Watch Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics is a gritty and intense crime movie that follows the story of two rival gangs in the aftermath of the end of World War II in Japan. The story is set in Hiroshima and follows the path of the yakuza (Japanese organized crime) and their struggle to maintain power after the war. The movie is directed by Kinji Fukasaku and features a stellar cast that includes Bunta Sugawara, Akira Kobayashi and Tatsuo Umemiya.

The yakuza led by Yamamori (Kobayashi) have an unwritten code of honor and are only interested in what's best for their own members. They control the gambling and prostitution rings, extort local businesses, and do whatever it takes to maintain their status and influence in the city. But when a new group of yakuza led by Kawade (Umemiya) comes in and starts to disrupt the balance of power, all hell breaks loose.

The tension between the gangs escalates and eventually erupts into a violent and bloody battle for control. The police, led by detective Kaida (Sugawara), are caught in the middle of this power struggle and have to choose which side to take. Kaida is a sympathetic character who genuinely wants to bring peace and justice to the city, but he is limited by the corrupt system in which he works.

What sets Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics apart from other yakuza movies of its time is its realistic portrayal of violence and its influence on society. The movie often depicts violence as horrific, senseless, and random, showing how it affects not only the yakuza but also innocent bystanders. There is no glamorization of the gangster lifestyle, which was a common theme in many yakuza movies of the 1970s.

The movie also tackles a variety of social issues that are still relevant today, such as corruption, poverty, and the effects of war on society. The portrayal of the aftermath of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima is particularly striking, with many characters suffering from radiation sickness and other health issues. This adds a layer of depth and realism to the movie that is not often seen in crime dramas.

The acting in Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics is impressive, with Sugawara's performance as Detective Kaida standing out. He brings a sense of humanity and compassion to a character who is often depicted as cold and distant in other movies. His interactions with the other characters are nuanced and believable, adding to the emotional weight of the story.

The film's production values are modest, but effective. The locations and set design are authentic, and the movie has a gritty, almost documentary-style feel to it. The action scenes are intense and well-executed, with a lot of emphasis on close-up shots to highlight the brutality of the violence.

In conclusion, Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics is a raw and powerful crime movie that offers a realistic portrayal of the yakuza underworld in post-war Japan. The movie's themes of corruption, loyalty, and honor are still relevant today, and its social commentary adds a layer of depth that distinguishes it from other crime dramas of its time. With its impressive cast, solid acting, and intense action scenes, Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics is a must-watch for fans of yakuza movies and crime dramas in general.

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics is a 1974 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.