The Five

An extremely fast paced gangster film with a couple of great elements that rescue it from being ordinary. Takashi Ishii's wonderful neon/fluorescent aesthetic runs throughout the film. Everything is either some kind of oddly-colored light source, an actor, or pitch black. The music is moody and the violence is just erratic and savage enough to be fairly unpredictable. Of course, nobody conveys violence quite like Takeshi Kitano who shows up for the last half of the movie as a hitman creepy enough make Christopher Walken uneasy. The homoerotic tension between the heroes is surprisingly touching by the end and there is one psychotic salaryman that makes an awfully big impression, which I won't risk giving away.

GONIN is one of the best Japanese movies I've seen. It's use of symbols and dreams in almost every scene makes it a bit hard to get into at the first watching, but if you see it several times, you will see why this is one of the highlights of Ishii.

The story is easy to follow and is about five men trying to rip of the Yakuza. Things doesn't go exactly as planned (do they ever?), and they end up chased instead.

This could have been a really bad film because of the simple plot, but because of the extremely powerful characters, the complex figures that we see and with full blown motives of everyone involved, this gets to be a very interesting and good movie.

I've seen this movie about five times now, and I must say that it has grown. I see new things and can explore side-plots still, which is why I keep coming back to this wonderful film.

If you think it is too slow, too weird, too violent, too Japanese or antyhing like that, maybe you should give it a second chance.

This is NOT your standard action movie. This is NOT Violent Cop or a HK-film. This is pure drama with an action movie thrown into the mix. Beautifully made, with exploring of gay sexuality, mafia psychology, more true characters than any other action film. It's a gem.

I've voted 9 of 10. I would have given it a 10 if I had thought what I think of this movie the first time I saw it. Now, it might be a bit too complex, but that again just makes it a film that will be nice to see in ten years from now.

Very good film.

After all you only need three words to describe "Gonin" apt:

DARK

YAKUZA

THRILLER

Got it?!? If you want to know more check out my following review: A very explosive film indeed that seems if director Takashi Ishi had crossed Hollywood examples like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Thing to do in Denver when you´re dead", and added some stylish pictures and typical Asian gun violence to the result. "Gonin" is distinguished by a sinister and hopeless atmosphere as well as the great performances of his main actors. Once more, the appearance of the unique Takeshi Kitano makes the whole film!

Maybe not the greatest movie of Japan´s 1990s cinema, but still a great work and better than 90 % of all those Tarantino rip-off gangster flicks which come from America!!!

Unlike a lot of stylized American crime cinema, this was an unrepentantly dark film. Filmed with many shots for dark, dank, rainy streets and warehouses, the cinematography reinforces the bleakness of the situation the characters face. As the Japanese economy busts in the mid 1990's, a group of out of luck businessmen rob a crime boss of a large amount of money. The gangsters send a couple of hit men out to even the score with predictable results. (6 out of 10)

The Five (1995), directed by Takashi Ishii, is a dark and thrilling crime drama that keeps its audience on edge from start to finish. The film follows five men who plan to steal a large sum of money from the local yakuza, only for their plot to unravel in unexpected and dangerous ways. As the men are hunted by contract killers, the tension escalates, leading to a series of unpredictable twists and turns. The film effectively combines elements of action, crime, and suspense, offering a gritty and compelling ride.

The performances by the ensemble cast, including Kôichi Satô, Masahiro Motoki, and Jinpachi Nezu, stand out. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their character, capturing the fear, desperation, and camaraderie of the group. The characters are flawed and morally ambiguous, which adds layers to the narrative and makes the stakes feel personal. While their motivations aren't always fully explored, their performances do enough to establish emotional stakes, making the audience invested in their fate.

Takashi Ishii's direction is sharp and purposeful, drawing out the tension in both quiet and explosive moments. The pacing of the film, while occasionally slow during reflective scenes, keeps building toward the inevitable chaos. The narrative does not shy away from violence, which is depicted in a raw and unflinching manner, adding to the harsh realism of the world the characters inhabit. This intensity is one of the film's strong points, as it keeps viewers on edge, unsure of what will happen next.

The cinematography is dark and moody, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of the yakuza underworld. The stark visuals enhance the sense of danger and moral ambiguity surrounding the characters. The film's visual style complements the grim tone of the story, creating an immersive experience that pulls the viewer into its world of betrayal, desperation, and violence.

The Five is a well-executed crime thriller that delivers both tension and unpredictability, though its focus on action and violence may overshadow deeper character development for some viewers. Nonetheless, the strong performances and gripping narrative make it an engaging film for fans of the genre.

Rating: 7/10. A tense and compelling crime thriller with strong performances and unpredictable twists, but its reliance on violence may detract from emotional depth.