Horror Extreme Movie Catalog

"Full Metal Yakuza," is not one of Miike's better films. In fact, I found it to be a big disappointment. The first time I viewed it, I could not get through the film. It was only when I had nothing to do that I decided to give this film another look. The film centers on a character named Hagane (Tsuyoshi Ujiki) who looks up to his mentor the yakuza boss named Tosa (Takeshi Caesar). Tosa has been locked up in the films beginning due to a hit he made on an opposing yakuza boss and his minions. [And with a samurai sword to boot]. Hagane does have some very funny character traits, especially the way he looks up to his boss. While his boss has been locked up for the past 8 years, Hagane has been given the menial jobs of a lower yakuza. He cannot wait until the day that Tosa is released. That day finally comes--and when it does, things will not be the same for Hagane again.

Now, it is apparent when viewing this particular Miike film that he was having a bit of fun. And I will be the first to admit, that there a few scenes here and there which were funny. But on the whole, the film is not good. As Tosa is released from prison, other members of the yakuza clans get together to eliminate him. And while they succeed, Hagane is also caught up in the middle. When the viewer next sees Hagane, he has been put together as part robot and part human. Plus, he has incredible powers. Moreover, he must eat metal in order to gain his strength. Hagane discovers that he and Tosa were set up by his own clan. This angers him and he seeks revenge. Also in the middle of this all is Tosa's ex-mistress Naomi (Momoko Nishida). Something occurs to her that will put Hagane into a kill mode. [Not that he already wasn't].

I have not seen all of Miike's films, however, I found this one the weakest of any I have ever seen. I even wonder if it would garner great reviews if it was not a Miike film. The self-isolation that Hagane puts himself through is a bit corny. In fact, I found the entire film quite lame. Also, I believe that this was without a doubt the silliest ending of all of the Miike films I have seen thus far. The characters in the film probably tried to keep a straight face on this particular Miike film. I give credit to Miike for constantly striving to come up with something new all the time. For the most part, he has been successful in many of his films in pushing the envelope. However, this film does not succeed on several levels, one of which is that it is not very funny. What comedic elements are thrown into the film fall flat. And the action scenes are bit silly. Not to mention the scene involving Naomi, were not needed at all, and in fact brought the film down a notch. This is not a good film, even though Miike fans will tell you otherwise. Not recommended. Unless you are a die hard Miike fan, in which case whatever I write really wouldn't matter.

Ignore the unjust criticism from some of these clueless reviewers. I can't understand descriptions that include "ill conceived" with Full Metal Yakuza. It is a simple story, executed in a clear manner. The film has an emotional core at its center which balances the horrific violence and dark humour. One of Miike's most fast paced and entertaining films, and the ending does make sense! if you were paying attention.