When one becomes a member of the Japanese mob - the Yakuza - one does so for life. A Yakuza is expected to honor, obey and even die for his clan boss. But what if he inexplicably falls in love? Where does his loyalty now lie? This is the question posed in Rokuro Mochizuki's A YAKUZA IN LOVE.

It's another power struggle in the Yakuza family - Matsui asks his 'brother' Kinichi to throw in with him against their current boss. Kinichi will not hear of this - he believes a loyal Yakuza sees things through to the very end. Kinichi is working with Hamauka observing a cafe, waiting for their bosses rival to appear. While watching the place, Kinichi is enamored by a cute waitress, so he goes to meet here. It's not a great first impression - the girl Yoko is obviously uncomfortable. But the next day, Kinichi tries again and convinces Yoko to go on a date with him. True to his criminal world, Kinichi spikes Yoko's drink, which leads to them going back to her place. However, she freaks when she sees the massive clan tattoo on Kinichi's back. He tells her she is the last angel God sent him; if he fails at his current job, he will be killed.

Well, while Kinichi was having his 'fun', Hamauka fails to pull off the hit when rival Yakuza boss Yamamoto finally shows up. Kinichi returns to his home city, taking Yoko along (who really doesn't have a choice because she's drugged again). Meanwhile, the boss goes ape-shit when he learns Matsui is betraying him for rival Uzaki; it's so bad he spits up blood. Kinichi just happens to arrive at the same hospital because Yoko is not well. The doctor tells him she has a weak heart and cannot tolerate drugs. Kinichi also discovers his boss has terminal cancer. But Kinichi really loves Yoko, and convinces her to stay and help care for the boss. Yoko goes so far as to help the boss mainline, which winds up killing him. Kinichi tells her it's how the boss would want to go, believing he was kicking Uzaki's ass. After the funeral Kinichi and Yoko make love. In the afterglow, she traces his tattoo - she is not afraid anymore. But events rapidly go south when Kinichi tries to avenge his boss, and Yoko and Kinichi 's relationship will be tested many times over as they slide down the razor blade of life. Can their love survive when there is nothing but despair and death all around them?

A YAKUZA IN LOVE is a departure from typical yakuza films; instead of a lot of 'shoot 'em up' male bonding, it is actually a love story first, gangster film second. There is certainly enough violence to satisfy yakuza aficionados, but the Kinichi/Yoko relationship is the driving force of the film. It's a little off setting knowing Yoko is really a kidnap victim - is her affection legit or a way to cope with her situation? The theme of unconditional love and loyalty are weaved throughout the film, as the characters make many wrong choices, but find ultimate redemption in these two truisms. The actors give impressive performances in very complex roles, especially Kinichi & Yoko. They bring sincerity and nobility to desperate people living desperate lives. Special Kudos to the actor portraying Hamauka; his role may be small, but his fate leaves a lasting impression. A YAKUZA IN LOVE has a curious ending; without giving anything away, it seems that a 'tag' was added to show that everyone must be held accountable for his or her actions.

The production values in A YAKUZA IN LOVE are very realistic. Most of the film was shot on location in the seedier parts of town, and that tense atmosphere is certainly felt throughout the picture. That realism is reflected in the editing, which at times feels so 'cinema vertie' it brings you right into the scene. Lighting is well used to enhance situations, and makes the overall picture quality very good. Audio is clear and distinct, although the film is only available subtitled. A YAKUZA IN LOVE has very unique music - a mostly acoustic guitar score. And y'know what? It works really well with the visuals.

The DVD release of A YAKUZA IN LOVE has several nice extras. There is a subtitled interview with director Mochizuki about the production, bios on several cast members, a short feature on Mochizuki and yakuza films, and an interview with film authority Tom Mes discussing Mochizuki and A YAKUZA IN LOVE.

Breaking from the traditional mold of yakuza films, A YAKUZA IN LOVE combines the gritty realism of the seedy underworld with a truly touching love story. The film reminds me of "The Professional" where two people find themselves in a forlorn situation, and have only each other to turn to - and that love is enough to keep going. Not exactly a date film with the rampant drug use and violence, I would still recommend A YAKUZA IN LOVE for action/suspense fans (and their better halves) as an intriguingly different slant on the usual gangster-type film.