Dead or Alive

Takashi Miike, the director of Ichi the Killer, has done it again, this time with the first in a trilogy of films. Dead or Alive chronicles the ascension of a new gang of Chinese living in Japan as they try to make a name for themselves and their leader Ryu, and the detective who is trying to bring them down.

The film is full of violent imagery but very realistic in its depiction, as opposed to the cartoonish violence found in Ichi. It is a fantastic bit of detective story and yakuza drama and features the intricate workings of both sides in its unfolding. The first ten minutes plays like a hyperviolent and criminal music video and introduces the viewer to the main players in the game.

A great yakuza film, the movie plays out normally until the ending minutes, where it takes a twist you won't see coming but has me wanting more and wondering what is in store for the sequels. Check it out and get your fix for violence and fantastic storytelling.