Prominent Yakuza Movies from the 50s to the 90s
This list was born because of Trivia Tuesday lol.
"Two types of yakuza films emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. [in Japan; the 60s being considered the golden age of the subgenre]... modern yakuza films inspired by Hollywood gangster films ...and... what is known as ninkyo eiga ('chivalry films'). [Set between 1968 and 1926], ninkyo eiga depict honorable outlaws torn between giri (duty) and ninjo (personal feelings). [they can also be said to have a rather romantic approach]
In the 70s emerged [briefly] a new subgenre the jitsuroku eiga ('actual record films') depicting post-war yakuza not as honorable heirs to the samurai code, but as ruthless, treacherous street thugs living for their own desires." [The approach now was dry and realistic, giving vibes of documentaries]
(Source: wiki. Dudum) [addons from me :D].
But do you know why the movies declined in popularity in the 80s?
The rise of home video (VCR - now who here still owned them?) & Hollywood movies brought in more money.
Interestingly enough due to the direct-to-video movies called Gokudō the Yakuza movies had a comeback in the 90s.
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1. Drunken Angel
Japanese Movie - 1948
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2. Theater of Life: Hishakaku
Japanese Movie - 1963
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3. Red Peony Gambler
Japanese Movie - 1968
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4. The Yakuza Papers: Battles Without Honor and Humanity
Japanese Movie - 1973
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5. Neo Chinpira: Zoom Goes the Bullet
Japanese Movie - 1990
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6. Yakuza Ladies
Japanese Movie - 1986
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7. The Man who Shot the Don
Japanese Movie - 1994
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8. Hana-bi
Japanese Movie - 1997