‘Japan Organized Crime Boss’ Blu-Ray Review – A Transfixing Subversion Of A Classic Yakuza Tale

Two major yakuza factions from Tokyo and Osaka battle over control of Yokohama, using local gangs as their proxies. Amid this violent struggle, Tsukamoto (Koji Tsuruta, Big Time Gambling Boss), the head of one of the local gangs, is released from an eight-year prison sentence. The feud forces him into action, but he learns that those pulling the strings have political connections and that he is up against overwhelming forces. A predecessor to and blueprint for Fukasaku’s Sympathy for the Underdog, Japan Organised Crime Boss also signals the director’s first collaboration with Bunta Sugawara, the later star of Battles Without Honor and Humanity as well as with Tomisaburo Wakayama (The Bounty Hunter Trilogy) and gangster-turned-movie star Noboru Ando (Eighteen Years in Prison).

For thoughts on Japan Organised Crime Boss, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: 

Video Quality

Japan Organised Crime Boss debuts on Blu-Ray courtesy of Radiance Films sourced from a 4K restoration conducted by Toei Company in the original 2.39:1. This new presentation is first-rate across the board with consistent, natural film grain that retains the intended filmic look of the picture. This also aids in unlocking details in the production design and certain articles of clothing. Occasional shots contain a minor bit of softness, but these moments are far from a major issue. There is no egregious damage to be found in this presentation with only subtle instances of specks remaining after the restoration. Colors are rendered faithfully with a robust palette in the design elements. Black levels hold up well with some exceptional depth to the image and no blooming highlights. Radiance Films always puts forth great work for film fans. 

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with an LPCM 1.0 mono track in the original Japanese (with optional English subtitles). The score comes through formidably in relation to the competing sounds. The dialogue sounds clear and avoids environmental effects or the score intruding upon vital information. The film is not an all-out action extravaganza, but there are key moments that lend a bit of weight to the mix. Everything is presented enviably with resolute fidelity and only a discrete amount of hiss and distortion in the peaks. This is a good outing from Radiance Films.

Special Features

The first pressing of the Radiance Films Blu-Ray of Japan Organised Crime Boss includes a booklet featuring new writing by Stuart Galbraith IV and an archival review of the film. These provide a great examination of the film. The on-disc special features are as follows: 

• Kinji Fukasaku: A 34-minute archival lecture by the filmmaker to a group of Japanese businessmen in which he speaks broadly about overcoming adversity while delivering anecdotes about his life and career. 

• Akihiko Ito: A new 15-minute appreciation piece from yakuza film historian Akihiko Ito in which he gives some background to the career of Kinji Fukasaku, how Japan Organised Crime Boss stands out in his career, the period in which the film was released, the ways in which it is an atypical yakuza film, and more. 

• Ceremonies of Male Bonding: Yakuza cinema expert Nathan Stuart provides a fantastic video essay totaling nearly 23 minutes in which he discusses the collaborations between Kinji Fukasaku and Koji Tsuruta. 

• Trailer: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided here. 

Final Thoughts

Japan Organised Crime Boss is another engaging entry into the yakuza genre that puts in the work to differentiate itself in a crowded field. We especially appreciate the struggle between the old ideals of the classic yakuza code and the emergence of ruthless selfishness. The idea of a code of honor seems to be a remnant of the past that is fascinating to watch get eroded. The performers do a terrific job throughout the journey and the writing keeps you engaged in the story. If you are a fan of the genre, you should be served well with this one as a breath of fresh air. Radiance Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a grand A/V presentation and a couple of awesome special features. Recommended 

Japan Organised Crime Boss will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray on November 19, 2024. 

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.