Miike's YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Gets A North American Release!

Are you ready to watch Yakuzas, vampires and killers in frog costumes collide in epic fashion? Then you're just in luck in the wake of Ichi The Killer and 13 Assassins helmer Miike Takashi's latest bit of action horror fanfare from the Cannes and Fantasia circuit, Yakuza Apocalypse.

Variety reports the film, starring Ichihara Hayato and Yayan Ruhian, has a North American release date through Samuel Goldwyn Films set for October 9. The film earned mixed reviews whilst sustaining itself as a notable and spectacular for the director who, prior to production, stated his earlier hopes for a return to basics.

The film, written by Yoshitaki Yamaguchi, centers on a loyal Yakuza underling who, after being bitten and turned into a vampire, sets out to avenge the death of his once-seemingly invincible boss at the hands of an assassin and his men.

Mark the date on your calendars and stay tuned for more information!

The Final Trailer For YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Is A Montage Of Violent Anarchy!

There's no doubt that director Miike Takashi's latest action horror endeavor, Yakuza Apocalypse, revives the usual eccentricities his fanbase has gotten so used to in his career. The reviews off of its Cannes premiere come mixed for a film that encompasses what The Guardian's own Andrew Pulver concluded in his review as "A very acquired taste.", and that isn't exactly a secret for folks familiar with movies like manga adaptation, Ichi The Killer and Izo.

Nonetheless, the latest trailer is circling the internet with one last push to get your attention; Suffice it to say this one is a frenetic orchestra of kicks to the face, stabbing, screaming, biting and bloodsucking, and crescendos galore with Indonesian action star import, Yayan Ruhian, and lead actor Ichihara Hayato front and center for the film's June 20 release in Japan. And for an acquired taste, I think it's safe to say the dinner table is full and bellies are hungry. Alas, check out the trailer below the synopsis and embrace your bloodlust!

SYNOPSIS:

In the ruthless underground world of the yakuza, no one is more legendary than boss Kamiura. Rumored to be invincible, the truth is he is a vampire—a bloodsucking yakuza vampire boss! Among Kamiura’s gang is Kageyama, his most loyal underling. However, the others in the gang view Kageyama with disdain and ridicule him for his inability to get tattooed due to sensitive skin. One day, assassins aware of boss Kamiura’s secret arrive from abroad and deliver him an ultimatum: Return to the international syndicate he left years ago, or die. Kamiura refuses and, during a fierce battle with anime-otaku martial-arts expert Kyoken [THE RAID: REDEMPTION’s Yayan Ruhian], is torn limb from limb.  

With his dying breath, Kamiura bites Kageyama, passing on his vampire powers to the unsuspecting yakuza. As he begins to awaken to his newfound abilities, Kageyama’s desire to avenge the murder of boss Kamiura sets him on a course for a violent confrontation with Kaeru-kun, the foreign syndicate’s mysterious and seemingly unstoppable leader!

The New Trailer For Miike's YAKUZA APOCALYPSE Bites Back!

It's only a matter of time before director Miike Takashi steps into the summer season with his latest vampire action thriller, Yakuza Apocalypse. It's only his latest effort in keeping a promise to his long-celebrate signature style of film while we await further info on his future endeavors, and while the most recent teaser gained the film some publicity to start, we now have a minute-long trailer that lends a little more to the eye. It's got yakuzas, vampires, some gore, badass tattoos, a better look at Yayan Ruhian in a film outside his normal Indonesian bearings...and a killer frog-suited..thing. Indeed, this looks hella fun. And random!

SYNOPSIS:

In the ruthless underground world of the yakuza, no one is more legendary than boss Kamiura. Rumored to be invincible, the truth is he is a vampire—a bloodsucking yakuza vampire boss! Among Kamiura’s gang is Kageyama, his most loyal underling. However, the others in the gang view Kageyama with disdain and ridicule him for his inability to get tattooed due to sensitive skin. One day, assassins aware of boss Kamiura’s secret arrive from abroad and deliver him an ultimatum: Return to the international syndicate he left years ago, or die. Kamiura refuses and, during a fierce battle with anime-otaku martial-arts expert Kyoken [THE RAID: REDEMPTION’s Yayan Ruhian], is torn limb from limb. 

With his dying breath, Kamiura bites Kageyama, passing on his vampire powers to the unsuspecting yakuza. As he begins to awaken to his newfound abilities, Kageyama’s desire to avenge the murder of boss Kamiura sets him on a course for a violent confrontation with Kaeru-kun, the foreign syndicate’s mysterious and seemingly unstoppable leader!

The film arrives on June 20, written by Yamaguchi Yoshitaka and led by Ichihara Hayato and Lily Franky with Narumi Riko, Aoyagi Sho, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Miura Masaki and Takashima Reiko also starring. Watch the trailer!

YAKUZA APOCALYPSE: THE GREAT WAR OF THE UNDERWORLD Gets A New Promo Image And Teaser

The Mole Song and As The Gods Will helmer, director Miike Takashi's work is not without a following of its own. He's got a fanbase he listens to-so indicated last Spring when he formally announced a "rampaging" return to the basics with the production of his newest action horror romp, Yakuza Apocalypse: The Great War Of The Underworld. Miike reunites with lead actor Ichihara Hayato following their pairing on the 2008 film God's Puzzle, with a brand new promotional image now available online just below, as well as a new teaser.

SYNOPSIS:

Kagayama is a feeble but loyal underling to legendary yakuza boss Kamiura, who turns out to be a vampire. When an assassin from an international syndicate arrives in Japan to deliver an ultimatum, Kamiura is killed. But, not before he manages to bite Kagayama, and the transformed underling sets out to get revenge against a formidable team of assassins.

Actor Lily Franky plays the aged Kamiura with Indonesian action star Yayan Ruhian starring as the outside assassin among the cast. The film bows this June, and while the teaser doesn't reveal much as an action vehicle, it certainly shows plenty of imagery that lend some excitement to fans who may be interested. Check out the footage below!