Massacre Gun (1967)

A bleak Yakuza tale from Hasebe, courtesy of Nikkatsu, that slow burns its way from hard choices toward what would be impossible, painful actions for most folks. But Kuroda (Jô Shishido) isn't most folks. When pushed beyond his own set limits he reacts, even when the person pushing is his own boss.
As it advances quietly towards an extremely memorable confrontation it’s impossible not to be impressed by Hasebe’s attention to detail, cinematic framing and restraint. We’re told only what we need to know about the principal players, with their actions revealing the rest.

3 honest rhythms out of 5