French director takes us through the history of "Yakuza Eiga"

by Chris MaGee

Here's word from Jason Gray on what sounds like a fascinating documentary about the history of yakuza eiga, Japanese gangster films. Titled obviously enough "Yakuza Eiga" it's been directed by French filmmaker Yves Montmayeur who's previously made films chronicling directors Hayao Miyazaki, Takashi Miike and Johnnie To.

Not only does Montmayeur give us a detailed look at the key players in the genre (Kinji Fukasaku, Seijun Suzuki, Sadao Nakajima and Takeshi Kitano), but he also shows how real life yakuza informed and shaped their onscreen representations.

Follow the link above for more details on "Yakuza Eiga" as well as links to the full trailer.