Retaliation

In the 60s, the Japanese fascination for the Yakuza-genre was at its highest, and most studios churned out movies in this genre. Nikkatsu was no exception, and in Retaliation they included many of their biggest stars in a desperate attempt to save a company fighting against bankruptcy. With Retaliation Hasebe puts his own twist on the Yakuza movie: there are no code of honor or unwritten rules between the gangs. Deceit and deception are the order of things, and violence is the answer to every disagreement. The way the movie is shot, lit and edited differs radically from its contemporaries. Just look at the settlement illuminated only by flashlights and muzzle flames… krj

Suitable for persons 15 years and older.

Yasuharu Hasebe made his directorial debut in 1966 with Black Tight Killers, and subsequently made a string of Yakuza-themed films. He is probably best remembered for bringing a form of realism to these films, for his role in making a star out of Meiko Kaij with the Alleycat Rock franchise, and for singlehandedly creating the subgenre «Violent Pink».