Fortunately, theLike a Dragon: Yakuzatrailersuggests the show is succeeding in that regard.
Though it might not feel like it to some of us, 2005 was 20 years ago already.
The fights inYakuzacan be pretty flashy, often with unrealistic effects and moves.
The politics and Yakuza family dynamics as portrayed in the game series are not a simple affair.
ThePrime Video seriesshould reflect this sort of storytelling, even if it ends up being to a lesser degree.
TheYakuzagames are not constant drama.
Custom image by Clarence Snell
An understanding of why and how is essential to altering the flow of the story for a television adaptation.
The two are sworn brothers, growing up together in the same orphanage and eventually both joining the Yakuza.
They are eventually forced into different roles, coming into conflict more and more as the earlyYakuzagames progress.
Former Yakuza member Kazuma Kiryu, fresh out of prison, returns to Tokyo’s underworld to find his kidnapped surrogate daughter. Navigating the treacherous streets of Kamurochō, he faces old enemies and new alliances, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire city.
Because of this, it would be incredibly easy for the Prime Video series to get his character wrong.
And these games do keep players invested successfully, with gut-wrenching moments of pure love and pure hate.
The upcomingYakuzaseries will have to portray these moments, something that will be difficult to do.
Like a Dragon: Yakuzaneeds to keep this in mind if it is going to portray Kiryu correctly.
Without his signature brand of kindness, Kiryu is not as relatable as a protagonist.
He might not be the same character at all.
