Since the release of the Japanese martial arts, horror, and sci-fi masterpiece Versus twenty-three years ago, I’ve closely been following the career of its star, Tak Sakaguchi. He’s had his highs and lows, but he’s always such an enigmatic performer, someone who is willing to take risks and not afraid to try something different. When I saw the trailer for Bad City, I knew it would be something I’d have to see immediately. Sakaguchi isn’t the star; it’s more of an ensemble piece. Everyone makes an impact in what is sure to be one of the best crime thrillers of the year.
Kaiko City is known for being rough and violent, with poverty and corruption just continuing to grow and run rampant. If the city wasn’t already dangerous, a corrupt businessman is looking to run for mayor. By corrupt, we mean he’s willing to eliminate all his competition. Running out of options, law officials decide to release Captain Torada (Hitoshi Ozawa), a former law enforcement who has been serving time for a murder. Once unleashed, he puts together a task force that is willing to put it all on the line in order to try and save the city that’s on the verge of exploding with violence.
Bad City was just the right type of action cinema I’ve been looking for. The story is pretty straightforward and by the numbers, but the movie has style without going over the top. While the story is a bit predictable, the characters drive the film. It’s good guys vs. bad guys, but the good guys aren’t exactly good. They operate more in the gray area, which helps to make things a bit more interesting.
Director Kensuke Sonomura has taken massive leaps in the right direction with this movie. He previously helmed the 2019 actioner Hydra, which left me feeling underwhelmed. This sophomore effort, despite feeling maybe twenty minutes too long, is leaps and bounds more accomplished in every aspect.
There’s a fantastic scene that sets up the finale where Captain Torada is thanking his team for their help. It’s time for him to leave them because arresting the bad guys isn’t going to satisfy him anymore. He’s going above the law and doesn’t want to drag them down with him. Of course, the team sticks together, they have a toast, then heads out to start their attack.
There’s a moment where they all assemble outside, looking tough, but it’s the way the scene is lit, mostly blue and red with a hint of yellow. The anticipation of what’s to come and how it leads into the final battle just left me feeling the excitement. The entire cast is fantastic, and even though Tak Sakaguchi’s role as a silent assassin is small, he definitely makes an impact.
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As far as the action goes, it’s kind of insane the way it’s choreographed. It’s not stylized in any way; it’s just knockdown and try to survive brutality. You feel the characters’ pain with each blow, and they look like they go through hell in each and every fight. The final thirty minutes or so is when the real impressive bits happen, and I couldn’t have been happier.
Well Go USA never really disappoints when it comes to their releases. They don’t pack their releases with too many bonus features, but when it comes to bringing Asian Cinema to Western audiences, they’re the best. The only features on this release are an English Language version as well as the theatrical trailer.
Despite feeling a bit too long, Bad City is a gritty, violent action-thriller that boasts a stellar cast and realistic action scenes that are sure to please fans of the genre.
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