Yakuza Apocalypse - Reviewed

Director: Takashi Miike

Writer: Yoshitaka Yamaguchi (screenplay)

Stars: Yayan Ruhian, Rirî Furankî, Hayato Ichihara 

In the ruthless underground world of the yakuza, no one is more legendary than boss Kamiura. Rumored to be invincible, the truth is he is a vampire-a bloodsucking yakuza vampire boss! Among Kamiura's gang is Kageyama, his most loyal underling. However, the others in the gang view Kageyama with disdain and ridicule him for his inability to get tattooed due to sensitive skin. One day, assassins aware of boss Kamiura's secret arrive from abroad and deliver him an ultimatum: Return to the international syndicate he left years ago, or die. Kamiura refuses and, during a fierce battle with anime-otaku martial-arts expert Kyoken, is torn limb from limb. With his dying breath, Kamiura bites Kageyama, passing on his vampire powers to the unsuspecting yakuza. As he begins to awaken to his newfound abilities, Kageyama's desire to avenge the murder of boss Kamiura sets him on a course for a violent confrontation with Kaeru-kun, the foreign syndicate's mysterious and seemingly unstoppable leader!

Takashi Miike is known for his prolific output. Some brilliant, some odd and some just bat shit crazy and Yakuza Apocalypse is definitely the latter. After a slown burn 1st 25 minutes it goes truly off its nut!
As you would expect from Miike the cinematography is brilliant. The gore level never let's up and the characters are insane. A stinky yokai monster. A kung-fu frog. An underground slave factory full of men who are constantly knitting whilst having there feet crushed. An Edwardian priest who carries a small coffin on his back and oh did I mention  vampires?
Yes it is as insane as the above would have you think. There were many a time watching it i wondered what the fuck was going on but in saying that it kept me watching and laughing many times through it.
The only thing I would say is the ending is a little frustrating as I would have loved to see more.
All in all well worth a watch but not his best and not his worst. A blast indeed well at least I think it was!
7/10