Extraordinary Movie & Video Guide - Shinjuku Triad Society (Takashi Miike)

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Shinjuku Triad Society. Japan 1995. Directed by Takashi Miike.

First film of Takashi Miike's Black Society Trilogy is a confusing piece of film. But in some way, it might be good way to getting to know the directors extraordinary world.

Tatsuhito is a cop, who has very rude and straightforward ways to practice his occupation. He can smash the door in the face of interrogated or rape her, or then tell the small male colleague to rape a male suspect. For homophobics, this film is sure the endurance test because the gay characters of Shinjuku Triad Society are probably straight from their nightmares. Aggressive sexuality is there throughout the film and with shots of disturbing violence the overall tone is very uncomfortable.

The beginning of Shinjuku Triad Society is very strong and gives promises to expect the Miike style sick rollercoaster, but from the middle to the end story hasn't as much of value of interest I had hoped to. The dark, bleak images are not to entertain you but in the very end there is not enough comical side to it. For example, Dead or Alive is a perfect example when strange and sick story are in balance with outrageous humour. Shinjuku Triad Society fails here.

After all, Shinjuku Triad Society could still be a good introducing to cinema of Takashi Miike. It has many of the elements Miike is known of today. He has processed these same elements and overall style to his acclaimed masterpieces of past few years. So the result is that a novice viewer either gets highly interested of directors career - or then ignores him in the future.

Also the quality of DVD locates into middle of Ley Lines and Rainy Dog. It has brighter picture than in Ley Lines, but still very dark. Sharpness is somewhat equal to other ones of Black Society Trilogy. Sound and dialogue is clear. Extra's are interesting and put together with quality ArtsmagicDVD is known of. Tom Mes has a wide knowledge of Miike, but more cheerful style of talking wouldn't be bad for his commentaries.Same can be said about director himself, but then again they are allowed to speak from their heart. And that's nice.