Watch Cops vs. Thugs

Cops vs. Thugs is a 1975 Japanese crime film directed by Kinji Fukasaku. The movie stars Bunta Sugawara, Tatsuo Umemiya, and Hiroki Matsukata in lead roles. The film depicts the ongoing struggle between two gangs - the cops and the thugs - for control of the streets in a Japanese city in the 1960s. The movie is set in Kurashima City, where the local police force is headed by Inspector Kuno (played by Sugawara). Kuno is a tough and uncompromising police officer who believes in maintaining law and order by any means necessary. His main rival is the local yakuza boss, Kenji Hirotani (played by Matsukata), who runs a large and powerful criminal organization in the city.

The plot revolves around the ongoing battle between the police and Hirotani's gang, with each side constantly trying to outmaneuver the other. Kuno is determined to bring Hirotani and his henchmen to justice, but he has to navigate a complex web of corruption and political interference in order to do so. Hirotani, on the other hand, is equally determined to protect his business interests and maintain his grip on the city.

The conflict between the two sides escalates as each tries to gain the upper hand. At one point, Kuno orchestrates a mass arrest of Hirotani's gang members, while Hirotani responds by ordering a brutal attack on a police officer. The situation only gets more dangerous as more lives are lost and the violence spirals out of control.

Cops vs. Thugs is an intense and gritty crime film that portrays the brutal reality of gang warfare in Japan in the 1960s. The movie features some stunning action scenes and an unflinching depiction of the violence and corruption that permeated Japanese society at the time. The film also presents a nuanced portrayal of both the police and the criminals, showing how each side is driven by its own motivations and struggles to maintain its power.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Sugawara delivering a commanding performance as Kuno, the no-nonsense police inspector. Matsukata also delivers a strong performance as Hirotani, the ruthless yakuza boss. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Umemiya playing Hirotani's right-hand man, who struggles with his loyalty to his boss and his own moral compass.

The film's direction is also noteworthy, with Fukasaku delivering a tightly paced and expertly crafted crime drama. The movie's attention to detail and its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld have made it a classic of the Japanese crime genre.

In conclusion, Cops vs. Thugs is an excellent crime film that explores the complex dynamics of gang warfare in Japan in the 1960s. The movie features strong performances, thrilling action scenes, and a nuanced portrayal of both the police and the criminals. It is a must-watch for fans of Japanese crime cinema, and a powerful reminder of the darker side of Japanese society.

Cops vs. Thugs is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.