This Blu-ray is currently available from Radiance Films. It is a “Limited Edition” of 3000 copies.
Those of us who live in North America and are movie buffs certainly have a lot to keep up with. There are a ton of domestic titles that arrive every year vying for our attention. Factoring in movies from around the world can make it almost impossible to keep up. That’s really too bad, as there are thousands upon thousands of fantastic international efforts that don’t get seen in this part of the world. Radiance Films has been trying to correct this problem by releasing lesser-known but phenomenal pictures that Western audiences should really catch up with. Sympathy for the Underdog aka Bakuto Gaijin Butai is one of those pictures.
This Japanese effort falls into the subgenre of Yakuza film. Those who enjoy crime pictures will be blown away by this stylish effort by Kinji Fukasaku (the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series, Fall Guy, Battle Royale). The great action and performances on their own would be more than enough to earn the movie a recommendation. Yet the story’s setting of Okinawa in the Pacific adds a fascinating and unique element to the proceedings, providing a whole extra layer of backstory and real history to the events being depicted.
The story follows Masuo Gunji (Kôji Tsuruta), an old-fashioned Yakuza boss whose gang is kicked out of their territory by rivals from Tokyo. After being sent to prison, he is released and decides to make a new start, reconnecting with remaining members of his old team. A handful of loyal followers help him to start a new bootlegging enterprise in Okinawa (a series of islands occupied by the US since World War II and located east of the mainland). Despite troubles with another gang element in the area, they eventually begin to find success. This draws the attention of the original Yakuza gang who set Gunji up. They arrive to take control of the operation. Gunji must decide whether to walk away, or hold his ground and, if nothing else, fight for his honor.
This hard-boiled picture features great performances from the entire cast. All of the characters are distinctive and entertaining to watch. The lead is flawed, but he is still an engaging figure whom we want to see succeed. Despite being a calculating criminal who is trying to overthrow another outfit (which is similar to what happened to him), Gunji is straight-forward and frank in his approach, even when dealing with adversaries. So much so, that he actually earns the respect of enemies for a few moments of kindness.
There’s some dark humor between the gangs that is really enjoyable to watch. Gunji and his team are also a stark contrast to the Tokyo group, who are underhanded, cruel and simply have the resources to violently take what they want.
The setting is also incredible. Okinawa is a lush and beautiful place and the island cinematography captures this aspect beautifully. It’s also fascinating to see characters wander around a town that seemingly has almost as many US residents as Japanese ones. Even the signage appears to be bilingual. Curiously enough, there are hints that the mainlanders don’t think much of their countrymen in this part of the nation and there is certainly an undercurrent to the entire feature with it being set in an occupied territory. The film serves as a fascinating look at the attitudes of Japan and others towards Okinawa and its people.
Director Fukasaku certainly knows how to shoot and edit action, and the picture is dynamic when violence occurs. The movie is brutal and unforgiving, with characters being eliminated nastily and without much fanfare. It adds tension to the proceedings and makes Gunji relatable enough for audiences to feel for him and the seemingly hopeless state of his situation. All of this comes to a head during the memorable climax in which Gunji goes off to “greet” a massive group of enemy gangsters at the city pier. This film packs a hard punch and makes a lasting impression.
The image quality on the Blu-ray is excellent. It all looks filmic, but also very sharp and clear. As mentioned, there are plenty of exotic locales and they are all gorgeous to behold (which also contrasts nicely with the subject matter). This is a wonderfully shot movie and the disc transfer is exceptional. It looked fantastic upconverted on a 4K player to my TV.
Extras on the disc are also worthwhile. There is a film historian commentary that talks about the history of the production and the career of director Fukasaku. He notes that the moviemaker was really finding his footing with this title and that it would lead into a series of other Yakuza classics. He also notes the careers of the great cast, complimenting their performances and the cinematic style on display. Admittedly, he is a fan and does get verbally wowed by the charismatic cast, but also manages to make intriguing points about deeper meanings in the movie, including the self-destructive motivations of the characters and whether their actions should be lauded. It’s an engaging listen.
Additionally, there is a wonderful piece on the history of Okinawa and its cinematic depictions which goes further into the strained relationship the island and its neighbors have with the rest of Japan. Often, the people weren’t treated with much respect and it’s an enlightening history lesson. The segment will also leave you with a list of more movie titles to check out.
A Fukasaku biographer also talks about the director’s career and the many Yakuza movies he made over this period. Once again, it’s very interesting stuff and will have many seeking out more titles from the filmmaker. A trailer for the movie is also included. And, those who purchase this disc will also receive a booklet with more writing on the film and an archival review. The disc itself features a reversible sleeve with new and original art for the title.
This is a great little lost Yakuza film (at least, in this part of the world) that Is a must-own for any fan of the genre or director. I was thrilled to see it and enjoyed it greatly on a number of levels. The picture quality is top notch and the extras are also enlightening. International movie fans cannot go wrong purchasing the excellent Sympathy for the Underdog.