Review of Shinjuku Triad Society

In the first film of Takashi Miike's loose 'Black Society' trilogy (the only thing linking them is the theme of isolation and alienation), we're introduced to the Dragon's Claw Triads who base their gang in Shinjuku, the notorious Tokyo 'entertainment' district. Detective Tatsuhito Kiriya, a cop who is just as immoral as the crooks he pursues, is assigned with keeping Dragon's Claw and an upstart new rival triad gang under control. But things in a Miike film are rarely that simple or easy. You can see that Miike was still trying to find his voice even if you can tell even this early in his career that he has talent to spare. I'm a tad lukewarm on this one.

My Grade: C

DVD Extras: An EXTREMELY informative Commentary by Tom Mes (the guy really knows his stuff); 2 interviews with Takashi Miike; Yasushi Shimamura interview; Artwork; Bio/Filmograhies; and original Trailer

Eye Candy: Airi Yanagi shows breasts and buns