ManiakJiggy This is How Movies Should Be Made

Ketrivie It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

Lachlan Coulson This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

MagnusVulture Honestly, I have to disagree. You have all the right to your opinion and I'm not criticizing or arguing with you. I just think it's one of the most subtle, interesting Yakuza movies I've ever seen. Subtlety may throw some as inconsequential nothingness. I dunno, I think by and large Japanese cinema, even mainstream Japanese cinema, is incredibly subversive. On the surface this looks like a weepy gangster movie about five losers who steal then get killed. I think underneath it's about the underdog being crushed by the ruling powers, in this case...five losers who steal then get killed. I dunno, I love it. Gonin 2 is lame as hell though.

Pingo-2 GONIN is one of the best Japanese movies I've seen. It's use of symbols and dreams in almost every scene makes it a bit hard to get into at the first watching, but if you see it several times, you will see why this is one of the highlights of Ishii.The story is easy to follow and is about five men trying to rip of the Yakuza. Things doesn't go exactly as planned (do they ever?), and they end up chased instead.This could have been a really bad film because of the simple plot, but because of the extremely powerful characters, the complex figures that we see and with full blown motives of everyone involved, this gets to be a very interesting and good movie.I've seen this movie about five times now, and I must say that it has grown. I see new things and can explore side-plots still, which is why I keep coming back to this wonderful film. If you think it is too slow, too weird, too violent, too Japanese or antyhing like that, maybe you should give it a second chance. This is NOT your standard action movie. This is NOT Violent Cop or a HK-film. This is pure drama with an action movie thrown into the mix. Beautifully made, with exploring of gay sexuality, mafia psychology, more true characters than any other action film. It's a gem.I've voted 9 of 10. I would have given it a 10 if I had thought what I think of this movie the first time I saw it. Now, it might be a bit too complex, but that again just makes it a film that will be nice to see in ten years from now. Very good film.

Nephilim-6 I won't say this is a bad movie. It really isn't. But when I see the name Kitano on the cover I expect bleakness, utter despair, or hilarity.This movie however doesn't know what it wants to be. You have yakuza, extreme violence, some really sick scenes, loss and then... quirky humorous characters... While I don't mind quirky humor, it doesn't blend well with the rest of the story.. A bunch of guys plan to rob the Yakuza but even though they get the money all hell breaks loose since the yakuza track down the robbers and send 2 hitmen after them. Result: lots of (often intense sick yet sexy) violence Tarentino can learn from with drama and: humor ?!? Doesn't really work for me.. Atleast not when I'm in a nihilistic/destructive mood. All in all. an okay maybe even fun movie but not one for those of Kitano's usual movies. (and yes I know he didn't direct this one)6.5 or 7 out of 10

DJ Inferno After all you only need three words to describe "Gonin" apt: DARKYAKUZATHRILLERGot it?!? If you want to know more check out my following review: A very explosive film indeed that seems if director Takashi Ishi had crossed Hollywood examples like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Thing to do in Denver when you´re dead", and added some stylish pictures and typical Asian gun violence to the result. "Gonin" is distinguished by a sinister and hopeless atmosphere as well as the great performances of his main actors. Once more, the appearance of the unique Takeshi Kitano makes the whole film! Maybe not the greatest movie of Japan´s 1990s cinema, but still a great work and better than 90 % of all those Tarantino rip-off gangster flicks which come from America!!!