Note: This Blu-ray/DVD combo release is now available courtesy of Arrow Video, as part of the Outlaw Gangster VIP: The Complete Collection 6-film set.
Okay, this one doesn’t exactly qualify as a horror film, but it’s pretty special nonetheless. Imagine if you will a Japanese movie that’s equal parts a highly-stylized Yakuza crime flick, mixed with the vibe of the James Dean classic Rebel Without A Cause (1955). That’s what you’ll get with the highly unusual and thoroughly entertaining Outlaw: Gangster VIP aka Gangster VIP.
Reportedly, when it was produced, this series was attempting to mix gangster tropes with elements that would appeal to younger audiences. The results were clearly a success, as the title was so popular it spawned five sequels over the next year. That’s right, there were six features in this line, all made and released between 1968-69. Yet, despite their popularity, the movies never made an impact on Western shores. For the first time ever, Arrow Video recently released a box set which contains the series in their original language with English subtitles. Now curious viewers can finally check them out and (based on the first film in the set, anyway) enjoy what they see.
This original feature introduces audiences to lead character and antihero, Goro (Tetsuya Watari). Over a few short minutes, viewers witness his childhood, where just about every tragedy that can possibly befall a young child occurs, leaving him a hardened loner. It’s fair to say that nothing about the movie is subtle. It’s highly melodramatic and stylized to a degree that one can easily see the influence that the movie must have had on filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino.
As an adult, Goro has become a valued member of the Mizuhara clan. But after a violent clash with a childhood friend now working for the Ueno family, the protagonist is sent to prison. Upon reentering society three years later, Goro discovers that everything is falling apart. His Yakuza group are on the verge of being wiped out, his girl has run off and gotten married and he still has unresolved personal issues with many within the Yakuza. Not only that, but the lead is being romantically pursued by a young woman named Yukiko (Chieko Matsubara), after rescuing her from some thugs. Despite Goro’s warnings to her that deep down he’s a bad guy, she won’t stop go away.
Like many crime films, the underlying themes are about honor among criminals. While Goro is no one you would want to mess with, his personal code prevents him from crossing the line into pure villainy. This is all fairly typical for the genre, but star Watari really sells the material. He’s an incredibly charismatic performer, doing an impeccable job at not only posturing, but adding a few unique ticks to the typical crook role. He’s definitely a tough guy, but it’s clear through his physical performance that he’s covering up for a painful childhood. In between violent outbursts, one can see moments of genuine hurt and even teary-filled moments as his friends fall.
Goro’s buddy Takeo (Mitsuo Hamada) also gets a nice little story as well, as do a couple of the villains, adding more character depth to supporting roles than one would expect. Perhaps the reason it works so well is that even though elements are over-the-top, the story is based on the work of Goro Fujita, an ex-Yakuza member. The movie is peppered with little details and interactions between the characters that add some authenticity to the proceedings.
Apparently, director Toshio Masuda (strangely enough, he would later go on to work in anime and direct the Space Battleship Yamato aka Star Blazers series) was an action film veteran and it shows here. This isn’t a big film, but the energy level of filmmaking helps to cover up for any budgetary constraints. There are a lot of really fantastic shots in the movie. This includes overhead angles in the rain of Goro evading assassination attempts from dozens of a attackers, to takes with the camera following characters as they run through the streets.
While the odd cut here and there feels disjointed and choppy, overall the editing is punchy and the action extremely well choreographed. It keeps your attention throughout. Many scenes also take advantage of brightly colored, neon-tinged light sources. Like the performances, it has artificial and exaggerated look, but exudes a certain coolness that is consistently compelling. It’s a great-looking widescreen movie, and the image quality on this Blu-ray really pops during several scenes.
And the movies come with plenty of extras, including trailers. This one includes a film historian commentary track as well. It’s a bit of a ramble that goes on too many tangents about the Japanese film industry, but there’s still plenty of interesting information that comes across.
One can only assume that all of the titles in the Gangster series aren’t quite as effective as Outlaw: Gangster VIP. But the first film is undoubtedly a great surprise; it’s a whole lot of fun with some great visuals and a youthful exuberance that set it apart from most other Yakuza flicks. To use a French expression, it just has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that I really liked. If you get the opportunity, it’s well worth seeking out.