Title: The shadow of Japanese stoicism
Product review: I rate this documentary 5 stars for bringing to light the essence of the yakuza spirit: giri. Although the initial focal point Naoki (the apprentice) is lost with his sudden undeclared departure, the boss of the Kumagai clan Masatoshi Kumagai becomes an unparalleled protagonist who shares with the viewer his reflections on his role as a non-blood-parental figure of the clan members: to show affection in a contained, expressionless, and stoic way. I disagree with those who believe that the documentary 'lost steam.' Naoki reappears almost at the end, showing his directionless existence in between worlds (the underworld and the mainstream society). The documentary portrays aspects of the contemporary Japanese society that are little known. It breaks stereotypes, and challenges the Western expectation of a linear progression of a film. I applaud Limosin's work.
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