Director: Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Kippei Shiina, Ryo Kase, Tomokazu Miura, Jun Kunimura
Distributed: Magnolia Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 109 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I think it is fair to call this film the Japanese take on “The Godfather”. It is a slow-burning drama packed with great action and mucho yakuza ass-kicking. Takeshi Kitano is a fantastic director, as well as an actor. I feel that this film really reaches the high level of directing like in Takeski did with “The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi”. The film is no-hold barred, brutal and packs some pretty great violence/gore. I also think that this film has a great story and plot build up, which leaves you on the edge of your seat. The Blu-ray presentation included great pictures and sound as well. Let’s just say that I am counting down the minutes for Takeshi to direct the sequel, “Outrage 2”.
The film focuses about several yakuza clans as they all aim to become the head family in the Japanese underworld. Long-time yakuza Otomo (Kitano) is fighting to get what he deserves and also trying to stay alive. He finds out that it is a very corrupt world and he is going up against everyone. He is surrounded by betrayal and vengeance all around and he is left fighting to keep his clan from getting wiped out by the other clans.
The bonus features section on the Blu-ray is packed with goodies. First there is an interview with the cast about the “Making Outrage: Way of the Yakuza”. “Inside Out: Behind The Scenes Documentary” is a very informative look at the production of the film. There are more interviews with the cast during panels and also at the film’s premiere. There is a feature called Red Carpet Premiere With Takeshi Kitano, it is cool to see his presence on the red carpet. Lastly there is trailer for the U.S. and International. It is hard to have a commentary track with foreign films but otherwise these extra wrap up another great release from Magnolia Home Entertainment.
