T
akeshi Kitano (Brother) is known as the master of Yakuza films (Japanese mafia films). Hell, I might go so far as to say that he is the Scorcese of Japan when it comes to well crafted organized crime flicks. That being said, Kitano’s new film Outrage (Autoreiji) is breath of fresh air in the Yakuza genre. It tells a twisted tale of deception, cruelty and what exactly happens when you mess with the Yakuza in this day and age.
Several subsidiary bosses gather at a lavish lunch with “Mr. Chairman,” the head of the ruling Sanno-kai crime organization which controls the Greater Tokyo area. Sannokai underboss Kato warns Ikemoto about his overt dealings with family outsider Murase, an old-timer with whom he recently made a pact in prison. In an effort to ease Mr. Chairman’s suspicions, Ikemoto asks fellow boss Otomo to do his dirty work for him by making a minor but obvious move against Murase.
Otomo’s actions are the start of a ruthless series of conflicts and betrayals. Before long, several yakuza clans are out for blood in their constant battle for power and money. The rival bosses fight to rise through the ranks by scheming and making short-lived allegiances. In this corrupt world where there are no heroes, it’s Bad Guy vs. Bad Guy in a spiraling outrage of gang
warfare…
Takeshi Kitano directed, wrote, edited and starred in Outrage. He’s a man of many talents and this film is an excellent return to the screen for the aging legend. The movie starts off with the discovery that Otomo’s henchman has struck a deal with the drug-dealing Murase (Renji Ishibashi) family. Since Otomo disapproves of this sworn bond, he takes matters into his own hands which results in a chain of constant violence, territories being invaded and people continually settling scores/repaying debts. The movie gets bloody real fast and it never lets up. Someone is constantly yelling, being beaten up or apologizing to someone else in hopes of remaining alive, even though their odds are slim. In a way, Outrage feels like a mix of The Godfather and Infernal Affairs (or The Departed) due to its treacherous nature, various storylines, and its violent tendencies. Once again,
Kitano paints an accurate picture of the Yakuza and is relentless in making sure you understand how aggressive the various families can be.
Despite a having a solid story, for someone who doesn’t speak Japanese the beginning of this movie will feel really confusing and disjointed. There are a lot of names and stories thrown around in a short period of time, but if you’re patient and smart you will eventually see the pieces start to fall together ensuring the clarity you were hoping for. There is also a portion of the film which involves an ambassador from Ghana (I think) who is manipulated into working for the Yakuza. There is some very dry humor here that results from the various scenes he is featured in but the only purpose was to show why the Yakuza should be feared by outsiders. Kitano makes that very clear when the ambassador declines to work with them and one man states, “you know you’re messing with the Yakuza, right?” I didn’t think it was necessary to go this far but the point was made for those who aren’t familiar with the Japanese mafia.
The aptly named Outrage doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ‘rage’ part of the name. It’s got enough killing and body decapitation to impress any crime or horror fans with a solid story to coincide with it. While the acting is inconsistent and the film can get a little confusing at times, the movie ends up being completely worth your while and a must see for Japanese cinephiles.
Outrage is currently available on VOD thanks to Magnet, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures. You can catch it in theaters on December 2nd.
Rating: Criminally good storytelling. It’s an ideal blend of violence, humor and Yakuza madness (7 /10)
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