Self-destructive behavior as only the Japanese could portray.

...who passed away only a year ago at the age of 92. As Maruki, a Yakuza who has been just released from prison after serving three years for killing a rival gang member, Ikebe is all charm., swagger and dangling cigarettes. What is his main vice in life? Women, for one.....oh and gambling. The game of the day is a tile card game played for very high stakes. Upon his release for prison he shows up at one of his old games where he comes across a mysterious young woman named Saeko. Not only is she the only woman playing, but apparently she wins....and wins big. In short, she lives for danger and the adrenaline rush of racing her sports car at night or even facing down Yakuza bosses when necessary. There is even a dope-addicted assassin who carries a stiletto in his cane and is fast with an automatic pistol. He is called the "Ghost-faced killer", yeah booooy! All the elements are here, but the main reason to watch this great example of Japanese film-making from the 1950's: the wonderful performance from the always cool-hand Ryo Ikebe......