Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): March 9, 2018
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
42
Mixed:
21
Negative:
8
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9
jasharkowalskiMar 17, 2018
Yes, it is a cliche, but i don't regret watching bloody jakuza tale at all ! Jared acting tricks are working just fine in this flick which has a plot worth Tarantino's movie....one may even visualize what it would look like had Quentin madeYes, it is a cliche, but i don't regret watching bloody jakuza tale at all ! Jared acting tricks are working just fine in this flick which has a plot worth Tarantino's movie....one may even visualize what it would look like had Quentin made it, probably even more blood spilling and some limbs chopping...i bet Takeshi Kitano loves this flick so you should, too ! Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
Truth_of_PiscesMar 18, 2018
It's not an unwatchable movie by any means, though the plot isn't anything original, the script is pretty dull, and Jared Leto once again turns in a performance so wooden and bland you'll wonder how he ever won an Oscar in the first place. AtIt's not an unwatchable movie by any means, though the plot isn't anything original, the script is pretty dull, and Jared Leto once again turns in a performance so wooden and bland you'll wonder how he ever won an Oscar in the first place. At only two hours long, it isn't hard to sit through; many scenes are shot very well and the heavy Japanese cast definitely make the otherwise plodded pace of the film bearable. The biggest problem with the movie is that nothing exciting really happens all that much, even its climax lacks any real payoff and Jared Leto's character is entirely forgettable in a face of Japanese actors who carry this film despite him. Overall, the movie makes me think Netflix has a long way to go when it comes to producing solid films, if they are even capable of such a thing to begin with given what we've gotten since late last year. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
SD_ScottMar 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this film. It's not a masterpiece by any means but it's good movie. I enjoyed Leto's journey and mystery. The action was great. And the ending left me hungry for more...
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Grizwald87Mar 17, 2018
I watched this movie before I read anything about it, thought it was great, and came online expecting to find out that many felt at least somewhat the same. I'm blown away, I can't remember the last time I've seen so many critics dumping on aI watched this movie before I read anything about it, thought it was great, and came online expecting to find out that many felt at least somewhat the same. I'm blown away, I can't remember the last time I've seen so many critics dumping on a perfectly good movie.

There has to be some ulterior motive, because this movie is average at the very worst, and I can't find a critic calling it better than horrendous. Maybe because it's Netflix? Maybe because the movie dares to imagine a white guy as something other than a cowboy or an astronaut? Not sure, but I think probably the latter: most of the reviews spend 85% of the column space complaining about whitewashing and misrepresenting the plot to make the movie sound racist and insensitive, which it's not.

Bottom line: this movie isn't the next Godfather, but it's really enjoyable and the acting is great. If you like crime/gangster movies you'll enjoy it.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Sammy189Mar 19, 2018
Aggressively violent, slow paced 1954 Osaka, Japan. yakuza crime family's beef with noir flavour and heavy traditional ideals show that one man is extremely passionate about his family the less he says the more he knows but in turn, ends withAggressively violent, slow paced 1954 Osaka, Japan. yakuza crime family's beef with noir flavour and heavy traditional ideals show that one man is extremely passionate about his family the less he says the more he knows but in turn, ends with a m1911. great film Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
grantpolifkaAug 13, 2018
An intriguing premise with good actors, but boring and uninspired with no sense of likability.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
gq_foineMar 13, 2018
Disregard ALL the critics low score! They are absolutely ALL CLUELESS! This was a fantastic film! I 100% give this 10/10! I want a sequel! AND I WANT NETFLIX PLEASE FUND IT! I WILL PREPAY 5yrs for NETFLIX just for a SEQUEL!

Jared Leto is
Disregard ALL the critics low score! They are absolutely ALL CLUELESS! This was a fantastic film! I 100% give this 10/10! I want a sequel! AND I WANT NETFLIX PLEASE FUND IT! I WILL PREPAY 5yrs for NETFLIX just for a SEQUEL!

