Is The Hoodlum Priest Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1967)

📖 The Core Premise

The Hoodlum Priest stands as a 1967 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, Crime, History landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The first film in the 2 part series about Ryuzen, a renegade martial-arts priest who, in addition to breaking all the commandments against sex and gambling, opens his own gambling den in direct defiance of the local yakuza boss. Exciting action and a twisty plot this movie breaks new barriers in Japanese cinema. Katsu Shintaro is superb in one of his better non-Zato Ichi roles as he fights off the advances of a love-lorn woman and risks his life to defeat the powerful gambling boss who has a stranglehold on the town."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Shintarō Katsu is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Hoodlum Priest worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Crime, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Hoodlum Priest is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 84 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.