Watch Outlaw: Gangster VIP

Outlaw: Gangster VIP is a 1968 Japanese yakuza film directed by Toshio Masuda. The film follows the story of Goro Fujikawa, played by Tetsuya Watari, a former juvenile delinquent who becomes embroiled in the world of organized crime after he saves the life of a yakuza boss. Goro becomes a member of the gang and quickly rises through the ranks to become a respected member.

The film is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and economic changes. It reflects the changing attitudes of the time, particularly towards the traditional yakuza code of honor and loyalty.

Goro is portrayed as a complex character, with a sense of morality that clashes with his involvement in the criminal underworld. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and family, but also ruthless when it comes to dealing with his enemies. This dichotomy is a recurring theme throughout the film, and is further explored through his relationships with two women: the independent and headstrong Yukiko, played by Chieko Matsubara, and the fragile Nightclub singer Mihiko, played by Kayo Matsuo.

The film's main narrative centers around Goro's involvement in a yakuza power struggle. His boss, Kato, played by Mitsuo Hamada, is being challenged by a rival gang, and Goro is tasked with protecting him. As the conflict escalates, Goro finds himself caught up in a web of violence and betrayal.

The film features several intense and gripping action sequences, particularly a brutal showdown in a rain-soaked alleyway, and a tense car chase through the streets of Tokyo. But what really sets Outlaw: Gangster VIP apart is the depth of characterization and the complex relationships between the characters.

The film also explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the shifting values of postwar Japan. The yakuza world is depicted as a dying institution, and Goro's struggle to find his place within it reflects the wider societal changes taking place.

Tetsuya Watari gives a powerful performance as Goro, bringing both a sense of vulnerability and a fierce determination to the role. His chemistry with both Chieko Matsubara and Kayo Matsuo is palpable, and their relationships add an emotional depth to the film.

The cinematography is also a highlight, with the film's Tokyo locations imbued with a gritty, noirish atmosphere. The use of close-ups and tight framing adds a sense of intimacy and intensity to the film's many confrontations.

Outlaw: Gangster VIP was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and spawned five sequels. It remains a seminal entry in the yakuza film genre, serving as both a reflection of a specific moment in Japanese history, and a timeless exploration of the human condition.

Outlaw: Gangster VIP is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.