Carry On Yakuza (1989)
Reviewed by: Mikestar* on 2002-11-30
Summary: 'Carry on Yakuza'
In contrast to its suggested title, 'Carry on Yakuza' is in no way linked to the British series of 'Carry On' films made in the 1960s and 70s.

Rather, Philip Chan's film is a modern (if not misguided) reflection of transnational underworld connections.

The film centres on an amateur boxer named Charlie who travels from Hong Kong to Tokyo to compete in a competition. Whilst he is there and through a matter of circumstance he befriends the boss of the Yakaoda gang and his youthful daughter, Wakako.

Having triumphed in the tournament, Wong and Charlie return home to their regular jobs and lifestyles. Back in Japan however a different narrative unfolds. Forces of menace are emerging within the Yakuza gang as the boss is killed.

Wakako is subsequently sent to Hong Kong where she seeks refuge with Charlie and Master Wong. Soon Wakako's mother is attacked and she decides to return. Unwilling to let her return to Tokyo alone, Charlie and Wong accompany her and vouch protection. A showdown mounts as the divisions within the Yakoada gang lead to violence and death. Charlie and his allies triumph, but not without losing Wong.

The film conlcudes as Charlie and Wakako return to Hong Kong, fulfilling their personal dreams and honouring Wong who sacrificed his life in the process.

The narrative itself is flimsy at best, borrowing heavily from cultural stereotypes and genre conventions. The most redeeming part of this film is its re-intepretation of Sino-Japanese relations in contemporary sense.

The bonds created between Charlie and Wakako's family traverse the boundaries of nationhood, offering an alternative notion of brotherhood and loyalty, one based on personal growth and communication.

The film celebrates these personal relations and their triumph over social forces of division and expectation. Despite all the obstacles between Charlie and Wakako (language, culture, etc.) the determination to maintain personal loyalty and communication symbolises an alternative visioning of identity and attachment in Hong Kong cultural disocurse.