Agitator

Agitator is a dark yakuza film that focuses on loyalty and betrayal. Director Takashi Miike keeps things more grounded here than in his wilder movies. There’s still violence, but the story is really about power struggles and broken bonds between men who once trusted each other.

The plot follows Kunihiko, a gangster loyal to his mentor Higuchi. When a syndicate leader tries to merge rival families through murder, Kunihiko gets caught in the mess. He just wants justice for his fallen boss, but in this world, loyalty doesn’t last long. Everyone’s looking out for themselves, and alliances keep shifting.

The film has a lot of characters, and honestly, it can get confusing. But that confusion works because it shows how chaotic and untrustworthy the yakuza world really is. What keeps you invested is the bond between Kunihiko and Higuchi. Their relationship gives the story real emotion and makes it more than just another crime movie.

Miike balances the tone really well. He mixes quiet moments with sudden bursts of violence. You’ll see calm conversations followed by street fights or gunfire. There are also dreamlike scenes with Kunihiko’s girlfriend that show his softer side. Those moments feel separate but remind you he’s still human underneath it all.

The movie is long and heavy with plot, but I think it’s worth sticking with. Masaya Kato plays Kunihiko with quiet sadness, and Naoto Takenaka brings wisdom and tiredness to Higuchi. Their performances make the ending really hit hard. The cinematography and music also add a lot to the mood.

This isn’t a film for everyone. It’s slow, serious, and full of complicated characters. But if you like deep gangster films that explore what loyalty costs, you’ll appreciate it. Agitator shows men trying to hold onto honor in a world where honor doesn’t exist anymore.