuki’s most famous movie outside of Japan isTokyo Drifter.
As Tetsu rejects him, he sets off a wild chase in which he is the biggest target.
Image via Toho Co., Ltd.
There are plenty of insane shootout moments, butBranded to Killissoworth it.
However, Hanada botches the assignment and is now on the run from the yakuza enforcers in his syndicate.
Funnily, Nikkatsu hated the movie, so they fired and banned Suzuki from making movies for their studio.
NEXT:The 11 Best Japanese Movies of the Last 10 Years, Ranked
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures Japan
Image via Toei Company
Image via Nikkatsu Corporation
Image via Toei
Image via Nikkatsu
Image via Nikkatsu
