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A full-bore look at yakuza movies, actors and directors by one of the best writers on Japanese film

The Yakuza
Movie Book

A GUIDE TO JAPANESE
GANGSTER FILMS

MARK SCHILLING

335 pp, 7 x 9", paper, 50 images
ISBN 1-880656-76-0, $19.95


Buy this book from:

"Whether you're a cultist or a newcomer, Mark Schilling is your guy. This is the yakuza book you have to own—sharp, thorough, and smart as heck about Japanese culture."
 JOHN POWERS, film critic, LA Weekly and NPR's "Fresh Air"

"Not only the first major study of a true Japanese genre but also, with its facts, figures, and interviews with directors, a real contribution to film-genre studies." 
DONALD RICHIE, Japan Times

"This is a prerequisite reading for any and all fans of Asian cinema. The book gives a terrific overview to Japan's gangster genre." 
Asian Cult Cinema

"A comprehensive package, sure to be of value to fans of yakuza and other gangster movies." 
Publishers Weekly

"From honor-bound outlaws to criminals without a code, The Yakuza Movie Book exposes the essential films, directors, performers, and shadowy figures behind Japan's ever-evolving cinematic underworld." 
PATRICK MACIAS, author of TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion

"Through yakuza movies we can see Japanese society at its most fundamental level. This is an important and valuable book." 
TADAO SATO, film critic, author of Currents in Japanese Cinema

"Schilling has produced a remarkable work. Highly recommended for academic libraries supporting programs in film and Asian studies and for public libraries serving fans of Japanese and action film." 
Library Journal

Here is an authoritative look at Japan's cinematic underworld. An invaluable resource for fans, film buffs, and researchers, The Yakuza Movie Book features:

  • Profiles of 7 notable genre directors like Tai Kato and "Beat" Takeshi Kitano, along with extensive interviews with Teruo Ishii, Seijun Suzuki, Rokuro Mochizuki, and the shock jock of Japanese film, Takashi Miike. Plus, one of Kinji Fukasaku's last interviews.
  •  Profiles of 14 of the genre's top actors, including Junko Fuji, Shintaro Katsu, Akira Kobayashi, Hiroki Matsukata, Jo Shishido, Ken Takakura, Riki Takeuchi, Koji Tsuruta, Tatsuo Umemiya, Tomisaburo Wakayama, and Tetsuya Watari. Plus interviews with Show Aikawa, arguably the hardest-working gangster in show business; Noboru Ando, one of the only gangster-actors; and the legendary Bunta Sugawara.
  • Reviews of 123 films, with storylines and critical commentaries.
  • 50 images, including stills and movie posters.
  • A guide to finding the films on video and DVD.
  • A Bibliography and Glossary.
  • Finding Guides for directors, actors, and themes.

    MARK SCHILLING has lived in Japan since 1975. He has reviewed Japanese films for the Japan Times since 1989 and written about the Japanese film industry for Screen International since 1990. His other publications include The Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture, Contemporary Japanese Film, and the English translation of Princess Mononoke: The Art and Making of Japan's Most Popular Film of All Time from Studio Ghibli.

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    The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan by Donald Richie, ed. Arturo Silva