Satsujin Yuugi / The Killing Game (1978) - Only a Tough Guy Survives When Past and Present Collide - 8/10 (22/02/24)

Satsujin yugi, internationally known as The Killing Game, is the second film in the trilogy about ruthless hitman Narumi Shouhei. In this particular movie, Narumi Shouhei has pulled off a spectacular hit on a mobster and has gone into hiding for five years. His return to Tokyo is quite miserable as his apartment has fallen into disrepair, he has significant financial struggles and he is bothered by an old friend who has developed a creepy obsession with him. To make matters worse, Narumi Shouhei encounters two women he spared during his legendary hit. The lover of his target has become the owner of a hostess bar, now dates another brutal mobster and hasn't learnt anything from her mistakes from the past. The daughter of his victim has become an employee of the hostess bar who is forced to drink alcohol, consume drugs and offer sexual pleasure to her misogynistic customers. Narumi Shouhei is soon haunted by his past as two pitiless mobsters hire him to murder one another. Narumi Shouhei must play a most dangerous game yet again to walk the thin line between both employers and keep the ladies and his friend save in Tokyo's pitiless underworld.

This second entry in the trilogy is an improvement over the first film. The mixture of past events and present repercussions is pulled off with emotional depth and clever details. The protagonist's character gets some additional development as his present struggles show the human being behind the brutal hitman. The way women are portrayed in Tokyo's underworld is gripping as their issues are shown in a cold, depressing and realistic way. New topics such as friendship, loyalty and pity are being dealt with throughout the film.

This movie however also brings back all elements that made the predecessor stand out. The action scenes are brutal, entertaining and extended. Cool dialogues can be found from start to finish. The protagonist's raw side still shines through on many occasions. The realistic settings bring Tokyo of the late seventies to life in an authentic manner. The moody yet playful jazzy soundtrack blends in wonderfully.

Few things could be criticized about this strong action-thriller and gangster movie. The film might rehash a few too many elements from its predecessor to stand on its own. The plot is only of an average quality and overall predictable for genre experts.

Despite those minor flaws, Satsujin yugi or The Killing Game is an improvement in the noteworthy gangster film trilogy. This movie convinces with a balance between past and present events, profound character development, intriguing female side characters who are fleshed out decently and several new themes such as friendship, loyalty and pity while still offering intense action scenes, cool dialogues, a rough protagonist, realistic settings and an enjoyable soundtrack.