amesmonde An American becomes a member of the Japanese yakuza and tries to help the clan who are under a power pressure from a rivaling gang. Less stylised than Only God Forgives (2013), director Martin Zandvliet offers a well filmed, satisfying, yet, paint by numbers gangster screenplay from Andrew Baldwin in the vain of a string of 80s and 90s Japanese organized crime syndicate films, including the likes of American Yakuza (1993) and Black Rain (1989). That said, what makes The Outsider standout and more interesting from many other yakuza yarns is the 1954 post WWII backdrop and the strong cast performances. The tone and score compliments Zandvliet's well staged ultra violent moments - fingers are cut off, throats are cut and people are shot, strangled and stabbed. With deaths echoing the Godfather trilogy writer Baldwin wisely includes the staple themes loyalty, betrayal and forbidden love with Zandvliet bringing these visually to life with the grease and atmosphere of the 50s, injected into the costumes sets and locations. Jared Leto' snake like performance as prisoner of war Nick Lowell is a highlight as he becomes part of the yakuza. The Shiromatsu patriarch, Akihiro, played wonderfully by Min Tanaka is notable. Tadanobu Asano is memorable as Yakuza member Kiyoshi who Nick helps out of an Osaka prison.Overall, not a gangster game changer but enjoyable nonetheless.

sabrinasullivan-62775 Honestly, I thought this movie was fine. It was Jared Let's lack of facial expression that killed it for me. He had no emotions whatsoever unless he was hurt (and I guess that took a lot out of him if you noticed that forehead vein). Would have been nice if there was a bit of background story to his character, such as why he was imprisoned and why he was so neutral about everything. Decent movie overall.

Imran Ahmed Great film - I loved every minute of it. From the settings in buildings in sleazy neighborhoods around post-war Japan to the acting which was excellent. It even had one (maybe more?) moment of humor. There is little to complain about except perhaps it was gory even by today's standards. It's difficult to remember how one things leads to the next as the plot is crafted masterfully. Before the viewer is even aware, a Gaijin (foreigner or outsider) is a part of a Japanese Yakuza family in Osaka. Despite his penchant for violence - sometimes almost senseless - the main character is humanized through a tender side manifested by his love for a woman. The film depicts a broken down Japan still reeling from the impact of World War Two. There appears to be little of the order and wealth so closely associated with contemporary Japan. The movie is an eye opener on Japanese society for those who are unaware of the depths to which Imperial Japan feel after its surrender in 1945. Well acted, great plot with a serious dark side ... what's not to like?

edavantes I was very excited to watch this movie because I loved the premise and the reviews here recommended it. Boy was I let down.The movie is slow, but not in a good way. It's not slow to immerse you in the old world of Japan, or even to give you some sort of visceral feel. It's just slow and then like clockwork something very violent happens. I don't even understand why he's so violent. There's just no soul behind anything.It is predictable, which is not the worst thing in the world but combine that with a slow pace and uncompelling characters and it's another fatal flaw.Gratuitous violence began to make the movie a bit comical.