“Ley Lines” (1999) is the final part in Takashi Miike's thematically connected "Black Society Trilogy" of crime dramas that began with “Shinjuku Triad Society” (1995) and continued with “Rainy Dog” (1997). As with those films, Miike's eyes are once again fixed firmly on the underclass of immigrants, prostitutes and criminals who are struggling to survive in the hostile environment they find themselves in.
Buy This Title
The film follows three young men of Chinese descent living in a rural part in Japan. Ryuichi (Kazuki Kitamura) is struggling to get his immigration papers due to being on probation. He decides to leave his small hometown and travel to Tokyo to seek his fortune. He is joined by his friend Chan (Tomorowo Taguchi), a fellow …show more content…
Kazuki Kitamura as the leader of their small group is understated, with his anger and determination evident in a quiet, subtle way. Tomorowo Taguchi is a delight as the comedic Chan, whose upbeat naivety often prevents the film from becoming overly sombre. His character, with his unconventional speech including English phrases and child-like enthusiasm make all of his scenes enjoyable. And Dan Li gives a powerful performance as Anita with some difficult scenes.
“Ley Lines” shows us the hardships of life of immigrants and the almost impossible decisions they are forced to make. In an early scene, we see the young man refused his immigration papers because he is on probation. The characters seem to be trapped in a no-win situation and downwards spiral of poverty and crime brought on by their immigrant status. At every turn, characters are struggling, either for money, to get a passport, and face the constant threat of assault. At the end of the film, you have sympathy for the main characters.
"Ley Lines" is an thrilling ride with a strong social conscience and a fitting conclusion to a trilogy of films that are sure to stand the test of time as among the greatest of Japanese crime
Buy This Title
The film follows three young men of Chinese descent living in a rural part in Japan. Ryuichi (Kazuki Kitamura) is struggling to get his immigration papers due to being on probation. He decides to leave his small hometown and travel to Tokyo to seek his fortune. He is joined by his friend Chan (Tomorowo Taguchi), a fellow …show more content…
Kazuki Kitamura as the leader of their small group is understated, with his anger and determination evident in a quiet, subtle way. Tomorowo Taguchi is a delight as the comedic Chan, whose upbeat naivety often prevents the film from becoming overly sombre. His character, with his unconventional speech including English phrases and child-like enthusiasm make all of his scenes enjoyable. And Dan Li gives a powerful performance as Anita with some difficult scenes.
“Ley Lines” shows us the hardships of life of immigrants and the almost impossible decisions they are forced to make. In an early scene, we see the young man refused his immigration papers because he is on probation. The characters seem to be trapped in a no-win situation and downwards spiral of poverty and crime brought on by their immigrant status. At every turn, characters are struggling, either for money, to get a passport, and face the constant threat of assault. At the end of the film, you have sympathy for the main characters.
"Ley Lines" is an thrilling ride with a strong social conscience and a fitting conclusion to a trilogy of films that are sure to stand the test of time as among the greatest of Japanese crime