Is Those Swell Yakuza Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1988)
Ryo, a young former banker, gets beaten up over a debt from gambling. A yakuza boss saves him, and Ryo decides to train to become a yakuza under him....
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Crime, Comedy cinema, then Those Swell Yakuza offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1988 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
With the release of Those Swell Yakuza (1988), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Comedy. 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. "Ryo, a young former banker, gets beaten up over a debt from gambling. A yakuza boss saves him, and Ryo decides to train to become a yakuza under him."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Takanori Jinnai does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. 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 Those Swell Yakuza worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, Those Swell Yakuza is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 109 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.