Jared Leto is one of the BEST ACTORS! He did an amazing job in Blade Runner and now this movie. He is a superstar!!! Absolutely fantastic job! My wife and I both LOVED THE FILM!
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5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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7
BananafishMar 15, 2018
This is an entertaining movie. It's not great, and lacks some nuance and sophistication. However, it's solidly acted, scripted, and provides entertainment. It takes place in 1954, in (an authentic looking) post-WW2 Japan , so there's no fancyThis is an entertaining movie. It's not great, and lacks some nuance and sophistication. However, it's solidly acted, scripted, and provides entertainment. It takes place in 1954, in (an authentic looking) post-WW2 Japan , so there's no fancy special effects or green screens needed. If you need wiz-bang non-stop action, this might not be the right movie. If you can get into a slow-moving but intense action flick, I would say give it a go. I enjoyed it. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
sayguhMar 10, 2018
Leto's character is a titch unrealistic but I enjoyed the film. It's a bit slow, so be prepared for that.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
Sythe_GMar 15, 2018
I took a chance on The Outsider in spite of my aversion to Jared Leto. I feel that he is a bad actor that has gotten by on his looks and name recognition. However, I have to admit that he was quite good in this film. The story is by no meansI took a chance on The Outsider in spite of my aversion to Jared Leto. I feel that he is a bad actor that has gotten by on his looks and name recognition. However, I have to admit that he was quite good in this film. The story is by no means Shakespearian, but it is competent and moves the movie along nicely. The pacing is great, some of the shots are a bit long, but it didn't bother me. The film's meat and potatoes is in it's portrayal of Japanese and Yakuza culture, and some graphic violence. The violence may turn some people off, but there are plenty like me that say the more the merrier. I think the critics are just being SJW meat puppets, and are probably feigning offense over the fact that the protagonist is a white man "appropriating" Japanese culture, or something along those idiotic lines. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
JonnyMentholMar 11, 2018
Don't listen to these "critics" who are banding together to bomb every Netflix OG movie now to save their precious cinema experience. While the Film is not a 10 or anything wholey revolutionary it certainly doesn't deserve those scores. It'sDon't listen to these "critics" who are banding together to bomb every Netflix OG movie now to save their precious cinema experience. While the Film is not a 10 or anything wholey revolutionary it certainly doesn't deserve those scores. It's solid film, well made and the acting is pretty superb especially from Leto. The visual and cinematography are also great. If you subscribe to Netflix you aren't loosing out on anything here and the movie is well worth your time, a very nice addition to the Netflix library. I'm almost sure to jump on films now that the critics bomb as it seems to be a scenario where they are bombing the good movies to use what little influence they still have to kill the big budget aspect of Netflix film development. Anything with a budget these days just gets slammed regardless of whether it is half decent or not, Bright being the perfect example. Expand
8 of 12 users found this helpful84
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7
SolantusMar 11, 2018
This is a not a Great Movie yes. Bu not bad as critics say, Jared Letho make good job in his role. He is like born for cold killer roles.

İdea is good but not directed very well.Specially shootings, Scenes are not in a harmony. But in the
This is a not a Great Movie yes. Bu not bad as critics say, Jared Letho make good job in his role. He is like born for cold killer roles.

