Battles without honour and humanity review

Loyalty, betrayal, love and honour...what is going on here? Yes this film is mind-numbingly confusing but very interesting after numerous viewings AND this is the first film in a saga of five! Now I take pride in saying that films don't often confuse me but every so often one does come my way that confuses the hell out of me enough to require repeated viewings and upon understanding comes satisfaction. The title of this first chapter does summarise the film perfectly and gives you enough information of what to expect. Rumoured to be a true account of a yakuza members life (from what I was told) this is brutality from a mobsters point of view. Quite similar to"election 1 and 2" (loved both films) but fleshing out the story even further over five films (collectively known as the yakuza papers) which I look forward to seeing in the foreseeable future (if I can track all of them down). Also like the "election" movies, this may not appeal to all tastes but if you can find it, do give it a try. It is confusing but for those who do persevere and give it the attention it deserves, This is a hidden gem of a film.