Director: Norifumi Suzuki
Notable Cast: Junko Fuji, Bin Amatsu, Koji Tsuruta,
Tomisaburo Wakayama, Bunta Sugawara, Junpei Arishima, Daisuke Awaji, Shogo
Egami, Tatsuo Endo, Michitaro Mizushima, Yuki Shirono
After the impressive debut of Oryu in Red Peony Gambler,
the first film of this decently long classic yakuza franchise, there was a sense that it could be all downhill from there. The first film made such a
massive impression, through performances and a sly script that added its own
thematic weight to the usual ninkyo eiga, that a sequel was bound to disappoint
in comparison. Well, maybe not. Red Peony Gamber 2: Gambler's Obligation
is, on its own merits, an impressive follow up. The film starts off in a more
traditional manner, often doubling down on the tropes of the yakuza film of the
time period, but as it moves its way towards its conclusion the film
continually picks up speed and delivers a third act that is both incredibly
emotional and highly entertaining.