I first viewed this film in England and I was blown away by its awesome use of slow motion shooting scenes and violent imagery. Admittedly, I and a lot others who have seen this picture are not experts on Yakuza violence. Being ordinary law abiding citizens, we wouldn't really know what exactly represents true scenes of mob violence, would we? However, we may be able to visualize how such images might be like given the literature and news which we are frequently exposed to. The action in the movie and its consequences are very believable given the true life accounts we have read about, seen or even heard. The character Beat portrays is after all a quiet yet serious individual whose loyalties are unwavering and who would do anything to perpetuate survival. Those who have watched the film will however, discover the great irony of this need to perpetuate survival, at the film's tragic yet liberating ending.
There is also a very touching love story between the unfortunate cop and his ailing wife. As a sub-plot, this love story is engaging as Beat hardly utters a word to his obviously devoted wife and then suddenly takes her on a vacation at a very quiet and scenic Japanese destination. The cinematography and colours during this part of the film are magnificent. While the couple are finally living their lives, Beat receives an unexpected visit from his Yakuza creditors who are all efficiently disposed of in Beat's usual merciless style. Those with some sense of humour would no doubt appreciate the manner in which Beat transforms a car into a police vehicle which he subsequently uses to perform a bank robbery. The robbery scene is itself a farce of what is normally portrayed by mainstream film makers. The movie would preferably have to be watched more than once in order for its understatedness to be fully understood.
Yet another feature of the film that had me gobsmacked was its soundtrack. The music is unnervingly sad and stirring with brief infusions of excitement depicting the more passionate moments shared between "Beat" the husband, and his wife. These passionate moments are then quickly superseded by the despair which dominates the rest of the film's already surreal ambience. This has undoubtedly got to be Beat's finest moment to date and must be watched by all those who pride themselves as being true afficionados of cinema.
Truly a landmark in film making and a fine reason not to spend good hard-earned money on Hollywood (and especially Bollywood)insults.
There is also a very touching love story between the unfortunate cop and his ailing wife. As a sub-plot, this love story is engaging as Beat hardly utters a word to his obviously devoted wife and then suddenly takes her on a vacation at a very quiet and scenic Japanese destination. The cinematography and colours during this part of the film are magnificent. While the couple are finally living their lives, Beat receives an unexpected visit from his Yakuza creditors who are all efficiently disposed of in Beat's usual merciless style. Those with some sense of humour would no doubt appreciate the manner in which Beat transforms a car into a police vehicle which he subsequently uses to perform a bank robbery. The robbery scene is itself a farce of what is normally portrayed by mainstream film makers. The movie would preferably have to be watched more than once in order for its understatedness to be fully understood.
Yet another feature of the film that had me gobsmacked was its soundtrack. The music is unnervingly sad and stirring with brief infusions of excitement depicting the more passionate moments shared between "Beat" the husband, and his wife. These passionate moments are then quickly superseded by the despair which dominates the rest of the film's already surreal ambience. This has undoubtedly got to be Beat's finest moment to date and must be watched by all those who pride themselves as being true afficionados of cinema.
Truly a landmark in film making and a fine reason not to spend good hard-earned money on Hollywood (and especially Bollywood)insults.