Rainy Dog

A solitary hitman, known only as 'Pluto', is called to Tokyo to kill a yakuza boss. He is assigned a young apprentice, the orphaned son of a former associate, whom he reluctantly takes under his wing. As Pluto navigates the dangerous underworld, he finds himself increasingly entangled with the boy's fate and the consequences of his violent profession.

Rainy Dog was met with a mixed to positive reception from critics, often cited as a significant early work in Takashi Miike's prolific career. While some found its narrative style abrasive and its violence gratuitous, others praised its stylistic flair, raw energy, and exploration of alienation and paternal instinct within the yakuza milieu. It has since gained a cult following among fans of independent and extreme cinema.

• Praised for its unique visual style and raw, unflinching depiction of yakuza life.
• Criticized by some for its extreme violence and unconventional narrative structure.
• Seen as a compelling, albeit bleak, character study of a lonely hitman.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings is not readily available for this film.

The film is part of Takashi Miike's 'Young Blood' trilogy, alongside 'Shinjuku Triad Society' (1995) and 'The Bird People in China' (1998), though it stands as the darkest and most violent installment.