Takashi Shimura
Biography: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Takashi Shimura (志村 喬, Shimura Takashi, March 12, 1905 – February 11, 1982) was a Japanese actor who appeared in over 200 films between 1934 and 1981. He appeared in 21 of Akira Kurosawa's 30 films (more than any other actor), including as a lead actor in Drunken Angel (1948), Rashomon (1950), Ikiru (1952) and Seven Samurai (1954).[3] He played Professor Kyohei Yamane in Ishirō Honda's original Godzilla (1954) and its first sequel, Godzilla Raids Again (1955). For his contributions to the arts, the Japanese government decorated Shimura with the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1974 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1980. Shimura died on February 11, 1982, in Tokyo, Japan, from emphysema at the age of 76. His effects were presented to the Film Centre of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Description above from the Wikipedia article Takashi Shimura, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: March 12, 1905
Deathday: February 11, 1982
Popularity:
Known For
The Hidden Fortress
1958-12-28
The Hidden Fortress
Overview: In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-12-28
Popularity:
Rashomon
1950-08-26
Rashomon
Overview: Brimming with action while incisively examining the nature of truth, "Rashomon" is perhaps the finest film ever to investigate the philosophy of justice. Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife.
Genres: Crime Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-08-26
Popularity:
Godzilla
1954-11-03
Godzilla
Overview: Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.
Genres: Thriller Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-11-03
Popularity:
Godzilla Raids Again
1955-04-24
Godzilla Raids Again
Overview: Two fishing scout pilots make a horrifying discovery when they encounter a second Godzilla alongside a new monster named Anguirus. Without the weapon that killed the original, authorities attempt to lure Godzilla away from the mainland. But Anguirus soon arrives and the two monsters make their way towards Osaka as Japan braces for tragedy.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-24
Popularity:
Frankenstein Conquers the World
1965-08-08
Frankenstein Conquers the World
Overview: During WWII, Germans obtain the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster and transport it to Japan to prevent it being seized by the Allies. Kept in a Hiroshima laboratory, it is seeming lost when the United States destroys the city with the atomic bomb. Years later a wild boy is discovered wandering the streets of the city alone, born of the immortal heart.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-08-08
Popularity:
Red Beard
1965-04-03
Red Beard
Overview: Aspiring to an easy job as personal physician to a wealthy family, Noboru Yasumoto is disappointed when his first post after medical school takes him to a small country clinic under the gruff doctor Red Beard. Yasumoto rebels in numerous ways, but Red Beard proves a wise and patient teacher. He gradually introduces his student to the unglamorous side of the profession, ultimately assigning him to care for a prostitute rescued from a local brothel.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-04-03
Popularity:
Throne of Blood
1957-01-15
Throne of Blood
Overview: Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa's resetting of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-01-15
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Ikiru
1952-10-09
Ikiru
Overview: Kanji Watanabe is a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for decades. Learning he has cancer, he starts to look for the meaning of his life.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-10-09
Popularity:
Escape Zone
1953-03-19
Escape Zone
Overview: Shiro Yabe, a young gangster who boarded the second class on the Tokaido Line after finishing a dangerous smuggling transaction in Kobe, is next to a beautiful woman with a sad face.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-03-19
Popularity:
Spring Snow
1950-02-26
Spring Snow
Overview: The Yoshikawa family is a typical small town family. With only the father's and daughter's salaries to support the family's six members, life is not easy.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-02-26
Popularity:
Jiruba no Tetsu
1950-08-12
Jiruba no Tetsu
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-08-12
Popularity:
Fifth Movement
1981-09-19
Fifth Movement
Overview: When a broadcasting company takes away its financial support from a symphony orchestra, some of the members refuse to admit defeat. The first violinist returns to his home and manages to get the orchestra back together for a grandiose performance, saved at the last minute by their original conductor -- and boding well for the future of the die-hard musicians.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-09-19
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Stray Dog
1949-10-17
Stray Dog
Overview: A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to right the wrong, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo’s sweltering streets for the stray dog whose desperation has led him to a life of crime. With each step, cop and criminal’s lives become more intertwined and the investigation becomes an examination of Murakami’s own dark side.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-10-17
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Kwaidan
1965-01-06
Kwaidan
Overview: Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
Genres: Horror Fantasy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-01-06
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Underworld series - Pardon My Violent Ways
1967-01-14
Underworld series - Pardon My Violent Ways
Overview: Toru Sagara, a lone wolf assassin, is imprisoned for betraying his employer, Hanawa. After completing his sentence, he immediately takes revenge on Hanawa, but as he leaves, he is unaware that a boy is watching him. Toru's new employer asks him to kill a competitor in drug sales, but...
