DEAD OR ALIVE

Alternate Title: D.O.A
Country: Japan
Release Year: 1999
Genre: Action / Crime
Language: Japanese
Running Time: 105 minutes

[Cast]
Riki Takeuchi
Sho Aikawa
Renji Ishibashi
Hitoshi Ozawa
Shingo Tsurumi
Kaoru Sugita
Ren Osugi
Susumu Terajima

[Director]
Takashi Miike





"A KINETICALLY CHARGED, VISUAL MASTERPIECE FOR THE SENSES!!!"

Takashi Miike is without a doubt the most explosive Japanese director period. His movies has managed to shock, disturb, and entertain millions of people worldwide.

Simply put there's always something to see in a Miike flick, and Dead or Alive is probably the epitomy of that statement.

The movie does not waste time, from the moment the credits starts rolling you are visually treated to one of the most explosive introductions of any characters in a movie. It will mess with your senses, the honest truth is you will probably enjoy it. Or hate it, the fact is if this movie manages to entertain, sicken, and disturb you, Miike has done his job.

As a director I find him very unforgiving towards his characters, and very unapologetic to his audiences. And that's exactly what has set him very far apart from other directors out there. Dead Or Alive is another testament of Miike's directive genius. With DOA, Miike shows the different perspectives, and the lives of very different people in the Japanese Yakuza underworld.

The story focuses on the relationship between the Yakuza, the Chinese Triads, and the Tokyo Police, and a band of would be bank robbers. And how they deal with each other. Each group, each individual has a certain path, and a goal to achieve.

Because of their position in life, and the difficulties of what life has to offer. Some of the characters are forced to do what they have to do may it be good or bad, in order to better themselves in a way they see fit. Miike shows you the two sides of the coin, of every major character.

Honor, Trust, and Loyalty is what drives the plot of the story. But of course a Miike flick is not complete without his direct unforgiving touch. And that's exactly why people should see his movies. To see what he's going to do next. DOA certainly delivers the goods. The story is straight forward. The action is absolutely fantastic.

There's absolutely plenty of things to see in DOA, none of which you will forget for a long while. Excellent acting performance from the characters, One of the two main leads Sho Aikawa did an excellent performance as the devoted yet troubled detective Jojima, and Takeuchi Riki is definitely one to watch.

His super cool, suave look is perfect for the role as the fearless Ryuichi. One should definitely watch his peformance in another Miike directed flick "FUDOH".

Dead Or Alive is highly recommended to any action fan aficionados. Along with an entertaining story to boot, no shortage of action, awesome soundtrack, and those unforgetful Miike scenes. You will defintitely be taken for a ride of your life!

This is one for the record books folks!!!

Dead Or Alive is without a doubt, a solid masterpiece in every sense of the word. Dead Or Alive is a Japanese Cinema bliss of epic proportions.