Takashi Miike's Black Society Trilogy - Ley Lines

In his final part of the 'Black Society' trilogy Takashi Miike takes his usual left-field approach in exploring the darkest side of human nature. All of the films have featured characters isolated, not only from mainstream society, but also from the underworld with which they feel most closely related. In the same way, 'Leylines' protagonists are drop outs who feel alienated from Japanese society because of their mixed race (half Chinese) roots. Equally however they barely exist on the fringes of the criminal underground and are caught somewhere in the middle.

After falling foul of the law a few times three young delinquents leave their hometown to try and make money in the big city. The mean streets of Tokyo are rather unforgiving however and they soon find themselves penniless and peddling chemical drugs for a small-time dealer. After befriending a Chinese prostitute, they hit upon a plan to steal money from her pimp and escape to Brazil. However things don't work out as planned and lead to tragic consequences.

Although Takashi Miike's films are always stylishly made and feature explosive action, its always the creation of the characters that I find most fascinating. Even some of the smaller bit parts feel like they have a history. The villains are also particularly well drawn and here is no exception; the ganglord that becomes the trio's nemesis is given a particularly menacing quirk that points to demons in his past.
LEY LINES DVD - TAKASHI MIIKE'S BLACK SOCIETY TRILOGY