“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a Japanese series starring Ryoma Takeuchi, Munetaka Aoki, and Kento Kaku. It is directed by Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto.
“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a faithful adaptation of the well-known SEGA video game, retaining much of its core essence: combat, style, and that unique sense of humor inherent in the original game. For those anticipating a grim and dark thriller, think again: “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” is a highly dynamic series brimming with action scenes and meticulously crafted sets.
More of an action thriller than a deep dive into the world of the Yakuza, “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” transforms into an entertaining series filled with slow-motion sequences and visual flair.
Plot Summary
In the 1990s, three boys rob an arcade owned by a Yakuza clan. To repay their debt, they join the clan, thus embarking on a journey of crime and underground fighting.
About the Series
“Like a Dragon: Yakuza” aims more for spectacle than a serious portrayal of the Yakuza. The series prioritizes the visual impact of its scenes over character development and seeks dramatic effects rather than a calm, reflective vision. Much like a video game, the series strives to stay true to its gaming roots, a goal it successfully achieves, ensuring that fans of the original game will be pleased.
However, if you approach “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” with expectations misaligned with its true nature, disappointment is likely. The series transforms into a spectacle of action scenes and, at its core, a light-hearted story about gangs that diverges significantly from the dark thriller some might anticipate. It is unlikely to be the series that sweeps the Emmy Awards, but it is undoubtedly crafted for the fans and their enjoyment, particularly in its early episodes, which feel more cinematic and less like a video game.
Nonetheless, Prime Video delivers this adaptation that seemed challenging to execute but ultimately results in a commendable product. While it may not enter the annals of television history, it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the video game, despite the necessary differences from the original story.
Enjoy the series.
Where to Watch “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”
