Minbô no onna

This is one of those movies where it's hard to talk about without bringing up a real-life tragic event linked to it, as the death of Juzo Itami is said to have been related to his films about the yakuza. They either didn't like being made fun of in this film, or wanted to stop him from making another film about their organization; maybe both.

I don't think this is quite as strong/funny/moving as either Supermarket Woman or The Funeral, which are my favorites from Itami, but it was still very good overall. There are some decent laughs to be had, the plot is mostly interesting (drags a little here and there, though), and I think when it gets a little more serious in its final act, it's still compelling. It might not be an essential Juzo Itami film, but it's a worthy watch for anyone who's enjoyed any of his other films.