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-01-14
Popularity:
I Live in Fear
1955-11-22
I Live in Fear
Overview: Kiichi Nakajima, an elderly foundry owner, is convinced that Japan will be affected by an imminent nuclear war, and resolves to move his family to safety in Brazil. His family decides to have him ruled incompetent and Dr. Harada, a Domestic Court counselor, attempts to arbitrate.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-11-22
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Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
1956-01-03
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
Overview: A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Genres: Action Adventure Drama Romance History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-03
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Sanjuro
1962-01-01
Sanjuro
Overview: Toshiro Mifune swaggers and snarls to brilliant comic effect in Kurosawa's tightly paced, beautifully composed "Sanjuro." In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its ear.
Genres: Drama Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-01
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Kanto Woman Infamy
1969-05-01
Kanto Woman Infamy
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-05-01
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The Bad Sleep Well
1960-09-19
The Bad Sleep Well
Overview: In this loose adaptation of "Hamlet," illegitimate son Kôichi Nishi climbs to a high position within a Japanese corporation and marries the crippled daughter of company vice president Iwabuchi. At the reception, the wedding cake is a replica of their corporate headquarters, but an aspect of the design reminds the party of the hushed-up death of Nishi's father. It is then that Nishi unleashes his plan to avenge his father's death.
Genres: Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-09-19
Popularity:
Kagemusha
1980-04-26
Kagemusha
Overview: Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.
Genres: Action Drama History War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1980-04-26
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The Idiot
1951-05-23
The Idiot
Overview: Kameda, who has been in an asylum on Okinawa, travels to Hokkaido. There he becomes involved with two women, Taeko and Ayako. Taeko comes to love Kameda, but is loved in turn by Akama. When Akama realizes that he will never have Taeko, his thoughts turn to murder, and great tragedy ensues.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-05-23
Popularity:
Yojimbo
1961-04-25
Yojimbo
Overview: A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-04-25
Popularity:
Drunken Angel
1948-04-27
Drunken Angel
Overview: Doctor Sanada treats gangster Matsunaga after he is wounded in a gunfight, and discovers that he is suffering from tuberculosis. Sanada tries to convince Matsunaga to stay for treatment, which would drastically change his lifestyle. They form an uneasy friendship until Matsunaga's old boss Okada returns from prison.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1948-04-27
Popularity:
Scandal
1950-04-26
Scandal
Overview: A celebrity photograph sparks a court case as a tabloid magazine spins a scandalous yarn over a painter and a famous singer.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-04-26
Popularity:
High and Low
1963-03-01
High and Low
Overview: In the midst of an attempt to take over his company, a powerhouse executive is hit with a huge ransom demand when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake.
Genres: Drama Crime Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-03-01
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A Geisha on Horseback
1954-11-15
A Geisha on Horseback
Overview: Based on the original work of Akutagawa Prize-winning writer Ashihei Hino, the film depicts the love of the proud geisha Nobukichi Hakata in the early Taisho era.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-11-15
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Sanshiro Sugata
1943-03-25
Sanshiro Sugata
Overview: The story of Sanshiro, a strong stubborn youth, who travels into the city in order to learn Jujutsu. However, upon his arrival he discovers a new form of self-defence: Judo. The main character is based on Shiro Saigo, a legendary judoka.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1943-03-25
Popularity:
To Love and Swear
1945-07-26
To Love and Swear
Overview: After facing hard times, an orphan Korean boy gets adopted to Japanese society. He meets several Japanese people who are kind to him, and grows up wanting to repay his debt to Japan, by becoming a kamikaze pilot.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-07-26
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Sazae-san's Marriage
1959-01-09
Sazae-san's Marriage
Overview: Sazae finally gets married, but right after that, Masuo is transferred to Osaka. A heartbroken Sazae sends her parents on a silver wedding trip, and eventually heads for Nikko, a travel destination. Sazae is once again overwhelmed by the sight of the newlyweds bustling with sunlight, but...
Genres: Comedy Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-09
Popularity:
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
1952-04-24
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
Overview: Yoshitsune Minamoto, disguised with his retinue as monks, must make do with a comical porter as their guide through hostile territory en route to safety.
