The Yakuza

Audience Reviews

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Finn S Mar 2, 2018 very groovy movie, i loved it

Han W Jun 23, 2017 I have not seen that many Sydney Pollack flicks, probably just "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?". That was fantastic so I was eager for this one. Robert Mitchum as Harry Kilmer is back in Japan to settle some business. He has lived there before, so he got some friends to help him out. He don't want to use them, but he kind of has to. This is an alright film, but it's got to many flatter moments. Sure, they may be needed, but the action is not that gripping, or exciting when it does happen. Great performances and a neat atmoshere. I dig Robert Mitchum and it's cool to see Richard Jordan too, as they teamed up again since the brillian "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" the year before. It seems like Jordan kept his jacket, by the way. OK film, maybe I killed the vibe since I got some work SMS-es during it, but I would not have cared about them if the film was gripping enough. A solid graph of build up and finishing helps, and some pretty cool scenes does too. Still, a slight disappointment. 6 out of 10 pinky fingers. See more

Theodore S Aug 13, 2015 Extra star because I love Japanese culture.

Kylo S Jul 1, 2014 A flashback in more ways than one - both in theme, and in execution of the film itself - The Yakuza features Mitchum as an American soldier returning to Japan for the first time since WWII. There, he seeks to settle a debt for a friend - all the while rediscovering a woman and child he saved after the war (as well as her brother, sworn to both hate and protect him). A film that explores the Japanese "giri" or obligation - from both Western and Eastern points of view, The Yakuza features good action sequences and classic 70s cinematography as helmed by the capable Pollack. An example of how to shoot violence without gratuity - and how to ably tell a complex story in less than two hours. See more

George M May 15, 2012 I was really impressed with "The Yakuza", especially given that it was made in 1974. Sydney Pollack thoroughly done his homework for this one and his care and respect for Japanese culture clearly shows in the finished product. With the exception of one brief scene in Malibu it was shot entirely on location in Japan and employs a huge Japanese cast. The themes of honour, code, and loyalty are deftly handled, and as they are basically examined within the framework of a 'revenge action' picture, there are a couple of thrilling, well-executed action scenes for good measure. Robert Mitchum is perfect for his role - nobody personifies a world-weary soul like he does - and he and Takakura Ken make a good team. Some folks may not buy the ending...but I do. This disc sports a nice little featurette and a good commentary track from Pollack. At one point he notes that Mitchum has "an extraordinary face marinated by life." A great and appropriate quote. Give this one a try. See more

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The Yakuza

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