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The Yakuza (1974). This near classic is wonderful on many levels. First the story is brilliantly layered without appearing to be forced. The secret lives of everyone involved is more than believable, it is only human. This American movie somehow caught the ethic of the Japanese, without glamorizing or vilifying it. The pacing is wonderfully slow, and the head of steam that builds finally blows the lid off in the climax. The acting was strong, with Mitchum and Takakura each giving wonderful performances. As well, the rest of the cast are no slouches. More than just a story about honor, or a lack thereof, redemption seems to sum up the overall theme of this under-appreciated movie. Ashe.
derek
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Fate is my mistress, mother of the cruel abomination that is hope.
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