Genres: Drama History Thriller Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-04-24
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Long Way to Okinawa
1962-03-07
Long Way to Okinawa
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-07
Popularity:
The Mysterians
1957-12-28
The Mysterians
Overview: In Japan, scientifically advanced invaders from the war-destroyed planet Mysteroid cause an entire village to vanish, then send a giant robot out to storm the city by night, after which they request a small patch of land on Earth and the right to marry earthling women, claiming to be pacifists. Mankind must decide whether to capitulate or to resist.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Drama Thriller War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-12-28
Popularity:
No Regrets for Our Youth
1946-10-29
No Regrets for Our Youth
Overview: Over more than a decade, the daughter of a Kyoto Imperial University professor comes of age as she witnesses her father fired for opposing the rise of fascism in Japan and becomes involved with two of his students.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1946-10-29
Popularity:
The Quiet Duel
1949-03-19
The Quiet Duel
Overview: A young idealistic doctor works at his father's clinic in a small and seedy district. During the war, he contracts syphilis from the blood of a patient when he cuts himself during an operation. Treating himself in secret and tormented by his conscience, he rejects his heartbroken fiancée without explanation.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-03-19
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Osaka Elegy
1936-05-28
Osaka Elegy
Overview: Ayako becomes the mistress of her boss so she can pay her father's debt and prevent him from going to prison for embezzlement.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1936-05-28
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Stolen Love
1951-06-08
Stolen Love
Overview: Romantic melodrama
Genres: Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-06-08
Popularity:
Chûshingura
1962-11-03
Chûshingura
Overview: After their lord is tricked into committing ritual suicide, forty-seven samurai warriors await the chance to avenge their master and reclaim their honor.
Genres: History Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-11-03
Popularity:
続サラリーマン清水港
1962-03-07
続サラリーマン清水港
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-07
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The Crimson Sky
1962-03-21
The Crimson Sky
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-21
Popularity:
Afraid to Die
1960-03-22
Afraid to Die
Overview: On his release from prison a young yakuza, along with his brother, decides to turn his back on criminal life instead of taking over the position of his recently deceased father, boss of the Asahina clan. But their exit proves more difficult than planned when their rival clan steps in to exact revenge.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-22
Popularity:
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
1964-12-20
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
Overview: After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Fantasy Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-12-20
Popularity:
Sanshiro of Ginza
1950-03-30
Sanshiro of Ginza
Overview: An early film by Kon Ichikawa
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-03-30
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Eight Views of Samurai
1958-05-27
Eight Views of Samurai
Overview: Bright samurai movie innovatively adapted from a classic story. A traveling masterless samurai is asked by a daughter of an established samurai family to pretend they are a married couple, and gets involved in the troubles of the samurai clan.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-05-27
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These Foolish Times
1947-10-12
These Foolish Times
Overview:
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1947-10-12
Popularity:
Tokkan ekichô
1945-03-29
Tokkan ekichô
Overview: Based on the comic by Ichio Matsushita
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-03-29
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The Lord Takes a Bride
1957-04-02
The Lord Takes a Bride
Overview: Young Lord Gentaro (Otomo Ryutaro) takes a journey to Edo in search of his future wife. Easier said than done, evil forces lurk in Edo and Gentaro must use his phenomenal sword skills to overcome the evil and find the love of his life. Another must have for fans of the great Otomo Ryutaro. And don't let the "silly" English title fool you, this is a great movie!
Genres: Adventure Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-02
Popularity:
Japan's Longest Day
1967-08-03
Japan's Longest Day
Overview: Following the detonation of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese military and the government clash over the demand from the Allies for unconditional surrender. Minister of the Army Anami leads the military officers who propose to fight on, even to the death of every Japanese citizen. Emperor Hirohito, however, joins with his ministers in asking the unthinkable, the peaceful surrender of Japan. When the military plots a coup to overthrow the Emperor's civilian government, Anami must face the choice between his desires and loyalty to his Emperor.
Genres: Drama History War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-08-03
Popularity:
The Most Beautiful
1944-04-13
The Most Beautiful
Overview: The stories of several young women who work in a 'precision optical instruments' factory during the second World War. Despite illness, injury, and tremendous personal hardship, the women persevere in their tasks, devoted to their work and their country's cause.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-04-13
Popularity:
Mothra
1961-07-30
Mothra
Overview: Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.
Genres: Adventure Science Fiction Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-07-30
Popularity:
Shunjû ittôryû
1939-06-01
Shunjû ittôryû
Overview: After being expelled from the Chiba Dojo , Hirate Zoshu , along with his acquaintances Tadaki Ganryu and Tamon Jubei, were hired as bodyguards by Sasagawa Shigezo, and became embroiled in a gamblers' feud known as the "Tenpo Suikoden.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-06-01
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The Soundless Cry
1965-01-30
The Soundless Cry
Overview: Shinichi is not only poor, he is also deaf, and leads a joyless life with his sick mother. His one happiness is his friendship with a girl who works in a bar nearby. Then, one day, his mother dies after drinking the medicine that Shinichi himself gave her. It is discovered that the pills contained poison. He is apprehended on suspicion of murder and taken away for interrogation, unable to defend himself - being deaf and dumb - or even to proclaim his innocence.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-01-30
Popularity:
Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
1956-05-18
Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
Overview: During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-05-18
Popularity:
Attack Squadron
1963-01-03
Attack Squadron
Overview: Lt. Col. Senda resists the idea of sending Japanese fighter pilots on suicide missions. He believes that what is really necessary for Japan to regain momentum in the war is for the air force to gather its most brilliant pilots into an elite squadron and use the unit to pinpoint attacks on the Americans. Disrespected by the kamikaze pilots who think the "non-suicidal" pilots are afraid, the unit redeems itself by stunning victories. But success leads the military leaders to expect too much of the unit, and new orders portend disaster.
