Movie spotlight
Brothers of Capones
Superbly entertaining action comedy with Tomisaburo Wakayama as Kuriyama Capone who learned his trade under Al Capone in Chicago. The film follows his first venture to Japan with gangster brothers Frank (Shingo Yamashiro) and Joe (Fumio Watanabe). And being chased by gangster and the FBI, including the granddaughter of Eliot Ness. The whole thing is a good amount of fun, the performances especially (Wakayama, Yamashiro, Watanabe in a rare heroic role), making this one of routine director Takashi Harada’s best pictures.
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Plot Summary
This crime drama delves into the tumultuous early life of Al Capone and his brothers, exploring their rise through the criminal underworld of Brooklyn. It focuses on their struggles, loyalties, and the violent path they forged before Capone's infamous reign in Chicago. The film chronicles their formative years and the harsh realities that shaped their destinies.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its portrayal of the Capone brothers to be uneven and lacking the depth of other gangster films. While some performances were noted, the overall narrative and pacing were often criticized as being derivative and uninspired.
What Reviewers Say
Lacks the grit and character development of classic gangster films.
Features performances that are overshadowed by a weak script.
An uninspired attempt to capitalize on the Capone name.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available suggest a disappointment with the film's predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, failing to live up to the legendary status of its subjects.
Fun Fact
Despite its subject matter, the film was largely overlooked and failed to gain significant traction or critical attention upon its release.
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