"Nick Davis" (Viggo Mortensen) is an F.B.I. agent who has been sent on an undercover mission to infiltrate a warehouse owned and operated by the Yakuza. As it so happens, although they have a deal with the Italian Mafia, the boss named "Dino Campanela" (Michael Nouri) decides to double-cross his Japanese partners by sending some hit men to assassinate his main rival by the name of "Isshin Tendo" (John Fujioka) who just happens to be visiting that particular warehouse. Fortunately, Nick just happens to observe the armed gunmen sneaking into the warehouse and manages to thwart their efforts in time for Tendo to escape. However, one of Tendo's key lieutenants by the name of "Shuji Sawamoto" (Ryo Ishibashi) isn't so lucky as he is wounded in the ensuring chaos and is subsequently carried by Nick to a safe place and where he his wounds are treated. Grateful to Nick for saving his life, Shuji offers Nick a job working for him which results in serious repercussions for everyone involved. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an enjoyable crime-drama which had an interesting plot, plenty of action and some good acting as well. I especially enjoyed the performances of both Viggo Mortensen and Ryo Ishibashi who worked very well together. Likewise, having an attractive actress like Anzu Lawson (as Nick's girlfriend "Yuko") certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, I liked this particular movie and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Review of American Yakuza
