Yakuza Graveyard – Review

Waves crash against rocks and wash over the beach sand symbolically as the film opens before a quick shift to a local baseball game. A violent brawl breaks out between yakuza thugs and it gets out of hand quickly, a sign of the times.

As the police leaders hold a briefing, they note that economic stagnation and income stabilization are threatening the financial security of organized crime families. As a result, this leads to encroachment on other group territories as they all look to increase their respective income streams, and additional violent outbreaks occur as a result of this habitual line stepping.

The major concern is that the super group yakuza family Yamashiro is pushing into southern Nishida territory, which is another large gang. Pressure and violence are the result. In the middle of this situation is a rough and rugged cop who gives no shits, Ryu Kuroiwa (Watari). He understands the street life because he lives it himself, and integrates into minimally ethical behaviors seamlessly. This man becomes a desired ally of the criminal underworld, while the upper brass of the police look to him for help on the inside world. As the lines between cop and yakuza blur, who will get out alive?

I liked Yakuza Graveyard and its decent story which moved at a good pace. There are plenty of character motivations followed in the script as it looks at the scenarios presented from many angles, which also helps create a feeling of strange cohesion between both the law and the criminal thugs. Despite the at-odds nature, the two groups act very similarly at times, creating a nice juxtaposition.

The story has a few subplots, including some cultural looks at Japan and South Korea relations, and maintains its steam through the end by injecting frenetic action scenes. Acting by all parties fits the bill, as the intense lines are delivered with proper and impressive Japanese emoting. I liked the setting and it is an interesting period piece as well for a look into thoughts on crime in region during the 1970s.

The camera work throughout the entire piece zooms right into the action often to create claustrophobic fights, chaotic chases and shocking gun battles. Hectic, energetic and enjoyable, Yakuza Graveyard features an interesting look into both police and yakuza organizations, with blurring lines and similar actions by both parties.