Final Episode (1974)

FINAL EPISODE is, unsurprisingly, the last of Kinji Fukasaku's five-part yakuza film series that began with BATTLES WITHOUT HONOR AND HUMANITY years previously. This handles a more political storyline, lighter on the action and heavier on the talk, that nonetheless brings the story virtually up to date and continues to enchant with its depiction of a lawless world of honour, reputation, and death.

As with the other films in this series, FINAL EPISODE has plenty of energy to keep it moving through the slower spots. The yakuza may be older and more grizzled in this film, but they're none the wiser, and the low level thugs are still committing carnage on the streets. Bunta Sugawara's Hirono is finally released from prison and discovers a world very different from the one he knew previously. The production values remain high and the excellent soundtrack continues to complement the on-screen action perfectly.