An FBI Agent is torn in his loyalties after infiltrating a Los Angeles Japanese Yakuza in Frank A. Cappello’s 1993 compelling crime drama American Yakuza, now on LE Blu-ray through Arrow Video.
The Film
American Yakuza is a solid crime thriller drama of loyalties and cross-cultural connections. Max Strom and John Allen Nelson’s script, working from an idea by Takashige Ichise, gives the characters strong depth, and director Frank A. Cappello moves the film with a fantastic look and drive. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it is a strong, fine film well worth a rainy Saturday afternoon.
New hire Nick Davis, working at a Los Angeles warehouse, sees armed men sneaking up on his Japanese bosses. Warning them of the attack by the Italian mafia, he becomes ingrained in the real backing of the work inside: the Japanese Yakuza, making headway into the Los Angeles syndicates. Davis is played by Lord of the Rings’ Viggo Mortensen in an early role (following horror favorites Leatherface, Reflecting Skin, and Prison), and he has a secret (don’t tell, shhhh): he’s an FBI agent, there to see what’s up and stoke the war so the two sides take each other out. Of course, it’s not long before he’s torn between the two worlds, connecting with godfather Shuji Sawamoto, played by Ryo Ishibashi, and his niece Yuko, played by Anzu Lawson (credited as Christine).
The connection of Viggo Mortensen can’t help but bring up David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises. American Yakuza has a similar story, although the tone and methods are very different. So we can leave it with that note.
Strom and Nelson’s script follows the beats to the expected, but how they do it is compelling, with well-drawn characters populating the violent and volatile world. They and director Capello are aware they are making something just above a B-movie, and do so with relish. Capello takes the film very seriously, lending it gravitas. Clabaugh’s cinematography fills American Yakuza with smoke and darkness, used wonderfully to create mood. Excellent use of set and depth of space. The darker early 90s palette serves well, richly deepening the view. Capello shoots the action with great elan, clear and thrilling, building from the good drama underneath.
Viggo (it’s more fun to refer to him by first name, plus as a Ghostbuster, it’s only one letter off from the villain of the first sequel) easily shows how great an actor he is, living fully in the role, playing a sensitive sympathy with the toughness. It’s always interesting to hear his voice here before he purposely softened it in the 90s (talked about on the commentary), but it takes some getting used to. He has amazing chemistry with Ishibashi, with a sort of lost son feel, and with his love interest, Lawson. Solid performances all around from the aforementioned pair, but good notes to the villains, Michael Nouri and lead henchman Nicky Katt. The script gives them more than just villain for villain’s sake, and they find a great back-and-forth but also chew into the role, especially Katt. Franklyn Ajaya, as fellow FBI agent Sam, gives a spirited, memorable go. And we even get Robert Forster for good measure in a couple of scenes. Damn, do I love that guy. Not just his name, just an R from me, but he’s so damned compelling.
American Yakuza, directed by Frank A Capello, is a movie that plays to exactly what it is: a highly entertaining crime flick with a fantastic lead in Viggo, charisma across the cast, and well-choreographed violence. While I’ve never seen it before this Arrow release, I recall it as a Cable TV staple across the 90s. A perfect description, meant fully a compliment and the truth as it premiered in the US on HBO in 1994, skipping theatres stateside.
The Package
Arrow Video releases American Yakuza in a single-disc Blu-ray. The Blu-ray disc art is pulled from the new sleeve and slip-cover art by OC Agency. The reversible sleeve art features the new art on one side and the original 1993 poster on the other. A booklet fits inside.
The Presentation
Toei Pictures restored the film on 2k from the original negative, and it looks fantastic. Nothing is lost in the 90s darkness and smoke, with great clarity and detail. The depth and darkness look great. The audio is the original stereo and features English subtitles.
The Features
Arrow loads up American Yakuza with a great selection of mostly new (and one from a mere two years ago) features.
Commentary (new)
Director Frank Cappello and star Anzu (Christina) Lawson. A great commentary and reflection after 30 years. The two share stories from the set, how they approached what was the first film for either, working with Viggo, and working through the small budget and its restrictions. They are a joy to listen to as they joke and bounce off each other well. Lots of great insight. Loved Capello pointing out various touches that still bother him, but most people won’t notice (like squibs blowing boxes and items outward rather than inward).
Yakuza Style (new)
Director Frank Capello expands on commentary, the troubles of moving from shorts to a full feature, and all the challenges that came from making the film. (13m)
Decoding Honor (2024)
The rather publicity-shy Viggo talks about his life and career, but centered around American Yakuza, so focused in the pre-LOTR era, in an open and forthcoming chat. I could listen to Viggo tell stories all day. (37m)
Ryo Ishibashi
The actor of Yakuza head Sawamoto shares his recollections of the film and love for Viggo. They connected personally during production and have remained good friends, helping one another’s careers since. Short, but sweet. (10m)
Trailer
Image Gallery
Booklet
A 20-page bound booklet featuring film stills, credits, and an essay. “Beyond Loyality and Betrayal: The Lasting Legacy of American Yakuza” by Patrick Macias is a great exploration of the history of Japanese-American co-productions, the film itself, and its legacy.
Final Thoughts
Arrow Video’s new Blu-Ray of American Yakuza offers no questions of loyalty: it’s a solid disc for a solid flick. Viggo Mortensen is great in an early role, the film looks fantastic, and the familiar plot is compellingly presented. A worthy pick up for fans of the subgenre, especially if you already know and dig the film.