Cruel Gun Story (1964)

Director: Takumi Furukawa
Country: Japan

I have two words to describe this japanese masterpiece: PURE NOIR, no sentimentality bullshit here, a perfect work in editing, dialogue, storyline and what an amazing performance by the legendary Japanese actor Joe Shishido, this movie goes straight to the point, also it incorporates interesting non-static shots (which were the water-mark of Japanese cinema for many years). Shishido's role as a cold-blooded criminal, who has been released from jail with the help of a powerful Yakuza boss in order to execute a last big hit with fatal consequences, is really impressive. Without a doubt this noir-thriller paved the way for movies like Michael Mann's "Heat" or John Woo's "The Killer", a story about greed, violence and betrayal, a real gem that includes a fuckin brutal shootout!