Yakuza's Law

I have seen other films of Teruo Ishii, including his torture films like "Orgies of Edo," which I liked immensely. This Yakuza genre film however, lacks the artistic merits of those other films. It also lacks a coherent or interesting story-line, offering only cheap and ugly gore effects. There are actually 3 stories told in one film, which is the same formula Ishii used for "Orgies of Edo." Unfortunately the stories were so insipid and uninteresting that I couldn't tell when the first one ended and the second began. This film really has nothing to offer, and it is the worst film of it's kind that I have seen. It is a waste of time.

Whatever other labels one may append to this feature, "exploitation" may be the most fitting of all as we're greeted even over the opening credits with scenes of the extreme violence to come. In a title telling three stories across three time periods, that violence is more of a unifying factor than the overarching notion of strict rules among yakuza, and the way that lives are governed and destroyed by those rules. Mind you, even with that tenor in mind, this is quite well made, meeting the production standards of its contemporaries - production standards which, truthfully, tend to be more vibrant than their modern equivalent. It won't appeal to all, and it's definitely flawed in the first place, but for those who are open to what 'Yakuza law' has to offer, it's good enough to warrant checking out if one has the chance.

Fast-paced and fairly chaotic as the picture is, Ishii Teruo's direction is more firm and focused than his writing. Vivid stunts, effects, and action sequences (including that major blood and gore), invariably intense and spirited performances, Furuya Osamu's lush, dynamic cinematography, and indeed the orchestration of shots and scenes can all be broadly credited to that direction. Ishii is also responsible, in turn, for the narrative looseness of the first segment, set during the Edo period, in which a boss' rigid adherence to rules effectively leads to the implosion of an entire organization. The second segment, set following the Meiji restoration, shows that same split in its own way between fine craftsmanship and less polished conception; we're thrown headlong into the plot, and are greeted with an abrupt time skip, in writing that feels somewhat harried. I do think that the screenplay is at least more careful in the second portion, with characters, scene writing, and plot that is more well defined as scheming family members exploit the yakuza code for their own ends. Incredibly, the third segment set in contemporary Japan is even more forthright with its action-oriented crime thriller thrust, and the violence is still more extreme. Now, it rather seems to me that the overarching notion of the yakuza code altogether gets lost in this last third alongside any particular details of the story - though in fairness, the movie at large finds success in the general much more than the specific.

Meanwhile, the flick really is splendidly made in every other capacity. The techniques and technology of the 60s with regards to cinematography, and film and color processing, are frankly tend to be more rich and flavorful, and look better, than what has been developed in all the subsequent years; the flawlessness of modern sensibilities portends sterility, artificiality, and drab imagery. Such considerations only make the beautiful filming locations, exquisite production design and art direction, and fetching costume design, hair, and makeup all the more welcome. 'Yakuza law' even demonstrates a keen mind for mind for lighting, and robust sound design. Yagi Masao's dynamic music, adopting different instrumentation and vibes for each segment, provides adept complement for every scene in turn. Even the editing comes across as being fairly sharp in my opinion.

Across each segment the overall strength varies, and taken as a whole this isn't something that especially demands viewership. It is grimly entertaining, however, just as it is, and smartly made more than not. I wish only that Ishii had devoted more energy to his screenplay, because the most consistent aspect of these ninety-seven minutes - more than even the graphic, often difficult violence - is the weakness of storytelling that struggles to ever impart a cogent, cohesive, coherent narrative. A scattershot sense of "violence among yakuza" only gets us so far, and the violence would be far more meaningful if there were a solid, compelling plot to provide structure. Maybe that's not what Ishii ever intended in the first place, but if so, that doesn't make the result any better. I still think this is duly worthwhile on its own merits, but with that big problem staring down the entire runtime, 'Yakuza law' is perhaps best left for something to fill time on a quiet day.

Three stories for the price of one all concerning Yakuza and their laws. Just watch the opening credits that is full with torture and gore. Looked great from the start and it did for the first two stories taking place in old Japan. the last story takes place in the time being, the sixties.

But was I surprised for such an old movie that it contained so much blood and gore and even a bit of nudity. As I said, the first two parts are the best with a lot of fights going on and torture. Of course there are a few editing effects used but still the removal of an ear and the eye poking are gruesome to watch. In the last part we don't have katana's but guns so the torture is a bit different but the helicopter scene is still horrible.

Overall the acting was also good and for such an old flick the use of lighting was also well done. One of the earlier Japanese violence flicks and surely one to pick up. It also gives you an inside look into the Japanese way of living and traditions. Available on Shock DVD full uncut and uncensored.

Gore 3,5/5 Nudity 1/5 Effects 3/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5

In the violent world of the Yakuza, if you break the rules then you must pay the price. Since this usually involves the removal of a body part with a sharp knife or sword, or even a hideous death, members of these bloodthirsty Japanese crime families had better think twice before screwing over their pals.

Spanning several centuries, starting in feudal japan and ending in the present day (ie. the late 1960s), Yakuza's Law:Lynching consists of three stories all dealing with betrayal and punishment within the Yakuza system. These tales are rather mundane in nature but are lifted by some wonderfully gruesome acts of brutality.

In the first two segments, fingers are removed, eyeballs and tongues are cut out, and sword slashes result in fountains of blood. In the last segment, the modern day Yakuza get creative, dragging victims along by helicopter, encasing them in cement, and crushing them in car compactors.

I consider the jazz-scored groovy last section to be the best of the stories, since it also has a rather sleazy feel to it, with sexy babes also involved in the nasty goings on. On the whole, I certainly wouldn't class this movie as essential viewing, but it should be of interest to fans of Japanese cinema, crime films, and, of course, gory exploitation flicks.

An awesome film for the most part. Reminiscent of 'Casino' and 'Zatoichi' in its nature. Necessarily Violent as it depicts Yakuza law of an old-school variety.

This film is a great watch for those interested in old and new Yakuza films! This film is violent, i say this comparing it to newer Yakuza films & also the films in general circulation. This may look a bit out of date because it was the 70's but it's still pretty grim. Those bored by this should definitely be ashamed to write such off the ball reviews. I found the earlier eras covered to be more entertaining as i have not seen much of this before & i enjoy Gordon Liu and Zatoichi films too. I would say it is a must see Japanese Yakuza film along with 'Street Mobster' and 'The Yakuza Papers: Battles Without Honour Or Humanity'.

Relentless in places, baring likeness to old martial arts films ('Zatoichi' for the swords)... Good for people who don't mind the 70's style of film and even if you don't but like newer Yakuza films - watch it - it's a bit of history in Yakuza ways & law.