Kishiwada Shônen Gurentai: Bôkyô
1998 / 94m - Japan
Comedy, Drama
3.5*/5.0*
Young Thugs: Nostalgia poster

Plot: Riichi is born into a poor family. He lives with his parents and grandpa, but his father is a bum and sets a bad example for Riichi. He gets into fights all the time and without a real father figure, he is destined to become a little hoodlum himself. Luckily one of his teachers takes an interest in him.

Watches

July 05, 2023

3.5*/5.0*

Many older Miikes have trouble staying afloat. Films like Nostalgia are not bad, it's just that they're not quite refined and polished enough to survive multiple watches, certainly not with a lot more Japanese films under my belt. Still, if you only know Miike as a madcap horror director, Young Thugs: Nostalgia is an absolute must.

The mini-Yakuza world is fun, the drama is a little edgier than usual and there are one of two vintage Miike moments, but it's a pretty standard drama beyond that. And for that, the pacing, the aesthetic, and the performances just aren't strong enough. A fun film, well worth watching, but not good enough to remain a personal favorite.

September 21, 2004

4.0*/5.0*

[review pending]