Overview: When Japanese filmmaking powerhouse Toei Pictures decided to expand their iconic V-Cinema line to North America, the first result was the explosively violent American Yakuza, featuring an early lead performance from Viggo Mortensen in the title role.

Ex-convict Nick Davis (Mortensen) gets a job in a factory that turns out to be owned by a powerful Japanese crime family. When Nick intervenes in a fiery confrontation and saves the life of family member Shuji (Ryô Ishibashi, Audition), he finds himself climbing the deadly ranks of the Yakuza in its bloody war against the Mafia. There’s one problem, however; Nick’s real name is David Brandt, and he’s an undercover FBI agent whose loyalties will soon be tested to their breaking point.

Featuring an outstanding supporting cast including Michael Nouri (The Hidden), Franklyn Ajaye (Deadwood), Nicky Katt (Grindhouse) and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), director Frank Cappello weaves an exhilarating tale of deception and betrayal in this underseen trans-continental gangster thriller.

Blu-ray Verdict: American Yakuzua is a b-movie, sure, but it’s a well done b-movie as it has got impressive action scenes, great performances, unique camera shots and good music.

Some of the characters might seem a bit cliché but the movie is still enjoyable with the storyline between Nick and Shuji is where the movies power lies. The way Nick befriends him and starts to respect their customs but also becomes guilty that he’s really an undercover agent who is trying to bring their organization down, is definitely interesting; especially in a psychological way.

The plot of the movie sees Undercover FBI agent David Brandt (Viggo Mortensen) working has a dock worker under the false name of Nick Davis, when the Yakuza are attacked Nick helps them and saves second in command Shuji Sawamoto (Ryô Ishibashi). After healing his wounds Shuji thanks Nick and offers him the chance to work for them. Nick agrees and comes with him to a meeting between Shuji and the head of the Italian mafia Dino Campanela (Michael Nouri), Dino denies having anything to do with the attack but Shuji knows he’s lying.

Soon the Yakuza launch an attack on the Mafia wiping out several of Dino’s men and this attack sparks a war between the Mafia and the Yakuza. Meanwhile Nick is getting more and more involved with the Yakuza and begins to become guilty that he’s secretly betraying Shuji. Nick soon finds himself becoming romantically attached to Shuji’s goddaughter and gets even further attached to the Yakuza when they make him a honorary member of their family.

Eventually Nick’s boss Littman (Robert Forster) makes a deal with Dino to let them eliminate the Yakuza without any interference by the FBI or police. Nick is told he’s off the case but ignores them and decides to put this war into his own hands. In short, American Yakuza is a great blend of action, drama and romance all thrown together into one enjoyable combination. [R.T.]

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
2K restoration from the original camera negative by Toei Pictures
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Brand new audio commentary with director Frank Cappello and actor Anzu (Cristina) Lawson
Yakuza Style, a newly filmed interview with director Frank Cappello
Decoding Honor, an archive interview with actor Viggo Mortensen
Newly filmed interview with actor Ryo Ishibashi
Original trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by OC Agency
Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Patrick Macias

Official Purchase Link

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