İdea is good but not directed very well.Specially shootings, Scenes are not in a harmony. But in the end you can watch the all movie beginning to end. And it is not bother you so much.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
AKthaBeastMar 19, 2018
Honestly this is a very cliche story that get told over and over in Hollywood. The "White American in a foreign setting saving the day" **** Had this come out maybe 15-20 years ago I think it would be reviewed more favorably. I did appreciateHonestly this is a very cliche story that get told over and over in Hollywood. The "White American in a foreign setting saving the day" **** Had this come out maybe 15-20 years ago I think it would be reviewed more favorably. I did appreciate the cast of real Japanese actors/actresses and the feeling/cinematography of the movie. Leto, however, felt out of place and was awkward throughout the movie. The way the story was told could have been better and there was opportunity to tell a more compelling story however it felt at time that they were taking the safe route. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
mitchhahn117Mar 15, 2018
A really good movie. Don't listen to the critics. Movies like this can put Hollywood out of business.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
principessaMar 10, 2018
I know why this movie got such horrible reviews. The central theme of the movie is HONOR. It's not a concept that is readily taught in most families nor societies nowadays. I, however, am happy to be a part of the small minority thatI know why this movie got such horrible reviews. The central theme of the movie is HONOR. It's not a concept that is readily taught in most families nor societies nowadays. I, however, am happy to be a part of the small minority that understands the concept and LOVED the movie. Where can I find a guy like Nick? Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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10
arkhlongstrideMar 16, 2018
I have no idea how the **** the critics gave scores so low. While outsider is not a masterpiece, is a ******** awesome movie about Yakuzas. It has Yakuza (the game series) vibes everywhere. Is literally like watching a sub story of yakuzaI have no idea how the **** the critics gave scores so low. While outsider is not a masterpiece, is a ******** awesome movie about Yakuzas. It has Yakuza (the game series) vibes everywhere. Is literally like watching a sub story of yakuza games whit new characters and an awesome Leto's. 1950 japan is also perfectly reproducted, maybe thats the best part. A gaijin in a 1950 Yakuza war story, **** yeah Netflix, give me more! Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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7
FranbarrmanMar 9, 2018
La película empieza muy bien pero a medida que avanza va en picada hacia abajo, no estoy diciendo que sea mala de verdad la disfrute solo que los últimos 30 min casi todo se siente mal. Excelentes tomas, muy bien los actores asiáticos peroLa película empieza muy bien pero a medida que avanza va en picada hacia abajo, no estoy diciendo que sea mala de verdad la disfrute solo que los últimos 30 min casi todo se siente mal. Excelentes tomas, muy bien los actores asiáticos pero jared me quedo debiendo un poco no supo transmitir esa frialdad que (por ejemplo ryan gosling transmite en blade runner y drive). Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
qwerty8883Mar 25, 2018
A cult classic. Some will hate it because they have an iq under 13 and the attention span of a disabled goldfish and others will appreciate it for what it is. The Reviewers missed the mark massively on this one and its a great film. check it out
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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4
ViniciusBritoMar 9, 2018
When a american veteran soldier ends up, somehow, in a japanese prison with members of Yakuza, leading to actions that will make he work with them. He is introduced to the Yakuza code, doing some assault missions, making part of them and endsWhen a american veteran soldier ends up, somehow, in a japanese prison with members of Yakuza, leading to actions that will make he work with them. He is introduced to the Yakuza code, doing some assault missions, making part of them and ends up in a war for power and zone.
This movie is a very generic one, you can see several ideas used here in other films and done better in a lot of cases. The plot isn't very interesting and you can mostly see to where it is going, don't have a lot of surprising moments and if you did got surprised by something i highly doubt that you will even get excited about it. It kind of follows that idea of someone that isn't belonging to that place and ends up becoming a better worker in some aspects than they and taking their stuff. It shows about betrayal, what happens to those who do not follow the rules imposed by them and and blasts of violence.
I like how the movie showed a bit about the Yakuza culture and traditions, talking about the tattoos, how they are made differently, about the fingers, why cut them and when, the hierarchy.. They don't go very further with those, but it was well made.
The movie is very gore in some moments and isn't afraid of showing blood and big cuts, wich is good, visually i don't have much to talk about it, but it is functional.
The acting isn't the more positive point of the movie, a got that those characters are cold, but i think that principally Jared Leto could have delivered more, his character is cold and rarely have expressions, but i think that he could have some tones of voice and expressions in the look, depending on who he were talking to, at the very end he does that, but doesn't last long. Tadanobu Asano had a good acting and a good character, he kind of had a back story, different than almost every other, is easily for you to like this character that the mainly one, maybe because he doesn't seem so cold as the others, having more charisma, wich was rare in this movie, for possibly reasonable reasons.
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3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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2
papadrew7Mar 14, 2018
The movie is just awful. It sounds interesting but it is poorly written. I mean the movie doesn't even establish who the main character is. Why is he in prison? On top of that the character is mute so its very hard to relate to him. Also theThe movie is just awful. It sounds interesting but it is poorly written. I mean the movie doesn't even establish who the main character is. Why is he in prison? On top of that the character is mute so its very hard to relate to him. Also the damn movie will just jump from scene to scene leaving me wondering wtf is going on. Honestly, it feels like this was a movie made by a college grad student not a real studio team. Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
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2
whoischarlotteMar 13, 2018
The generic Jared Leto yakuza thriller no one wanted. It was mind numbing, had a pointless plot and bored me.
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
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5
TheQuietGamerMar 9, 2018
Right from the opening credits The Outsider feels like one of Netflix's Marvel series condensed down to a two hour running-time with all of the interesting stuff having been cut out. There are a lot of filler shots and the narrative feelsRight from the opening credits The Outsider feels like one of Netflix's Marvel series condensed down to a two hour running-time with all of the interesting stuff having been cut out. There are a lot of filler shots and the narrative feels fragmented. At one point I actually had to check to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped ahead because I had no idea why Jared Leto's face suddenly looked all beat up. Apparently there was just a time jump. The sporadic, bloody violence and beautiful Japanese scenery is all the movie has to keep it going.

