Although the city of Fukuoka might look relatively peaceful at first glance, in actuality it houses a thriving mixture of dangerous individuals such as killers, detectives, and professional revenge seekers right beneath its surface. Among their number is Zenji Banba, a laidback and observant detective who is investigating the work of other hitmen companies in the area. However, Banba might not be the only one with a bone to pick with these organizations, as Xianming Ling, a crossdressing male hitman in the employ of one such company begins getting fed up with his lack of jobs and pay. One day, after Ling's current target commits suicide before the hitman could reach him, his company refuses to pay him even half the amount they were originally supposed to for the assassination. Frustrated, Ling requests another mission and is offered the job of taking out Banba, whom his organization believes has been interfering with their business. However, when Banba arrives at his home and finds the hitman inside, Ling surprisingly doesn't even attempt to kill him. Instead, he offers the detective another option: to join him and form a team. With the offer on the table, exactly how will Banba respond, and just what plans does Ling have in store for the underground world of Fukuoka?
When a wealthy man's chauffeur's son is kidnapped, he must navigate the dangerous underworld of crime to save him. In this classic Japanese film, tensions rise as the police, the underworld, and the high society clash.
In Tokyo, a rookie detective loses his gun and becomes obsessed with finding it, leading him to navigate through the city's criminal underworld. As he delves deeper into the dark and dangerous world, he uncovers a web of deception and discovers shocking truths.
A man who has just been released from prison for killing his wife tries to start a new life as a barber, but his past continues to haunt him. He finds solace in caring for a pet eel, which becomes a symbol of his own journey towards forgiveness and redemption.
In post-WWII Japan, an executive seeks vengeance against the corrupt executives responsible for his father's death. As he uncovers layers of corporate greed and deception, he must navigate a web of blackmail, betrayal, and tragedy. His pursuit for justice leads to unexpected twists and a nerve-wracking climax.
Tokyo Drifter tells the story of a drifter named Tetsuya who becomes entangled in a yakuza war after his boss tries to sell their property to the rival gang. Betrayed and forced to go on the run, Tetsuya must navigate the dangerous underworld of Tokyo while staying true to his principles. With its surreal visuals and candy-colored cinematography, Tokyo Drifter is a unique and stylish entry in the yakuza genre.
In 'Pale Flower', a yakuza is released from prison and becomes involved with a mysterious woman. As they embark on a passionate but dangerous affair, their lives become intertwined with the Tokyo underworld. The film explores themes of power, love, and the consequences of a criminal past. With stunning cinematography and a haunting score, 'Pale Flower' is a gripping and atmospheric masterpiece of Japanese cinema.
A police detective in Japan investigates the mysterious disappearance of a woman and uncovers a web of secrets and lies. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself confronting his own past and facing the dark underbelly of society.
A Tokyo TV drama based on the eponymous manga.
Two detectives begin a stakeout based on the slim chance of catching a murderer whom they suspect will try to reunite with an old flame.
Set in 1950s Tokyo, a man named Jôji is waiting for his lost love. He spends his days working as a boxer and his nights at a cafe, contemplating suicide. When he meets a young woman named Saeko, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of crime and romance.
Cruel Gun Story follows a former boxer named Togawa who is released from prison and reluctantly joins a group of ex-cons in a risky heist. The plan involves an armored truck and the Yakuza, leading to a violent showdown and a deadly game of survival.
A young jazz musician's desire to advance in his career runs afoul of organized crime in this thriller from Haruki Kadokawa. After a saxophonist starts playing at a particular nightspot, a thug from the Yakuza adopts him as a special friend for no greater reason than he plays one of his favorite songs well. As the dangerous life of the gangster intertwines with that of the musician, it brings harm to the musician's girlfriend, who is raped. This changes the young saxophonist's attitude about his patron, but his Yakuza "friend" is still too embroiled in his own problems to worry about anything else.
In 'Take Aim at the Police Van,' a police van driver named Tateoka investigates the murder of a fellow officer. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a trail of fire involving yakuza, sex trafficking, and corruption within the police force. With the help of a female yakuza, Tateoka sets out to bring the culprits to justice.
This little seen early work by Ichikawa was produced during the director's Shintoho period (1947-51). Written by Kaneto Shindô and featuring Ryô Ikebe as a young policeman it is part crime drama, part social study. Definitely not an undiscovered masterpiece, but still a must for Ichikawa buffs.
Based on a novel by Bo Nishimura, the film is about an extramarital affair between the wife of an estate agent and a 22 year old man.
A hitman with a Colt revolver gets caught in a deadly rivalry between two Yakuza gangs, leading to a series of violent events and a desperate attempt to escape.
Jiro is a Tokyo man who offers a stand-in service where he'll do "anything". A woman claiming to be from Fukuoka wants to be shown around Tokyo and see the sights. What Jiro doesn't know is that this woman isn't who she says she is. She's on the run from her Yakuza boyfriend, and Jiro is going to be unwittingly entwined in the situation.