A Toho take on the Nikkatsu crime drama
The Last Gunfight benefits from being helmed by the immensely talented Kihachi Okamoto and his odd sense of humour. From Toshirō Mifune's fast-talking, no-nonsense, bitch slapping detective to mariachi-looking yakuza killers who sing at gentlemen's clubs in their off time, the film has an ample sense of style complete with a heavy jazz-infused score by Masaru Satō. While the film certainly has issues with its pacing and otherwise predictable story; the use of old film noir sensibilities, lovely use of colour and dynamic quick-cut action that marries with the more heavy cross-cutting editing, ultimately means that The Last Gunfight will more than satisfy many Okamoto fans looking for something a little bit different and a hell of lot more camp.Was this review helpful to you?
