The Outsider

The Outsider is a 2018 American-Japanese crime film directed by Martin Zandvliet, delving into the intriguing premise of a former American POW who, after World War II, immerses himself in the brutal world of the yakuza. Starring Jared Leto as Nick Lowell, alongside a talented Japanese cast including Tadanobu Asano, Kippei Shiina, and Shioli Kutsuna, the film promises a gritty and authentic portrayal of a Westerner's ascent within a highly ritualized criminal organization. My initial reaction was one of cautious intrigue, hoping for a dark, atmospheric character study within a compelling cultural backdrop. My overall impression is that while The Outsider offers some visually striking moments and a committed performance from Jared Leto, it ultimately struggles with a ponderous pace, a lack of genuine emotional connection, and a narrative that fails to fully capitalize on its fascinating premise, resulting in a rather forgettable viewing experience.

Rating:
4.9/10 ⭐️ (★★ - Disappointing)
A disappointing rating for a film that, despite its intriguing premise and atmospheric visuals, fails to deliver a compelling narrative or meaningful character development, ultimately feeling hollow and uninspired.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The core premise of an American outsider working his way up the ranks of the yakuza in post-WWII Japan is inherently fascinating and holds significant potential for a compelling character study. The film attempts to explore themes of identity, belonging, loyalty, and the seductive nature of power within a rigid criminal underworld.
* Characters (Strengths): Jared Leto delivers a committed, if often understated, performance as Nick Lowell. He physically embodies the transformation and dedication required of his character, conveying a sense of quiet intensity. Tadanobu Asano as Kiyoshi, Nick's mentor and sworn brother, is a standout; he brings a gravitas and nuanced portrayal of loyalty and tradition. Shioli Kutsuna as Miyu adds a subtle emotional layer, and Kippei Shiina as Orochi provides a compelling rival. The presence of these talented Japanese actors lends authenticity to the yakuza world.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Martin Zandvliet's direction occasionally creates a strong, melancholic atmosphere, particularly in its visual portrayal of post-war Japan's grit and gloom. Camilla Hjelm Knudsen's cinematography often captures striking visuals, emphasizing the film's dark and brooding tone. The film attempts to showcase the rituals and aesthetics of the yakuza, including their distinctive tattoos (irezumi).
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The film's production design effectively recreates the post-war Japanese setting, from the gritty streets to the traditional yakuza headquarters. The costuming and intricate tattoo work are visually appealing and contribute to the film's authenticity. Sune Martin's score attempts to underscore the film's dark, dramatic mood.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: For viewers specifically interested in the yakuza subgenre or those who appreciate Jared Leto's unique acting style, the film offers a certain level of engagement in its exploration of Nick's slow integration into the criminal world.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): The plot is profoundly underdeveloped and struggles with pacing. Nick's rise within the yakuza feels unearned and rushed, often depicted through montage or brief, unconvincing scenes rather than organic progression. The film fails to provide enough depth or motivation for Nick's fascination with the yakuza, making his choices feel arbitrary. The attempts at romance and revenge are poorly executed, lacking genuine emotional impact. The story becomes predictable and formulaic, failing to leverage its unique premise.
* Characters (Weaknesses): Despite strong individual performances, the film ultimately fails to make Nick a compelling or empathetic protagonist. His internal struggles are hinted at but rarely explored with depth. Many characters, including the various yakuza bosses and rival clan members, are underdeveloped, serving merely as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The character of Miyu, despite being crucial to Nick's personal life, lacks genuine agency, and her relationship with Nick feels forced. The film's perspective, primarily through the outsider Nick, often feels limited, neglecting the rich internal world of the Japanese characters.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): Zandvliet's direction is often too slow and ponderous, leading to long stretches where little of consequence happens, exacerbating the narrative's weaknesses. The action sequences, while present, are often underwhelming and lack the visceral impact or creative choreography needed for a crime film involving such a violent organization. The film's tone is consistently grim but fails to translate into genuine suspense or emotional resonance, often feeling bland.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's slow pace, coupled with its underdeveloped plot and lack of compelling character arcs, makes it a disengaging viewing experience. It struggles to create any real tension or emotional investment, leading to boredom rather than intrigue. The premise, while interesting, is largely squandered, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