Speaking of Leto, his whiteness is a legitimate problem. He looks so out of place and it doesn't make much sense why all but one of the Yakuza members he finds himself around would embrace him so openly. His character's race and background also contribute nothing to the plot. He is only here to act as a gateway to open up American audiences to the material. Skin color aside, Leto also feels miscast. His role in the Yakuza is that of an enforcer. The guy they call to rough people up. While he may be a secret bad ass in real life, the actor/singer doesn't have any sort of threatening appearance. It makes the whole white boy lead thing feel even more misguided.

We could use more Asian culture in western cinema. While I appreciate The Outsider's efforts to make that happen, it's just not the movie that's going to make it work and not just because of it's ill-advised main character. This really would have been better of as a show on Netflix as opposed to an original film. The material could have had some time to breath, a fully developed plot could have emerged, and some character growth could have occurred that may have even justified an American protagonist. I could see The Outsider as a show succeeding in all of the areas where Iron Fist failed. But instead we get an empty crime-drama that's only redeeming factors rest in it's depiction of Japanese culture. Something it squanders a bit by mostly using it as window dressing and letting the white man prance around like he owns that place. 5.8/10
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0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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3
JLuis_001Mar 15, 2018
The Outsider is a film that I really believe it could have been quite good but it ended up being a boredom fest in which almost 40 minutes are spent before the story really begins to have a development and to be honest the conflict ends upThe Outsider is a film that I really believe it could have been quite good but it ended up being a boredom fest in which almost 40 minutes are spent before the story really begins to have a development and to be honest the conflict ends up being very poor and everything feels minor or irrelevant.
A very poor effort and a a huge disappointment, another failure for Netflix. Even Jared Leto delivers one of his most simplistic performances in years.
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0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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6
MaxPayneIsGodApr 7, 2019
Both good and disappointing at the same time.
Nothing original about the narrative.
A great supporting cast, the Japanese cast really shine. However, as expected its Leto's Potato-sack-esq presence which lets the team down. I can't help but
Both good and disappointing at the same time.
Nothing original about the narrative.
A great supporting cast, the Japanese cast really shine.
However, as expected its Leto's Potato-sack-esq presence which lets the team down.
I can't help but wonder how much better this would have been with a better actor at the reigns.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
CentueMar 29, 2018
Do not listen to the “professional” critics. This is an amazing film. It does what a good film is supposed to do: show you who people are and make you immerse yourself in their story instead of beating you over the head with painful dialogue.Do not listen to the “professional” critics. This is an amazing film. It does what a good film is supposed to do: show you who people are and make you immerse yourself in their story instead of beating you over the head with painful dialogue. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in the past year. Better than most major Hollywood blockbusters. That’s probably why the industry doesn’t like it because great films like this that release on Netflix are putting Hollywood out of business. Major props to Jared Leto who absolutely nails this role. He is visceral, violent, loyal, and fearsome all wrapped up into one totally believable package. This movie was very intense from start to finish and leaves you feeling like you just experienced this wild journey right alongside the characters. This is a must watch. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
sharp_katanaMar 30, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "The Outsider" is great. Not perfect, not without problems and certainly not the only history lesson you should take if you are interested in Japan and Yakuza.
But it does not deserve that harsh judgement that you can find by almost every "professional" critic. To me it almost seems like the critics rate it bad just because it is a Netflix movie.

