Maybe the three stars is a little too high but stuff it - Steven Segal's 21st century output is generally so bad this film's virtues come as a relief. On the simplest level it has a great poster, with bold primary colours. It's set in Japan and apparently is based on a story by Seagal so he's animated and energetic, and committed.
It's not a bad story idea, I kind of riff on The Yakuza. Yakuza are killing people and the CIA send in Seagal, who has a History with the country, including old friends, a daughter and a lover.
There's a really strong support cast of Japanese actors - I didn't recognise them but they were all very good, particularly the villains.
I also liked how the villains were a genuine threat. And they did things with real stakes - we spend a bit of time with Seagal's partner so when he's killed it means something. Ditto with Seagal's love interest. Seagal shares hero duty with a Japanese dude, a tattoo artist seeking revenge - it's a shame more time wasn't spent on their relationship.
But there's decent action - some sword fights! It's well done - such a relief.
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