The Verdict:
The Outsider is a visually ambitious but ultimately disappointing crime film that attempts to explore a fascinating premise but fails to deliver a compelling narrative. Despite a committed performance from Jared Leto and strong work from its Japanese cast, the film is hampered by a plodding pace, a convoluted and underdeveloped plot, and a general lack of emotional resonance. It offers a superficial glimpse into the yakuza underworld without providing the depth or grit required to make it a memorable experience. Recommended only for die-hard fans of Jared Leto or those with a very high tolerance for slow, atmospheric films that prioritize style over substance. It ultimately leaves a very fleeting and forgettable impression.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film attempts to be a neo-noir crime drama with elements of historical drama, but its tone is consistently grim and somber, often bordering on blandness. It lacks the sharp wit or intricate plotting often associated with strong neo-noir.
* Target Audience: It ostensibly targets adult audiences interested in yakuza films, crime dramas, and Jared Leto's more dramatic roles, but its slow pace and lack of narrative clarity likely limited its appeal.
* Originality & Innovation: While the specific premise of an American POW joining the yakuza is relatively unique, the film's narrative structure and thematic exploration are largely unoriginal, failing to innovate within the crime genre.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film superficially touches on themes of identity, belonging, loyalty, and redemption, but these are largely underdeveloped. It explores the dark allure of organized crime but doesn't delve deeply into its psychological impact.
* Comparison to Other Films: It draws comparisons to other yakuza films but lacks the stylistic flair of a Takeshi Kitano film or the narrative depth of a Yakuza saga. Its premise of a Westerner integrating into a foreign criminal underworld might bring to mind films like The Last Samurai, but The Outsider falls short in its execution and emotional impact.

9/10

5/10

The Outsider is a 2018 American-Japanese crime film directed by Martin Zandvliet, delving into the intriguing premise of a former American POW who, after World War II, immerses himself in the brutal world of the yakuza. Starring Jared Leto as Nick Lowell, alongside a talented Japanese cast including Tadanobu Asano, Kippei Shiina, and Shioli Kutsuna, the film promises a gritty and authentic portrayal of a Westerner's ascent within a highly ritualized criminal organization. My initial reaction was one of cautious intrigue, hoping for a dark, atmospheric character study within a compelling cultural backdrop. My overall impression is that while The Outsider offers some visually striking moments and a committed performance from Jared Leto, it ultimately struggles with a ponderous pace, a lack of genuine emotional connection, and a narrative that fails to fully capitalize on its fascinating premise, resulting in a rather forgettable viewing experience.