"The Outsider" is a violent film depicting a more or less traditional organized crime story. If you are not into this, I would not recommend watching it, but that does not make it a bad film, just a matter of taste.
It builds up quite some tension in the beginning and the rather silent attitude of Nick Lowell (characterized by Jared Leto) induces a thrilling experience.
As a character he appears as a person that adapts quickly to his current situation. We never learn how he actually feels about it and you might call this a shallow character, but similar to film noirs he is doing what needs to be done and leaves its judgement to the watcher.
I totally agree that his late rise in the very last scene destroys a lot of what the movie could have been. But the plot does in no way necessarily lead to this ending. Just skip the last 30s or so.
There was a lot of criticism that this story looks like a white savior story. But then again, no. It sure has similarities with "The Last Samurai" from 2003, but in some ways it is more honest. The last scene left aside, I would not have thought that the motive of a white Yakuzi saving his clan was the main idea behind it.

Actually, his importance for the main happenings in the film is another one. He is not influencing the actions of the Shiromatsu Yakuza clan in any way, but rather follows their concepts and adapts (admittingly a bit too well) to their traditions (literally as their "white dog"). By being accepted in the clan he pisses off another member which leads to a fatal showdown. There is no importance there in he being white other than that western people might not watch this movie as easily as when it exclusively had Japanese actors.

What we see in this movie is a clash of an established and an uprising Yakuza clan. The former follows the old traditions and Nick appears as the only attempt to allow a foreigner into this world as long as he abides by their rules. The other clan has more modern concepts seemingly influenced by political and economical changes after WWII. Who wins it in the end? We do not know. While American influence seems to have changed the structures of organized crime in Japan, we see that traditional Japanese ways (at least what the Western world associates with it) still have worth even for the rivalling clan and Western people can adopt them for good.
It would be really interesting to listen to the opinions of Japanese critics. There is a resemblance to "The Last Samurai", but it is definitely less "Disney" and its main character is way less important. So maybe this movie never intended to send a strong message at all. Maybe it just wants to be dark movie for entertainment. And I think it is doing this very well.
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8
snufkinFeb 24, 2020
very heavy and slow progression of the story line. most of the time jared's character is more a "viewer from the side" then a full on characters like the rest. but definitely interesting movie. very good actors. not the best but for those whovery heavy and slow progression of the story line. most of the time jared's character is more a "viewer from the side" then a full on characters like the rest. but definitely interesting movie. very good actors. not the best but for those who like japan yakuza and 50's not bad to pass the night. my thought on jared's acting though that if he was taking this character and use it as the "joker" that would be very unique and interesting. think about it after you'll see the movie Expand
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7
mak3nsh1May 24, 2018
Legitimately, this movie is not a 10. This movie does give the same style pacing as The Godfather trilogy. I've read several reviews by "critics" that if grading any installment of The Godfather today, would grade it less than mediocre.Legitimately, this movie is not a 10. This movie does give the same style pacing as The Godfather trilogy. I've read several reviews by "critics" that if grading any installment of The Godfather today, would grade it less than mediocre. Leto is on the outside looking in, obviously. He doesn't change his style at all, which is refreshing considering most crime dramas focus on the change of semi-sweet and lovable into the ruthlessness. The near accuracy of the culture at the time is also refreshing. Anyone saying no Caucasian would be welcomed into the yakuza, especially then, has no knowledge of the yakuza, then or now. Expand
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6
BulgarianCriticJul 24, 2020
It had some decent acting and story telling but unfortunately some parts were too long and generic as heck and our main actor barely had any emotions on his face the entire movie it was a pretty ok movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
angelo81Aug 27, 2019
A solid movie, with a slow tempo, it has a calm atmosphere as if every scene was ready to turn into a storm. Leto makes a great performance.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LuckyGeniusSep 30, 2020
This is my first ever review of a movie on Metacritic or anywhere else really. I actually created an account just so I can tell you that all the so called critics that are bashing this film are deluded. Yes it may not be revolutionary howeverThis is my first ever review of a movie on Metacritic or anywhere else really. I actually created an account just so I can tell you that all the so called critics that are bashing this film are deluded. Yes it may not be revolutionary however it was a very enjoyable film with great cinematic shots, a good lead by Jeto, and a really interesting story with a great choice of time period to make a Yakuza movie in. I would really reccommend that you watch this film, out of 10 I would give it a solid 8. Expand
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10
joerirDec 16, 2020
Good movie with good acting from Jared Leto, story is good although the critics burn this movie to the ground
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10
SavioericApr 18, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O filme se passa no Japão, como protagonista principal Nick(Jared leto) que acaba aceitando a proposta de entrar na Yakuza e assim vai se desenvolvendo a história Expand
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