Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie Review

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is an action-packed thrill ride for fans of classic Japanese cinema. The film features plenty of intense action scenes for genre enthusiasts to enjoy. Considered a classic by Sonny Chiba fans, there is plenty to appreciate.

Co-starring Kôji Nanbara, Makoto Satô, and Ryôji Hayama, Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder was originally released in Japan cinemas on January 11^th, 1972. Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder was released under the alternate title of The Lone Assassin in some territories. Produced by the Toei Company, Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is well worth seeing for longtime fans and new aficionados alike.

Gosuke Himuro (Shin'ichi Chiba) seeks revenge after losing his father to a killing by a ruthless and corrupt Yakuza organization. Not only was someone close to him murdered, Gosuke’s own sister became the victim of kidnapping by the organization and she was sold off as a slave. A form of “Japanese Yakuza” western, Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder offers plenty of thrills with this revenge-tinged tale.

Chiba takes the spotlight as the action hero of the tale. The actor has a suave sense of cool that is undeniable. This is a huge part of the charm of Chiba. Chiba manages to carry himself with some impressive depth and a cold-stare that is remarkable. Revenge even with a glance.

The production has some outstanding merits. The production design by Shûshi Nakamura (A Taxing Woman, Station to Heaven) is a highlight of the feature-film. The design work gives the film a nice element of sophistication that is sometimes missing with yakuza films. The style of the film is well enhanced by the production efforts.

The cinematography by Yoshio Nakajima (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs, Gangster Cop) is visually stunning and invigorating. The style of the visuals by Nakajima adds a lot to the filmmaking. An outstanding visual achievement, the cinematography by Nakajima helps bring the tale to life.

The score composed by Toshiaki Tsushima (Yagyu Clan Conspiracy, Night Train) is a wonderful part of the film and the action-packed experience. The score is a nice backdrop to the action scenes and the drama. The music by Tsushima is well-crafted and fits the filmmaking well.

Written by Fumio Kônami (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs, A Chaos of Flowers), Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is a decent script and one with some fun elements. The storyline is compelling on the whole. There are sometimes elements that feel a little dated in the film but in other respects the dialogue is well written. A decent if imperfect script.

Directed by Ryûichi Takamori (North Sea Chivalry, Bodyguard Kiba), Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is all the more engaging because of the directorial style. Takamori works well alongside Chiba and brings out an impressive performance. The director certainly handled working with Chiba and brought out a lot for the role. Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is all the more impressive as a result.

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation is impressive. The high-definition remaster looks excellent on the release. The video quality has an outstanding sense of depth and clarity. There aren't many blemishes, scratches, and other video detriments to report. The presentation is in great shape overall and fans will find the transfer to be pleasing.

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio soundtrack adds a lot to the experience. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The presentation sounds robust and engaging. The score is well integrated in to the sound mix. The presentation doesn't suffer from egregious hiss, crackle, pops, and other audio deficiencies.

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:35)

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Yakuza Wolf: I Perform Murder is an entertaining action-packed spectacle. Fans of Chiba will find the yakuza film well worth seeing. The performance by Chiba is reason enough to see it and explore the works of the actor. The Blu-ray release provides an impressive presentation with excellent video and audio. Recommended.