“Yakuza Princess,” co-written and directed by Vicente Amorim, was released on September 3. It stars Japanese pop star MASUMI in the lead role of Akemi. Digital Journal has the scoop.
The thriller deals with Akemi (played by MASUMI), an orphan who learns that she is the heiress to half of the Yakuza crime syndicate. She subsequently forges an uneasy alliance with an amnesiac stranger, Shiro (portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who believes an ancient sword binds their two fates.
Akemi must unleash a war against the other half of the syndicate that wants her dead. Its tagline is that “every sword has a story,” and rightfully so.
It is set in the expansive Japanese community of Sao Paulo in Brazil, which is the largest Japanese diaspora in the world, and that makes it even more appealing. Particularly impressive was the fact that the movie was based on a graphic novel
The audience will be kept at the edge of their seats thanks to the multiple twists and turns in this movie. The stunts and martial arts in the film are utterly incredible.
The Verdict
Overall, “Yakuza Princess” is a compelling, spitfire, and high-adrenaline thriller. MASUMI delivers a badass and dynamic performance as the heroine Akemi, and she steals every scene she is in. Theatergoers won’t be able to get enough of MASUMI since she layers her emotions well and she is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is also exceptional as Shiro, and the entire cast is noteworthy in its own right.
Compliments to Vicente Amorim for co-writing and directing such a solid film, which will resonate well with fans and viewers all over the globe; moreover, it is rich in symbolism.
With “Yakuza Princess,” MASUMI proves that she deserves to be the next big name in contemporary cinema. “Yakuza Princess” garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.
