Is Three Yakuza Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1965)

📖 The Core Premise

Three Yakuza stands as a 1965 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action, Adventure 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. "A tale of three Yakuza gamblers who traveled Japan during the samurai era living by their wits and sword skills. Told in 3 separate vignettes, each part tells the story of a different drifter’s life. Part 1: A man is on the run after killing two Hasshu Officials to avenge his Boss. He must make a life or death decision as he is asked to protect a gang from attack. Part 2: A pair of gamblers chased out of a crooked game must fight not only their pursuers, but the ghosts of their pasts as well. Part 3: A wanderer who wants to live according to the Yakuza Code, but is not sure that he can do so when asked to save a town from an evil official."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kinnosuke Nakamura shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. 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 Three Yakuza worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1965, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Three Yakuza is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 120 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.