Gendai yakuza: Hito-kiri yota
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Actors: Bunta Sugawara, Noboru Andô, Mayumi Nagisa
PlotIn the tumultuous post-war era of Japan, a fearsome gangster named Yota, released from prison, returns to his old haunts only to find the yakuza world in disarray. The criminal underworld is now marred by internal strife and power struggles, with younger, more ruthless factions vying for control. Yota soon encounters former allies and rivals who have grown more paranoid and violent during his absence. As he attempts to navigate through these treacherous waters, he discovers that loyalty is a rare commodity in this new chaotic order. The violent confrontations and shifting alliances force Yota to reconsider where his own loyalties lie, pushing him to take drastic measures to reassert his place within the syndicate.
As tensions mount and blood is spilled, Yota's personal life becomes increasingly entangled with his criminal activities. Old flames reappear with newfound ambitions, complicating his efforts to reclaim his status. The distinction between friend and foe blurs as betrayals become commonplace, leading to a series of brutal showdowns. Yota's journey through this fractured underworld brings him face-to-face with the harsh realities of an existence governed by violence and deceit. As the stakes rise, his resolve and survival skills are pushed to their limits, culminating in a relentless pursuit of power and redemption in a world that shows no mercy.
Writers: Kinji Fukasaku, Yoshihiro Ishimatsu
Release Date: 06 May 1972
Runtime: 88 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Home Video Reviews
A gritty, character-driven yakuza tale with stylish Fukasaku direction, the Blu-ray offers a serviceable transfer with clear audio, but lacks extensive supplements.
Read our review of Gendai yakuza: Hito-kiri yota Blu-ray 現代やくざ 人斬り与太 Gendai yakuza: hito-kiri yota to find out more