When the conversation turns to Japanese action movies, Crows Zero is usually one of the first that are mentioned – and for a reason. Almost fifteen years after its release, it is still one of the greatest. Fast-paced, entertaining, and feel-good, it is so rewatchable that I keep returning to it like to an old friend, and now that I have rewatched it I came here to tell you why you should make it your friend too.

1. First-rate Action.

The drawback of many action movies are the slow motion scenes. They were discovered somewhere along the way, and now it seems that they are all directors know. Their abundance has turned them into a tiresome cliché that has made me skip a lot of action scenes. This movie avoids this pitfall. The action is filmed in a realistic way that conveys the chaos and speed of fights among groups of violent, and remarkably well-trained, delinquents.
Most importantly, everyone, including the main characters, gets hurt. There is none of Hollywood's favorite "the extras die from a kick in the shin, the main character is unscathed after taking down fifty armed men" here, and I appreciate this. If you like action, you will not be disappointed.

2. Hot Guys.

Aside from the top-notch action, you will be treated to gorgeous visuals. Some of the unhinged delinquents of Suzuran High do not have to worry about neglecting their studies. In case they decide to leave the gang life behind, they can achieve success in life by pursuing modelling careers. It is not only Genji Takiya with his anime proportions who attracts attention, but also Tamao Serizawa, Tokio, Izaki, and many others. Every time several of them are in one frame it is difficult to choose whose looks to admire.

3. Characters and Relationships.

But what makes this movie a true treasure among its counterparts is its characters and their relationships with each other. Although they are used to solving every problem with their fists, the characters are all likeable and easy to sympathize with because they know good from bad and have human flaws. From bromance to friendship, to romance, their relationships convey important messages about loyalty, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
The highlight of the movie is the friendship between eccentric yakuza Ken and Genji, a transferee to Suzuran, who is good at throwing punches and bad at social skills. The bond that they build over the course of the story is the catalyst for their significant character development. For Ken, Genji is a second chance to live his youth, to redeem past mistakes and find a new meaning in life. For Genji, Ken becomes a caring mentor, a father figure who substitutes his own emotionally distant father and helps him navigate human relationships, which cannot be sorted out with fists.
No less touching and beautiful are the bromance between Serizawa and his best friend, Tokio, whose loyalty to and love for each other are so strong that many romance couples seem inferior if compared to them, and the friendship that Genji develops with the members of his gang.

Overall, if you are tired of plotless action movies with unlikeable characters, this movie will be a breath of fresh air for you. It is over two hours long, but I think that those hours will be well-spent.