The Tales of a couple of Minami Rascals: What’s the Big Deal? Vol. 2

Yuji and Kaoru, members of the Hanatate-gumi, are a pair who fail at everything they attempt. One day, whilst collecting a debt, they are saddled with a forged cheque and ordered to visit the Takamatsu-gumi in Tennoji. However, they are stunned to see the boss working alone in the okonomiyaki restaurant that serves as the gang’s front. By now, everything outside the restaurant had become the territory of Yoda Kogyo. Furthermore, Yoda resented the Takamatsu-gumi for clinging to outdated codes of honour whilst he sought to establish a cocaine supply route. Unaware of this, Yuji rejoices at the prospect of inheriting the Takamatsu-gumi’s leadership, declaring, ‘Tennoji will be my turf!’ Just then, Kaoru ends up sleeping with one of Yoda’s women. Enraged, Yoda sets out to crush the Takamatsu-gumi in one fell swoop...

Directed by Takashi Kodama, The Tales of a couple of Minami Rascals: What’s the Big Deal? Vol. 2 leans on a strong ensemble — Arata Furuta, Hikomaro, Masaki Nishimori — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1995.