7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
In Kurashima City, there are two yakuza families; the Kawade, who use political connections to further their activities, and the Ohara, who have an alliance with the local police. When Ohara acting boss Hirotani usurps a staged land deal away from Kawade, thanks to the help of his police friend Kuno, a war breaks out. At the same time, Kuno's superiors start cracking down on the yakuza and command the cops stop fraternising with criminals.
Starring: Bunta Sugawara, Hiroki Matsukata, Tatsuo Umemiya, Tôru Abe, Tatsuo EndôForeign | 100% |
Drama | 29% |
Crime | 16% |
Film-Noir | 5% |
Heist | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.36:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Japanese: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
It’s maybe just a little ironic that so many outsiders tend to view Japan as one of the most orderly nations in the world, a polite, refined society comprised of deferential and respectful sorts where the perhaps traumatic memories of the horrors of the end of World War II for the country have made folks trepidatious about conflict. And yet, as any number of yakuza films through the years have proven, Japan thinks of itself at least somewhat differently, highlighting what in some cases is open gang warfare and a proclivity towards lots of illicit behaviors. There are some almost comical contrasts between non-Japanese perceptions of Japan and how at least some elements of Japanese culture are portrayed in some of the grittier Japanese crime films, and that may in fact be at least one reason why so many films in this subgenre are so genuinely shocking to Western viewers. Kinji Fukasaku’s filmography is filled with a number of crime oriented outings, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity franchise (which in addition to this first film also includes Hiroshima Death Match, Proxy War, Police Tactics and Final Episode), though he may be best remembered by at least some on this side of the pond for his contributions to the international co-production of 1970’s Tora! Tora! Tora! or for his now iconic final film, Battle Royale, a film which (as I mentioned in our Battles Without Honor and Humanity Blu-ray review) bears more than a few passing resemblances to the much later The Hunger Games 4-Film Complete Collection. There are certain content and stylistic similarities between Cops vs. Thugs and some of the Battles Without Honor and Humanity films, including internecine conflicts between various gangs, as well as a somewhat jaundiced view of both the socioeconomic and sociopolitical climates of Japan in the seventies.
Cops vs. Thugs is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.36:1. Arrow's insert booklet contains only a generic statement that "the film was remastered in high definition and supplied for this release by Toie Company, Ltd.", something that may indicate less than optimal source elements and no real restoration process. This has a fairly dated look, with a kind of drab palette that suggests fading, though admittedly when the film ventures outside in bright daylight environments, things perk up considerably. Overall, though, there's a pretty brown appearance to much of the transfer, especially in more dimly lit interior environments. As can be seen in some of the screenshots accompanying this review, Fukasaku plays with the imagery, introducing stills (some of which aren't in great shape, clarity wise, as evidenced by screenshots 11 and 12) and some black and white material. Grain is fairly heavy throughout the presentation, and while it's arguably on the chunky side in some darker scenes, there aren't really any significant resolution issues.
Cops vs. Thugs features an LPCM 2.0 mono track in the original Japanese. This is a pretty raucous soundtrack at times, one that can sound just slightly boxy at louder amplitudes, but which still delivers dialogue, effects and score clearly and with generally good prioritization. Aside from what is inherent narrowness, there aren't really any issues in terms of damage or distortion.
Cops vs. Thugs is one of the more bracing yakuza efforts from Fukasaku, and anyone who's a fan of his Battles Without Honor and Humanity will almost certainly enjoy this film as well. There are no heroes in this film, at least not in the traditional sense, so it's a little hard to establish an emotional connection to anyone, but Fukasaku presents a fascinating intersection of economics, politics and crime that's often unforgettable. Technical merits aren't optimal but are certainly not horribly problematic. Recommended.
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1977
1973
現代やくざ 人斬り与太 / Gendai yakuza: hito-kiri yota
1972
新仁義なき戦い 組長の首 / Shin jingi naki tatakai: Kumicho no kubi
1975
新仁義なき戦い 組長最後の日 / Shin jingi naki tatakai: Kumicho saigo no hi
1976
新仁義なき戦い / Shin jingi naki tatakai
1974
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1973
1972
Battles Without Honor and Humanity - Deadly Fight in Hiroshima
1973
辣手神探 | Ultimate Edition
1992
1995
その男、凶暴につき
1989
1999
1997
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1974
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1974
やくざ刑罰史 私刑! / Yakuza keibatsu-shi: Rinchi!
1969
Milano calibro 9 | 4K Restoration
1972
Shin jingi no hakaba
2002
La mala ordina / Black Kingpin / Manhunt
1972