Like a Dragon: Yakuza (2024) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

15%

Like a Dragon: Yakuza2024

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

For a 2024 release, 'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' is refreshingly non-woke. It respects its roots, avoids soapbox moments, and lets rough-edged drama tell the story instead of a checklist. A breath of fresh (or maybe just grimy, neon-lit) air.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' sticks close to its video game roots, focusing on storytelling, character grit, and a grounded urban underworld. Identity characteristics are notable but not dominating, and no major evidence of forced representation or superpowered diverse protagonists undermining tension. It's a rare case of a modern adaptation prioritizing grit over ideology.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Mildly Woke

What is this?

Traditional themes, loyalty, honor, family, and masculinity, are front and center, staying true to both the source material and Japanese cultural milieu. The show doesn't seem interested in mocking or subverting these values. If anything, some old-school virtues get the spotlight instead of the scorn.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative perspectives aren't straw-manned or mocked. The series allows a variety of characters, some sympathetic, some not, with believable motives. It doesn't push a singular worldview, and the setting itself roots the story in its own distinct values, instead of being forced into a modern lecture hall.

User Reviews

No user reviews received yet.

Please leave a review and let the world know what you think.
Your review will be kept completely anonymous.

Your Review

Comments

Users Also Viewed

Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.