Doberman Cop (1977) ***1/2

Learning after the fact that Kinji Fukasaku’s Doberman Cop (1977) is based on a manga—written by Buronson, writer of the Fist Of The North Star (1983–1988) manga (my review of the 1986 film here)—explains a lot. The hardboiled Shin'ichi (Sonny) Chiba starrer has loads of wild energy, frenetic action and camerawork, and a plot that is all over the place. One part crime drama, one part goofy charm, and one part killer '70s soundtrack (plus one cute pig), DC is great fun.

Recommended for fans of Tokyo Drifter (1966), Dirty Harry (1971), and poliziotteschi.