Always great when a film from an older decade feels contemporary in its energy. Youth Of The Beast (1963; Yajū no seishun) is very snappy and vibrant, a Yazuka gangster movie about a mysterious stranger Joe (Joe Shishido – who I only discovered now had cheek implants to help his career and thus his very distinctive look) who plays two gangs against each other while on his own mission. Directed by Seijun Suzuki (I’ve only seen one other film by him, the colourful pop art gangster flick, Tokyo Drifter), the film is stylish and tight at 90 minutes, throwing out plenty of memorable gags and distinctive action, an obvious influence on Tarantino. Available through Criterion Collection. Recommended.
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