The thing about cinema is that it’s sometimes easy to feel like theatrical output is stuck in a bit of a rut. Distribution can occasionally seem like it’s simply dishing out the same thing over and over again, and that gets frustrating. There is such a wide spectrum of genre that there really should be something for everyone. Then Yakuza Apocalypse comes along, and mashes a whole bunch of those genres together – creating what looks to be something that is bold and original – and a little bit of order is restored.
Written by Yoshitaka Yamaguchi, Yakuza Apocalypse is directed by Takashi Miike, who is the award-winning helmer of Visitor Q, Yatterman, Audition, and 13 Assassins, among many other films. Following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the film was met with a largely positive reaction, and we now have a full trailer to give a us real preview of the action. It should be noted that, while there should be something for everyone at the local multiplex, there seems to be little here in terms of women, beyond the rage-inducingly standard objectification and violence. This is disappointing, as usual, given that the rest of the movie looks enthralling.
With its limitations and shortfalls on gender representation taken into account, it remains a bold concoction. Martial arts, ‘spaghetti-western’ themes, vampires, and organized crime combine with the sumptuously stunning visuals of this highly experienced director to create something quite unique. In addition, let’s be honest, we need to see more of the furry frog warrior. I mean, what’s that fighter’s story? Is there room for a giant frog spinoff?
We can find out for ourselves when Yakuza Apocalypse is released on October 9th, 2015.