Rating:
4.9/10 ⭐️ (★★ - Disappointing)
A disappointing rating for a film that, despite its intriguing premise and atmospheric visuals, fails to deliver a compelling narrative or meaningful character development, ultimately feeling hollow and uninspired.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The core premise of an American outsider working his way up the ranks of the yakuza in post-WWII Japan is inherently fascinating and holds significant potential for a compelling character study. The film attempts to explore themes of identity, belonging, loyalty, and the seductive nature of power within a rigid criminal underworld.
* Characters (Strengths): Jared Leto delivers a committed, if often understated, performance as Nick Lowell. He physically embodies the transformation and dedication required of his character, conveying a sense of quiet intensity. Tadanobu Asano as Kiyoshi, Nick's mentor and sworn brother, is a standout; he brings a gravitas and nuanced portrayal of loyalty and tradition. Shioli Kutsuna as Miyu adds a subtle emotional layer, and Kippei Shiina as Orochi provides a compelling rival. The presence of these talented Japanese actors lends authenticity to the yakuza world.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Martin Zandvliet's direction occasionally creates a strong, melancholic atmosphere, particularly in its visual portrayal of post-war Japan's grit and gloom. Camilla Hjelm Knudsen's cinematography often captures striking visuals, emphasizing the film's dark and brooding tone. The film attempts to showcase the rituals and aesthetics of the yakuza, including their distinctive tattoos (irezumi).
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The film's production design effectively recreates the post-war Japanese setting, from the gritty streets to the traditional yakuza headquarters. The costuming and intricate tattoo work are visually appealing and contribute to the film's authenticity. Sune Martin's score attempts to underscore the film's dark, dramatic mood.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: For viewers specifically interested in the yakuza subgenre or those who appreciate Jared Leto's unique acting style, the film offers a certain level of engagement in its exploration of Nick's slow integration into the criminal world.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): The plot is profoundly underdeveloped and struggles with pacing. Nick's rise within the yakuza feels unearned and rushed, often depicted through montage or brief, unconvincing scenes rather than organic progression. The film fails to provide enough depth or motivation for Nick's fascination with the yakuza, making his choices feel arbitrary. The attempts at romance and revenge are poorly executed, lacking genuine emotional impact. The story becomes predictable and formulaic, failing to leverage its unique premise.
* Characters (Weaknesses): Despite strong individual performances, the film ultimately fails to make Nick a compelling or empathetic protagonist. His internal struggles are hinted at but rarely explored with depth. Many characters, including the various yakuza bosses and rival clan members, are underdeveloped, serving merely as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The character of Miyu, despite being crucial to Nick's personal life, lacks genuine agency, and her relationship with Nick feels forced. The film's perspective, primarily through the outsider Nick, often feels limited, neglecting the rich internal world of the Japanese characters.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): Zandvliet's direction is often too slow and ponderous, leading to long stretches where little of consequence happens, exacerbating the narrative's weaknesses. The action sequences, while present, are often underwhelming and lack the visceral impact or creative choreography needed for a crime film involving such a violent organization. The film's tone is consistently grim but fails to translate into genuine suspense or emotional resonance, often feeling bland.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's slow pace, coupled with its underdeveloped plot and lack of compelling character arcs, makes it a disengaging viewing experience. It struggles to create any real tension or emotional investment, leading to boredom rather than intrigue. The premise, while interesting, is largely squandered, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

The Verdict:
The Outsider is a visually ambitious but ultimately disappointing crime film that attempts to explore a fascinating premise but fails to deliver a compelling narrative. Despite a committed performance from Jared Leto and strong work from its Japanese cast, the film is hampered by a plodding pace, a convoluted and underdeveloped plot, and a general lack of emotional resonance. It offers a superficial glimpse into the yakuza underworld without providing the depth or grit required to make it a memorable experience. Recommended only for die-hard fans of Jared Leto or those with a very high tolerance for slow, atmospheric films that prioritize style over substance. It ultimately leaves a very fleeting and forgettable impression.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film attempts to be a neo-noir crime drama with elements of historical drama, but its tone is consistently grim and somber, often bordering on blandness. It lacks the sharp wit or intricate plotting often associated with strong neo-noir.
* Target Audience: It ostensibly targets adult audiences interested in yakuza films, crime dramas, and Jared Leto's more dramatic roles, but its slow pace and lack of narrative clarity likely limited its appeal.
* Originality & Innovation: While the specific premise of an American POW joining the yakuza is relatively unique, the film's narrative structure and thematic exploration are largely unoriginal, failing to innovate within the crime genre.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film superficially touches on themes of identity, belonging, loyalty, and redemption, but these are largely underdeveloped. It explores the dark allure of organized crime but doesn't delve deeply into its psychological impact.
* Comparison to Other Films: It draws comparisons to other yakuza films but lacks the stylistic flair of a Takeshi Kitano film or the narrative depth of a Yakuza saga. Its premise of a Westerner integrating into a foreign criminal underworld might bring to mind films like The Last Samurai, but The Outsider falls short in its execution and emotional impact.

9/10

5/10