Is The Private Police Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1969)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Private Police (1969), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime. 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. "After the war, Kijima (Bunta Sugawara) returns to Tokyo where he meets Ôba (Noboru Andô), an Ex-Kamikaze pilot, and the two ruffians gather hooligans to join their group. In Ginza, the Togawa gang have taken over Sakurada's territory. After several fights Kijima and Ôba gain control of the territory by chasing out the notorious Togawa Group in the name of Sakurada. But Kijima is arrested for assaulting an American soldier. A few years pass. Kijima has served his prison term and the sears of war have been erased from Ginza. Ôba is now president of a company specializing in collection of bad debts, cheque frauds and everything that means money. People call their organization the “Private Police,” and Kijima begins to work for Ôba. Now the Takegami gang waits a chance to seize the Ginza territory."

🎬 Performance & Direction

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

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Private Police worth your time? If you appreciate Crime 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 Private Police is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 93 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.