The Yakuza Movie Book : A Guide to Japanese Gangster Films

Rating:
Summary: Superb! A Must For Any Japanese Cinema Fan
Review: A follow up to his previous work "Japanese Contemporary Movies", Mark Schilling has yet again come up with the most definitive cinema book devoted to Japanese cinema, this time focusing on the Yakuza and Japanese gangster film genre. This book not only gives a grand overview of the development of the Yakuza films over the years but also has numerous director and actor biographies and reviews to almost 123 films. Everything is covered from Seijun Suzuki's "Koroshi No Rakuin" (AKA Branded To Kill), to Kitano "Beat" Takeshi's "Sonatine" to Miike Takashi's "Koroshiya No Ichi" (AKA Ichi The Killer). Even films that are unknown outside of Japan such as "Abashiri Bangaichi" and "Yaju No Seishun" are reviewed. Unlike similar works where it is plainly obvious that the author knows next to little Japanese or has not even seen the films being reviewed, Schilling's background, experience, and command of the Japanese language is very much in evidence and appreciated. This is a must for any cinema fan and is essential reading for those interested in Japanese cinema. My only gripe is that Schilling does not reference any of Toei's similar "Sukeban" (Female Juvenile Boss) movies. It would have been interesting to hear his impressions on movies such as "Zubeko Bancho", "Sukeban Blues" and "Zero Ka No Onna: Akai No"(Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs).

Rating:
Summary: Cultist Rejoice over quinessential Yakuza movie book!!!
Review: The book is a cultist dream and the info's on the genre is just terrific.However,I was dismayed that there was no review of the mind-blowing "Branded to Kill"by Seijun Suzuki.It's a film that challenged the conventional(thus having unfortunate circumstances for director's Suzuki's career)and haunting film-noir at it's best.I'm also disapointed that there was no interview from my personal favorite actor,Takekura Ken who embodies the genre at it's finest.But aside from this minor oversights,the book is a fast read and detailed at the same time.I am amazed on the author's knowledge of the genre and it was written with both affection and fascination on the subject.A dream book for cultist like me and one that will be read and browsed for many years to come."Domo arigato,Mark-san".

Rating:
Summary: Cultist Rejoice over quinessential Yakuza movie book!!!
Review: The book is a cultist dream and the info's on the genre is just terrific.However,I was dismayed that there was no review of the mind-blowing "Branded to Kill"by Seijun Suzuki.It's a film that challenged the conventional(thus having unfortunate circumstances for director's Suzuki's career)and haunting film-noir at it's best.I'm also disapointed that there was no interview from my personal favorite actor,Takekura Ken who embodies the genre at it's finest.But aside from this minor oversights,the book is a fast read and detailed at the same time.I am amazed on the author's knowledge of the genre and it was written with both affection and fascination on the subject.A dream book for cultist like me and one that will be read and browsed for many years to come."Domo arigato,Mark-san".