Watch The Yakuza

In 1974, Robert Mitchum starred in the film The Yakuza alongside Japanese actor Ken Takakura and American actor Brian Keith. The film was directed by Sydney Pollack and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. The Yakuza tells the story of a retired detective named Harry Kilmer (Mitchum) who is visited by his old friend George Tanner (Keith). Tanner has a favor to ask of Kilmer; his daughter has been kidnapped by the Japanese Yakuza, and he needs Harry's help to get her back.

Kilmer agrees to help Tanner and travels to Japan, where he discovers that the Yakuza kidnappers are led by an old acquaintance of his, named Tanaka (Takakura). Kilmer and Tanaka had served together during World War II and had developed a strong bond. However, their relationship was disrupted when Kilmer asked Tanaka to help him save a woman he loved, Eiko Tanaka, from the Yakuza. Tanaka refused to help, and the woman ended up killing herself. Kilmer never forgave Tanaka for this and left Japan, never to return.

Now, Kilmer needs Tanaka's help to save Tanner's daughter, and he must navigate the complex and often violent world of the Yakuza to do so. Along the way, Kilmer discovers that the kidnapping is not as straightforward as it seems, and that there are deeper, more personal issues at play. Kilmer must confront his past mistakes and make amends with Tanaka if he wants to succeed in saving Tanner's daughter.

The Yakuza is a film that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption. Mitchum's character is a man haunted by his past mistakes, but who is willing to risk everything to make amends. Takakura's character is equally complex, torn between his duty to his Yakuza clan and his friendship with Kilmer. The two actors deliver powerful performances that bring depth to their characters.

Director Pollack showcases the beauty of Japanese culture and scenery throughout the film. The movie was shot in Japan, and the attention to detail in the settings and costumes is impressive. The Yakuza is also notable for its action sequences, which are violent and intense but never gratuitous.

Overall, The Yakuza is a thoughtful and thrilling crime drama that explores the complexities of Japanese culture and the bonds of friendship. Mitchum, Takakura, and Keith deliver excellent performances, and Pollack's direction brings it all to life. The movie is a must-watch for fans of crime and action films but also for those who enjoy character-driven dramas. It is a classic of its genre and deserves to be remembered as one of the best crime dramas of the 1970s.

The Yakuza is a 1975 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.