Yakuza Taxi

One of those films that helped Kurosawa separate from his pinku past. It's a rather basic genre effort, a cute Yakuza flick that feels more like Kitano than Miike. But it is short and it is entertaining, and it's the type of film a director like Kurosawa needed to learn the tricks of the trade. Yakuza fans would do well to seek it out.

A small Taxi company gets into trouble after they loan some money. The owner of the company has friends with a local Yakuza gang, and the leader decides to help him out. He sends some of his men to work off the company's debt, but Yakuza members aren't made to be humble, competent taxi drivers. Even so, they take their mission seriously.

Don't expect much hardened Yakuza action, this is a pretty lighthearted film with most of the comedy coming from these tough criminals being forced to do a submissive job. Fun cameos of Osugi and Terajima brighten up the film, the premise is fun and there are some amusing moments, the presentation is a little lacking though. Still, if you're looking for something cute and short, this one won't disappoint.