Hell Dogs

The film is not easy-to-digest popcorn entertainment, however. I was often on the edge of my seat, not only for the many hardcore action scenes staged for maximum blood-spattering and bone-crunching impact but also to figure out what was going on as characters rattled off reams of exposition.

The setting does not resemble that of a typical yakuza film, where low-level hoodlums chow down on convenience store food and run their scams out of hole-in-the-wall offices.

The film delivers mayhem with punch and panache at a blistering pace, though the two main protagonists sometimes escape certain death with what seems to be nothing but willpower.

I was very skeptical about this movie because I was not familiar with Japanese movies. I am very glad that I have watched it.

Intriguing plot and amazing cast! It kept me on edge from time to time. Background music was well done and perfect..

The story is about loyalty, betrayal, revenge, love. If you like these types of movies, you will feel right at home. Story pacing is good. Don't expect mindless bang bang like other reviewer or your will be disappointed.

To be honest, I am glad that I have watched it. I have again witnessed that for foreign movies, IMDB rating is not something to rely on.

Couldn't take protagonist seriously as he is supposed to be a fighter but from the fist shot it is obvious that he has never lifted a weight or even heard of a gym.

Regardless, the action is good and visceral.

The story is better than expected even if it has some wtf moments.

So if you just want some action with at least some quality this movie is well worth watching!

So to recap here are some things to improve upon:

Cinematography: most of the shots were generic with just a bunch of dudes walking around in obvious sets.

Please put more effort to cinematography, it can make or break a movie!

Also if someone is supposed to be an unstoppable fighter... he should look like one.

Finally, if you make an Yakuza action movie, the political side should be fast explained (like this movie did... in the beginning) Especially when everything eventually boils down to "KILL EVERYONE"

Anyway, watch it but don't think too much.

Nice cinematography and story.

The characters are well developed and you really understand their motivation and why they are acting like that, they are also pretty different with different life stories that are very well acted out.

The violent scenes are very well masked-up so they don't seem that gritty nevertheless you manage to have the whole story.

I really liked the connection between the two leads, if was believable.

Nice soundtrack, it really manage to communicate the tension in a very subtle way. I would definitely look for the scores.

The twist at the end was interesting, I even had a moment " would he or wouldn't he do it"

Hell Dogs is a gripping crime drama about a damaged police office who goes undercover with the Yakuza and forms bonds with his crime family. There is a lot of Donnie Brasco in here. The acting is great. The action and the violence is top notch. The film's cast is very strong. The direction and cinematography is as good as anything you will find in Korea or Hollywood. The same with the fight choreography. The film's story has been told in different ways but this one is effective and engaging. I really found myself riveted from start finish. These film's walk in the gray area where there is a fine line between the good guys and the bad guys, but maybe that is more realistic. I love the obsession with the Italian Mafia by the Yakuza. Japanese with English Subtitles.