The Boss' Wife (Japan, 1988)

Nathan's review:

 Ai Konno (Hitomi Kuroki), is the wife of Boss Konno (Hiroki Matsukata), a well liked and respected leader of a mid level Yakuza Family locked in a bitter rivalry with Tanoura (Renji Ishibashi), the Boss of a rival outfit using unscrupulous methods to try and propel his own gang to the big leagues. When her husband is viciously murdered outside a nightclub, Ai takes it upon herself to get revenge, putting her on a journey that leads to Prison, the eventual downfall of the Konno Family and a long gestating plan to get justice for her slain lover.

'The Boss' Wife' is a film I enjoy a lot, even on rewatches. Adapted for the screen by no less than Sadao Nakajima (taken from a novel by Goro Fujita, author of Graveyard of Honor) and with Toei veteran Ryuichi Takamori in the directors chair, it's a film that packs much into its somewhat lean 100 minute runtime. A gender swapped revenge tale at it's heart, with a side helping of Yakuza warfare and melodrama all anchored by a terrific performance from Hitomi Kuroki.

While there isn't anything particularly 'new' about the film and there's a definite reliance on well worn genre tropes, Director Takamori's experience in the genre makes for some deft handling of said tropes, which when combined with his keen eye for detail, slick production values, occasional outbreaks of bloody violence and a spirited cast of both old, and new faces, really help elevate the film amongst some of its peers from the decade. Especially when compared against the more successful 'Yakuza Wives' series.

Thankfully too, Takamori veers away from the 'louder' (stylistically speaking) films of the decade, pushing away the city pop and neon 'vibes' most associated with the era, in favour of a much more muted, down to earth feeling that could even be said feels a few years ahead of its time. That's not to say it doesn't bleed the 80's either, with its distinct melodramatic overtones accompanied by a Jazzy sax soundtrack, it's very much a product of its time, but Takamori wisely keeps the production grounded and it helps the film immensely overall.

At its heart, the film is a love story tinged with melodrama and ample space is given to the narrative for the relationship to be portrayed in a genuine and believable way before Boss Konno's murder. This really helps to balance the film in a way that doesn't lean too far into any given genre and Takamori (or rather Nakajima's script) gives breathing room to both the relationship, and the escalating Yakuza war so that it never feels too one sided or half baked, keeping the viewer invested in proceedings, even throwing in a few rather bloody set pieces to keep everyone happy.

The cast though is by far the films strongest aspect. Hitomi Kuroki is wonderful as Ai, making quite the impact with a performance that is both subtle and rather nuanced. She doesn't have a huge dramatic arc, nor does she undergo a transformation into a jilted, femme fatale killing machine, but rather she portrays a woman who deeply loves her husband and whose innocence is snatched away by the life he had chosen. She sees her revenge as something that she simply has to do, using her wit and intelligence to do so without relying on the few loyal men still left in the Family. She shares a great relationship with the ALWAYS reliable Hiroki Matsukata too and while he doesn't really get the opportunity to shine, he's one of the best and he sure seemed to be enjoying himself in the lovemaking scenes!

The supporting cast too is strong, with Renji Ishibashi as Tanoura on villainous duties, which of course is always a bonus and he's as entertaining, and weasel-ly, as only he could be, while veteran actress Yoshiko Kayama also turns in a brilliant supporting role as Sumie, the owner of a pub and ex wife of another slain Boss, who provides moral and practical support to Ai. She brings a motherly charm and class to proceedings that provides a real anchor point to the film in a very strong showing, and it would be remiss not to mention Tatsuo Nadaka as Hiroshi, Boss Konno's successor and loyal follower. He's excellent and brings an air of almost Ninkyo -esque stoicism to the film, not to mention getting a couple of really emotional moments including a terrific last stand on the beach.

A final note on the cast and if I'm honest, probably the reason that most Western fans would bother to see the film, is an appearance by Takeshi Kitano, who plays Shoji, a would be assassin and member of the Tanoura. He has a small-ish, but crucial role as he falls in love with Ai and her gutsy ways, and she uses that fact to her advantage. His role is....... Well it's a Kitano role, let's say that and so he does his thing, Takeshi Kitano is Takeshi Kitano at the end of the day and if you're a fan, then you'll enjoy it.

'Anego', aka 'The Boss' Wife', is a fine little film and one that I think deserves a bigger audience. It stands out thanks to its grounded nature, believable relationships and a brilliant cast that blends a love story, revenge tale and Yakuza War into one near little package. A definite recommend to those who enjoy any of the above, but especially to those who like their 80's Japanese film a little more subdued.