When Japanese filmmaking studio Toei Pictures decided to expand its iconic line to North America, the first result was American Yakuza, featuring an early lead performance from Viggo Mortensen in the title role.
When Japanese filmmaking powerhouse Toei Pictures decided to expand their iconic V-Cinema line to North America, the first result was the explosively violent American Yakuza, featuring an early lead performance from Viggo Mortensen in the title role.
Featuring an outstanding supporting cast including Michael Nouri (The Hidden), Franklyn Ajaye (Deadwood), Nicky Katt (Grindhouse), and Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), director Frank Cappello weaves an exhilarating tale of deception and betrayal in this underseen trans-continental gangster thriller.
Ex-convict Nick Davis (Mortensen) gets a job in a factory that turns out to be owned by a powerful Japanese crime family. When Nick intervenes in a fiery confrontation and saves the life of family member Shuji (Ryo Ishibashi, Audition), he finds himself climbing the deadly ranks of the Yakuza in its bloody war against the Mafia. There’s one problem, however; Nick’s real name is David Brandt, and he’s an undercover FBI agent whose loyalties will soon be tested to their breaking point.
Special Features –
2K restoration from the original camera negative by Toei Pictures
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Brand new audio commentary with director Frank Cappello and actor Anzu (Cristina) Lawson
Yakuza Style, a newly filmed interview with director Frank Cappello
Decoding Honor, an archive interview with actor Viggo Mortensen
Newly filmed interview with actor Ryo Ishibashi
Original trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by OC Agency
Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by Patrick Macias
