Osaka Tough GuysChildish, awkward mix of genres, humour that doesn't translate cross continents, all these are true of Osaka Tough Guys but Takashi Miike's film contains the key elements of all of his work, growing up, violence and the effect of family, be it in the home or in an organisation such as the Yakuza. Made for the Japanese video market, Osaka Tough Guys tell of two imbecilic youths Makato and Eiji, who spend their days drinking and bullying their teachers, looking to find work they find their way into a low rent mob organisation whose bosses and members are almost as dumb as they are. Featuring some very low brow comedy and some supporting characters that are little more than one note jokes, the film succeeds thanks to the game performances of it's two leads and the direction which shows Miike bridging the gap between his video work and the theatrical gems which were to follow. The film doesn't water down the sexual of violent side of Yakuza life and that doesn't make it an easy sell, particularly with all the blunt comedy, but as a slice of life from a different culture and a look into a gifted director honing his skills it's well worth a look.
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