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Dead or Alive
DEAD OR ALIVE 犯罪者
1999 105 min Japan R 18+
★6.5
Action, Thriller, Crime
Director: Takashi Miike
Trailers
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EN
Description
Ryūichi and his small gang of Triad vie for control of the Japanese underworld in a crime-ridden Shinjuku quarter while Detective Jojima tries to bring it down.
Budget:
$4,615
Starring
Shô Aikawa
Actor
Riki Takeuchi
Actor
Renji Ishibashi
Actor
Awards
2 wins
Key opinion
Takashi Miike’s Dead or Alive is a hyper-kinetic, genre-defying explosion that balances brutal yakuza violence with surrealist, cartoonish flourishes. While its chaotic energy and unconventional narrative choices polarize audiences, it is widely recognized as a bold, stylistic statement that pushes the boundaries of Japanese crime cinema.
| Pacing | The opening sequence delivers a shocking, high-energy impact that establishes the film's frenetic and unconventional aesthetic. | |
| Originality | The film functions as a bold 'live-action cartoon,' masterfully blending elements of action, black comedy, and melodrama into a singular experience. | |
| Acting | The central rivalry between Riki Takeuchi and Sho Aikawa anchors the story as a study of complementary, opposing forces within the underworld. | |
| Screenplay | The film's tone fluctuates between aggressive crime thrills and bizarre, philosophical musings, leaving some viewers engaged by its experimental nature while others are alienated by the abrupt shifts. |