Amazon Prime’s New Teaser
Amazon Prime has recently released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming adaptation of ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’. The short teaser exudes a more gritty and serious tone compared to the games’ often goofy and surreal brand of melodrama. It features brief scenes from the show interspersed with close-ups of Kiryu getting his signature dragon back tattoo applied.
Setting the Stage
The show appears to be set in 1995 and 2005, resembling a retelling of ‘Yakuza 1’. However, Kiryu’s ongoing tattoo application suggests some tweaks to the storyline, potentially introducing a younger Kiryu and incorporating elements from ‘Yakuza 0’. In this timeline, Kiryu seems to be an underground prizefighter, adding to the explanation of his martial arts prowess. In the games, Kiryu’s combat skills are highly advanced despite no apparent training, a characteristic fans have come to appreciate.
A Gritty Atmosphere
The trailer also showcases the nightlife of Kamurocho, evoking a sense of brittle and nervous decadence. This serious tone aligns with the show’s promo material, describing it as ‘gritty’. While this marks a departure from the games’ lighter moments, the adaptation still promises stylish Tokyo noir elements. If ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’ delivers quality fight choreography and stunts, its faithfulness to the original games might be a secondary concern for viewers.
Awaiting the Release
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Amazon Prime’s ‘Like a Dragon: Yakuza’ hits the mark, as it is set to release on October 24. This adaptation comes amidst a wave of video game TV adaptations, a trend that surged during the pandemic. Although the fever pitch has subsided, some projects, like this one, are finally coming to fruition. With the mixed fortunes of other adaptations, it remains to be seen how this latest venture will fare.
