OUTRAGE review: “Explore Takeshi Kitano’s iconic Japanese yakuza film”

The Japanese film “Outrage,” released in 2010, is a crime-action movie. It is directed by Takeshi Kitano and is widely known as one of best his works. In this article, we will dive into the reviews and highlights of Outrage.

About Outrage

First of all, the setting of “Outrage” centers around Japan’s underground, where violent gang (Yakuza) fights are on the rise. The plot revolves around the “Sanno-kai,” a massive Yakuza group that rules the whole Kanto region. 

Sekiuchi, the leader of Sanno-kai, is concerned about the strong relationship between the Ikemoto-kai which he controls, and the Murase-kai, which runs an illegal drug business. He directs one of the group leaders called Ikemoto to fight with the Murase-kai. As a result, Ikemoto delegated this difficult work to his subsidiary, the Otomo-kai. Otomo-kai is a small gang group but they are known for their strong fight skill. The combative Otomo-kai quickly begins to control the Murase-kai, resulting in a deadly and fierce war among the Yakuza.

“Outrage” is distinguished for its strong depiction of violence and grim atmosphere, in keeping with the Yakuza film heritage. The characters continuously commit heinous acts and betrayals, putting them in difficult positions.

While covering subjects such as the dark side of the underworld, Yakuza codes, and loyalty, this film is told from Takeshi Kitano’s distinctive point of view. You may see the Japanese underworld through the characters wavering due to violence and organizational problems.

Highlights of Outrage

Dark and Extreme Violence: 

Because the film focuses on Yakuza conflicts, dramatic scenes of violence are frequently presented. Shootouts, torture, and attacks are shown with immediacy and realism, leaving an unforgettable impression. While the Japanese are often believed to be polite, this film may change that perspective.

Visually Appealing: 

Takeshi Kitano’s films have a distinct visual aesthetic. Despite the dark, dismal environment, beauty is expressed through shot composition and color utilization. The entire film features artistic components, making it visually appealing.

Character Appeal and Performance: 

Each of the characters in the film has their own distinct and appealing features. Their distinct acts and connections give the story richness and interest. Furthermore, the actors’ performances are of exceptional quality, with their presence and acting abilities substantially enriching the film. Director Takeshi, who also features as an actor, is a comedian by trade. His portrayal, which is so different from his regular humorous roles, is outstanding.

Depiction of Yakuza Culture and the Underworld:

 “Outrage” realistically depicts the interior of Yakuza organizations and the dark side of the underworld. In Japan, marijuana and casino operations are prohibited by law, but it is a reality that criminal organizations like the Yakuza illegally run marijuana and underground casino businesses. 

This unresolved issue continues today, with many Yakuza still engaged in conflicts, as depicted in the movie. According to onlinecasinojapan.com, land-based casinos are set to be built in Japan by 2029 to attract more tourists. Still, the Japanese government considers it a crucial task to prevent the Yakuza from getting involved in these legal land-based casinos.

Conclusion

“Outrage” may not appeal to everyone due to its graphic violence, which earned it an R15 rating. It is, nonetheless, a recommended picture for individuals who enjoy action or thriller films. Furthermore, because the representation of Japan’s underground in “Outrage” departs from many people’s perceptions of the country, it provides an intriguing glimpse into an unseen side of the country.