Tokyo, 1934. Gang boss Arakawa is too ill and a successor must be named. The choice falls on Nakai, but being an outsider he refuses and suggests senior clansman Matsuda instead. But Matsuda is in jail and the elders won’t wait for his release, so they appoint the younger and more malleable Ishido to take the reins. Clan honour and loyalties are severely tested when Matsuda is released, resulting in an increasingly violent internal strife. An atmospheric tale of gangland intrigue written by Kazuo Kasahara (Battles Without Honour and Humanity) and starring Tomisaburo Wakayama, (Lone Wolf and Cub, The Bounty Hunter Trilogy) and genre legend Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss is one of the all-time classics of the yakuza genre. Paul Schrader called it the richest and most complex film of its type, while novelist Yukio Mishima hailed it as a masterpiece.
For thoughts on Big Time Gambling Boss, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:
Video Quality
Big Time Gambling Boss comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of Radiance Films sourced from a pleasing high definition master provided by Toei in the original 2.35:1. The film has a pretty nice, natural grain structure that preserves the filmic look of the picture, showcasing solid details in the interiors and in the natural environments. The color timing seems to mostly be natural to the intention of the filmmaker. Colors show up on the screen in a pleasant manner, especially in some of the hues of the costumes and production design. Black levels hold up fairly well with some admirable depth to the image. Some shots contain apparent softness, but these moments are contained to only a small portion of the shots. There is no overwhelming damage to be found in this presentation with only minor instances of dirt and specks remaining in the image. Overall, this is a formidable opening US release for Radiance Films.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with an LPCM 1.0 mono track in the original Japanese (with optional English subtitles). Dialogue sounds clear without sound effects or the score trouncing on pivotal information. The film is not very heavy in action, but there are a few elements that are given the appropriate weight within the mix. Mostly the film is more of a straightforward dialogue-driven drama without much in the way of action. The score comes through nicely in relation to the competing sounds. This is not a particularly dynamic presentation, but it presents everything accurately with pleasing fidelity and only a minor amount of hiss and distortion in the peaks. Radiance Films has done a fine job of showcasing this one.
Special Features
The first-pressing of the Radiance Films Blu-Ray of Big Time Gambling Boss includes a booklet featuring the essays “Shogun’s Reign” by film scholar Stuart Galbraith IV and “The Stars” by film scholar Hayley Scanlon. This piece provides a great analysis of the film through an exploration of its historical context, its themes, the talent involved and more. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- Ninkyo 101: A 15-minute video essay is included with Mark Schilling, author of The Yakuza Movie Book, in which he gives some historical background to the depiction of yakuza on film, how the public perception has changed over the years, the successes and failures they brought to certain studios, the way in which their place in cinema has changed, the “chivalry films” and more.
- Serial Gambling: Genre expert Chris D. provides a fantastic video essay totaling nearly 26 minutes in which discusses Big Time Gambling Boss and its place within the yakuza genre, how the film fared for Toei and their general philosophy, where the film falls within its own continuity, the themes an layer of the film, and much more that is worth a listen.
- Trailer: The three-minute trailer is provided here.
- Image Gallery: A collection of images from the film are provided here.
Final Thoughts
Big Time Gambling Boss is a really rewarding Yakuza tale which puts more attention on the character interactions and motivations over straightforward action with no consequences. The film is admirably paced with clever plotting which reveals information at just the right time. The performances are a lot of fun to witness, and the direction from Kosaku Yamashita brings everything together quite nicely. Radiance Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a strong A/V presentation and a couple of worthwhile special features. Yakuza films can blend together at times, but this one has enough personality to make it stand apart and remain something worthy of seeking out. Recommended
Big Time Gambling Boss is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Radiance Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.