IMDb RATING
6.7/10
2.7K
YOUR RATING
Five men plot to steal a large sum of money from the local yakuza, but everything does not go as planned and the men find themselves hunted down by contract killers.Five men plot to steal a large sum of money from the local yakuza, but everything does not go as planned and the men find themselves hunted down by contract killers.Five men plot to steal a large sum of money from the local yakuza, but everything does not go as planned and the men find themselves hunted down by contract killers.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
Takeshi Kitano
- Ichiro Kyoya
- (as Beat Takeshi)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaTakeshi Kitano's eye patch was real; before filming, he made a serious accident with his motorcycle and resulted an injury at his eye.
- Alternate versionsJapanese Laserdisc contains the 119 min. Director's Cut of the movie, approx. 10 Minutes longer than the international version. Additional scenes show more character development as well as some extra shots of violent scenes. Somehow interesting, this version omits the ending of the movie, when the killer and the last one left of the "Gonin" die in their seats at the bus while the bus driver and the small group of young women enters the bus and they all drive away with the two unrecognized dead men. This cut seems to be made because the full length ending wouldn't have fit on the second side of this laserdisc.
- ConnectionsFollowed by Gonin 2 (1996)
- SoundtracksAkai hana
Written by Masafumi Matsubara and Masato Sugimoto
Performed by Naomi Chiaki
Courtesy by Teichiku Records
Featured review
A hidden gem of Japanese Noir
This film by Takashi Ishii should be more well known.
A night club owner, a extortionist, a pimp, an insane business man, and an ex-cop come together to create the title's team of Five to rob the Yakuza. As the film goes on, they are hunted by two pro killers that are seemingly around every corner.
The story itself is nothing groundbreaking, but the style makes it worth it. There are several elements Ishii uses to create this solid crime thriller.
The overall cinematography is excellent, presenting dark shadowy shots, which reflect the film's dark tone and settings.
The characters are also well done, each one's backstory slowly revealed as the film goes on. They're fairly unique and interesting, enough so that the audience can sympathize. Each actor puts on a satisfactory performance that is pretty realistic.
The soundtrack combined with the great directing constructs genuinely unsettling scenes.
Some parts here and there are a teeny tiny bit forced, but can be easily forgiven.
Many of this film's viewers come to see Takeshi Kitano, but he's only a small part of the whole thing. If you're disappointed, there is much more to this picture to look forward to. It's one of Beat Takeshi's best films he only acts in.
Ishii is well known for his manga art, but that should not over shadow his film making capability. I have not seen Gonin 2, but look forward to seeing it. He is know releasing a third, Gonin Saga which I am excited for.
A night club owner, a extortionist, a pimp, an insane business man, and an ex-cop come together to create the title's team of Five to rob the Yakuza. As the film goes on, they are hunted by two pro killers that are seemingly around every corner.
The story itself is nothing groundbreaking, but the style makes it worth it. There are several elements Ishii uses to create this solid crime thriller.
The overall cinematography is excellent, presenting dark shadowy shots, which reflect the film's dark tone and settings.
The characters are also well done, each one's backstory slowly revealed as the film goes on. They're fairly unique and interesting, enough so that the audience can sympathize. Each actor puts on a satisfactory performance that is pretty realistic.
The soundtrack combined with the great directing constructs genuinely unsettling scenes.
Some parts here and there are a teeny tiny bit forced, but can be easily forgiven.
Many of this film's viewers come to see Takeshi Kitano, but he's only a small part of the whole thing. If you're disappointed, there is much more to this picture to look forward to. It's one of Beat Takeshi's best films he only acts in.
Ishii is well known for his manga art, but that should not over shadow his film making capability. I have not seen Gonin 2, but look forward to seeing it. He is know releasing a third, Gonin Saga which I am excited for.
helpful•20
- BeyondHardBoiled
- Feb 28, 2015
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