A big, abrasive turn from Koji Yakusho is likely to be the film's key selling point.

Under the Open Sky eschews the subtlety of Koreeda for a sentimental approach, meandering at times, but the lead actor Koji Yakusho holds it together by becoming one with the character of the yakuza.

In his portrayal of a flawed hero who wears his heart on his sleeve, Yakusho is a towering presence delivering his career-best performance.

Mired in forced sentimentality, the film never really builds up a great deal of steam but infuses some bursts of anger and humor here and there.