Young Thugs: Nostalgia

Many older Miikes have trouble staying afloat. Films like Nostalgia are not bad, it's just that they're not quite refined and polished enough to survive multiple watches, certainly not with a lot more Japanese films under my belt. Still, if you only know Miike as a madcap horror director, Young Thugs: Nostalgia is an absolute must.

Riichi is born into a poor family. He lives with his parents and grandpa, but his father is a bum and sets a bad example for Riichi. He gets into fights all the time and without a real father figure, he is destined to become a little hoodlum himself. Luckily one of his teachers takes an interest in him.

The mini-Yakuza world is fun, the drama is a little edgier than usual and there are one of two vintage Miike moments, but it's a pretty standard drama beyond that. And for that, the pacing, the aesthetic, and the performances just aren't strong enough. A fun film, well worth watching, but not good enough to remain a personal favorite.