The Yakuza

The Yakuza

classified 15 PS

part of Transnational Japan in Hollywood

Film

Sun 6 July 14:00

Director
Sydney Pollack
Cast
Robert Mitchum, Ken Takakura, Eiji Okada
Details
107 mins, Partially Subtitled, 1975, Japan, USA
Primary language
English, Japanese

Set in the aftermath of upheavals like the Vietnam War and Watergate, The Yakuza (1975) – which turns 50 in 2025 – reflects the sense of uncertainty that characterised 1970s America.

At the heart of Sydney Pollack’s neo-noir is the complex, respectful yet fraught relationship between retired American detective Harry (Robert Mitchum) and former yakuza Ken (Ken Takakura). Mitchum conveys Harry’s existential weariness through a finely attuned performance, while Takakura, a Toei ninkyo eiga (chivalry films) star, brings a stoic, virtuous presence to Ken, who guides rather than serves.

The film also explores Harry’s romance with Eiko (Keiko Kishi), whose self-contained attitude contrasts with his nostalgia and desire for an unchanged past.


    × Close

    Help us make our website work better for you

    Allow analytics cookies Deny analytics cookies

    We use Google Analytics to gather information on how our website is used. This helps us to make changes to our website that improve the usefulness and overall experience for our visitors.