Agitator

A suburban yakuza epic written by Shigenori Takechi, responsible for most of Miike’s post-2001 gangster tales, Agitator follows young enforcer Kenzaki (Masaya Kato) as he weathers the fluctuating loyalties of his enemies and associates during a violent gang war. Relatively subdued for a Miike film in its depiction of the underworld, it shares many similarities with the complex, modern yakuza films of the 1970s, and its longer-than-average running time allows Miike space to develop his labyrinthine story and the multitude of characters involved in the ongoing gang power struggle. Featuring many players from the director’s stock company, and Miike himself in a significant role as a mad-dog wildman, Agitator is a moody reflection on morality, honor and loyalty and a criminally under-appreciated work in the director’s filmography.

NOT ON DVD.

Series: Shinjuku Outlaw: 13 From Takashi Miike

Venue: Walter Reade Theater