The City of Lost Souls (2002) [second viewing]

Even more frustrating this time around, since I figured out what the film was up to (hint: that title wasn't chosen just 'cause it sounds cool). A few problems I had the first time fell away, notably my reservations about the twist in the tail (it really does make sense thematically)... but a second look also unfortunately points out that the film spends roughly 85% of its length running in circles. We keep waiting for it to go somewhere with its ideas but it never does until the frenetic climax. Still has a handful of great moments (the fatal game of ping-pong is simply awesome), but nowhere near what Miike could have done with this had he streamlined the plot a bit. (What is it about Yakuza films that necessitates having at least three different gangs in the narrative, anyway?)

Grade: still a C+