Released from prison, yakuza leader Oshima Ryuji finds his home and his territory diminished as the rivals of the Shibahama have taken over, now running roughshod over the streets and even troubling his beloved Haruko. Conflict swiftly ensues as Oshima moves to rebuild and reclaim what was and will again be his. It's a simple premise, yet with Oshima feeling pressure from both his desire to help the townspeople and the honest cop who wants the boss to go straight, turn his life around, and leave the Shibahama to the police, compelling drama adjoins bursts of violence. Things only get more interesting as the pot develops, to say nothing of the excellent stunts, fight choreography, and effects that bring the action to bear. This is not an especially well-known film, and that's kind of a shame, because 'The dragon and the tiger' is unexpectedly solid and enjoyable all the way through.
Kia Hisataka's strong writing is shaped by Matsuo Akinori's firm direction with a mind to keep the drama and tension simmering at a low but increasingly intense boil. Spirited acting of vibrant range, poise, and physicality bolsters the softly thrumming vitality of the picture, nevermind Hagiwara Kenji's sharp, vivid cinematography, and Kaburagi Hajime's original music is splendid, somber complement to those same ends. All that's to say nothing of the superb filming locations, sets, costume design, and hair and makeup, bringing the vision of 1920s Japan life in a manner that's very easy on the eyes. As events escalate the feature grows decidedly darker, and ever more exciting and engrossing, with the violence invariably expanding in scope all the while. At no point is the sum total so striking or spellbinding as to demand viewership, but I find this to be roundly terrific, with no faults in sight save perhaps for a measure of brusqueness in the Matsuo's direction.
For all the movies that have ever been made about yakuza, most are set in the chaos of the post-war period or later. For all the many works of Japanese cinema that have ever been made available for international viewers, this is one with few if any names or faces that I specifically, readily recognize. What I take this to mean, however, is just that this flick is even more of an unlikely minor treasure as I have come across it. From the low-key opening and the gradual build in the narrative, to the fantastic contributions of all involved a gratifyingly gripping climax and ending, there's a lot to love in these 87 minutes, including some particular shots that are extra well done. It's nothing one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the opportunity to watch this then stands steadily on its own merits as a relatively obscure but well made and highly enjoyable classic. 'The dragon and the tiger' may not have the same visibility as many contemporaries, but I'm very glad I took the time to watch and I'm pleased to give it my warm recommendation.
