Cult Clip: Youth of the Beast (1963)

When it comes to hard-boiled yakuza action films, it’s hard to top the stylized violence of Japanese director Seijun Suzuki. Suzuki has made a lot of great movies and Youth of the Beast (aka Yaju no seishun) is one of his best.

Youth of the Beast stars tough guy Jo Shishido in one of his greatest roles as a mysterious thug who muscles his way into the middle of a vicious war between rival yakuza gangs. Seijun Suzuki films all of the ensuing action and drama with a lot of flare and style, which is complemented by composer Hajime Okumura’s terrific jazzy score. If you're in the mood for some violent yakuza action check out the trailer below:

- Kimberly Lindbergs