Yakuza Apocalypse: A Monster of a Movie

Oh man, “Yakuza Apocalypse,” by the ever quirky Takashi Miike, is a wild ride. It’s got that signature Miike stamp, which means you’re in for something gloriously bizarre. I mean, vampires mixed with yakuza? Talk about bringing something new to the table. There’s a certain charm in that madness though, almost like that time I tried surströmming for the first time—not something you’d expect, but unforgettable nonetheless.

Now, Yayan Ruhian, who you might remember kicking some serious butt in “The Raid,” is in this flick too. And boy, does he bring that energy again! The director Miike, known for films like “Audition” and “13 Assassins,” manages to blend horror, comedy, and gangster drama into one messy bowl. It’s a bit like trying to mix gravlax with pickled herring. Oddly satisfying, but not quite for everyone.

Some moments had me on the edge of my seat, like when Kagayama (played by Hayato Ichihara) discovers the vampire underworld. You feel this pulse of excitement, but also that confusion… am I really seeing a vampire in a yakuza suit? But that’s Miike for you—always pushing those boundaries.

I remember watching it on a breezy Saturday night in Kalmar with some friends, thinking we’d have a laugh. Honestly, it became more of a “what did we just watch?” kind of night. Sure, it’s intense, maybe slightly over-the-top, but it left us with tons to talk about.

Thinking about the film’s themes, it might just be about fighting your inner demons—whether they’re part yakuza or full-on vampire. So, grab some snacks, maybe a strong fika to keep you awake, as this movie is one helluva ride you won’t soon forget.

Check the trailer below