A Deadly Power Struggle in the Japanese Underworld
Set in Japan, we are introduced to numerous characters who share one trait: they all work for various crime groups and deadly organisations. When the head of the largest group, known as Kaito, seeks even more power by requesting additional soldiers from both the Shirane Group and the Yokomizo Family, things do not go as planned. A chain of events begins to unfold, starting when Shinozake (Takashi Miike) assaults a hostess on Yokomizo turf and is brutally killed. Making matters worse, the leader of the Yokomizo Family is murdered in his own home. Now, various leaders and members within their organisations are on edge, roaming the streets in constant alert. This is only the beginning. Who will strike next, who will be betrayed or killed, all for the pursuit of power, and will each member remain loyal to their long-term alliances?
A Slow-Burning Yakuza Epic from Takashi Miike
Agitator is a slow-burning crime story, with occasional bursts of brutal violence and action. It is also classified as a yakuza film, given that it is set in Japan. The film is directed by Takashi Miike, whose past work includes Audition (1999), Ichi the Killer (2001), 13 Assassins (2010), and many more. The screenplay is by Shigenori Takechi, whose other writing credits include Graveyard of Honour (2002) and Izo (2004), among others.
Tension and Violence: A Story Where No One Is Safe
Although the pacing is slow and can feel like a hard slog at times (especially within the first act), the film’s moments of violence are hard-hitting, raw, and always unexpected. Watching key characters turn a corner only to be blasted by gunfire or brutally killed constantly reminds the audience that anything can happen to anyone at any moment. Despite being dialogue-heavy and introducing many characters, the film consistently keeps you on edge, waiting for the next kill or surprise betrayal to unfold.
Sharp Dialogue and Gritty Visuals Enhance the Chaos
The script here is fantastic. Dialogue is delivered in a snappy, realistic manner, sometimes moving so quickly that it can be hard to keep up with everything happening on screen. Japan is entirely on display as the setting, providing a terrific backdrop for the story. Visually, the film has a highly gritty look, lacking a polished, high-definition quality, but this rougher aesthetic suits the tone and the chaos unfolding on screen perfectly.
Final Verdict: A Gritty, Unpredictable, and Engaging Yakuza Tale
Agitator (2001) is now available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella!
Published: 4th September 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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