Genres: Action Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-01-03
Popularity:
Zatoichi and the Fugitives
1968-08-10
Zatoichi and the Fugitives
Overview: Zatoichi runs afoul of some evil fugitives, working for a corrupt law official.
Genres: Adventure Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-08-10
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Zatoichi's Conspiracy
1973-04-21
Zatoichi's Conspiracy
Overview: Zatoichi, the famed blind swordsman, returns to his home village for the first time in many years. He is befriended by Omiyo, who had the same wet-nurse as Zatoichi. He also encounters a boyhood friend, Shinbei, who now is wealthy and appears not to remember Zatoichi. Shinbei seems to be interested in repaying the villagers' debts, but is in reality manipulating the ownership of a now-valuable rock quarry. Zatoichi learns of the subterfuge and confronts his old friend, who has a score of yakuza swordsmen backing his play.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1973-04-21
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Tokyo Crime Map
1956-03-04
Tokyo Crime Map
Overview: An exciting film about thugs, in which murders and drugs, justice and resentment explode in the dark city of Tokyo with the help of guns and violence.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-03-04
Popularity:
Samurai Assassin
1965-01-03
Samurai Assassin
Overview: Japan, 1860. The men of the Mito clan, victims of the Ansei purge, anxiously prowl around the Sakurada Gate of Edo Castle with the intention of assassinating Naosuke Ii of Hikone, tairō of the Tokugawa shogunate and responsible for their misfortune.
Genres: Drama Action History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-01-03
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The Sun is Calling You
1963-09-29
The Sun is Calling You
Overview: A man with a dark past comes from Tokyo to the fishing port of Izu, and tries to begin a new life as a fisherman.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-09-29
Popularity:
Vendetta of a Samurai
1952-01-03
Vendetta of a Samurai
Overview: The famous showdown at Kagiya corner has been told many times, but never before with the realism and intensity of this version scripted by Kurosawa Akira and starring Mifune Toshiro as the famed swordsman who must face his best friend as they are forced to take opposite sides in a vendetta caused by the murder of a family member. Told mostly in flashback as the avengers await the arrival of their quarry, this film displays true heroism in the face of fear as most of the combatants, while of the samurai class are not skilled swordsmen. They contrast sharply with the true warriors involved in this battle. Araki Mataemon (Mifune), who was not only a direct student of Yagyu Munenori, but the founder of his own sword style under the Yagyu name is a powerful force ready to assist his brother-in-law against the murderer's allies that include not only another noted sword teacher, but the deadly spear of Katsumi no Hanbei.
Genres: Drama Action History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-01-03
Popularity:
Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean
1957-03-14
Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean
Overview: Obscure French version of the original Godzilla. The film combines elements of the original Toho version and the American King of the Monsters! in a unique assemblage exclusive to the Francophone market. Released by Les Films du Verseau.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 1957-03-14
Popularity:
Snow Trail
1947-08-05
Snow Trail
Overview: Three bank robbers, Eijima, Nojiri, and Takasugi, flee the police and escape into the mountains. At an inn high in the Japanese Alps, Eijima and Nojiri encounter a young woman and her father, as well as Honda, a mountaineer. The inn folk do not realize their guests are wanted criminals and the visitors are treated with great kindness. Honda volunteers to lead them over the mountains, but Eijima's paranoia endangers all of them as they make the perilous trip.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1947-08-05
Popularity:
Akanishi Kakita
1936-06-18
Akanishi Kakita
Overview: A samurai is ordered by his lord to go to Edo and investigate the truth behind the rumor of a rebellion against him.
Genres: Drama History Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1936-06-18
Popularity:
あの空の果てに星はまたたく
1962-05-20
あの空の果てに星はまたたく
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-05-20
Popularity:
Different Sons
1961-11-12
Different Sons
Overview: In the middle of the period of high economic growth in Japan, a family is thrown into disarray over work, money, and romance. Their father's sudden unemployment later in life causes friction among the siblings of the Akagi family. Kensuke, a salaryman at a top company, refuses to support his parents while his brother, Shoji, determines to care for them despite only working as a taxi driver. The concern over money affects Noriko's own love life as she courts a wealthy salaryman to the chagrin of her mechanic boyfriend.
Genres: Drama Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-11-12
Popularity:
Master Fencer Sees the World
1960-10-16
Master Fencer Sees the World
Overview: A historical drama that depicts the touching beauty of world obsession and human love in the style of light comedy, in the center of which is a young man who has a master license menkyo kaiden in the art of swordsmanship, but weak against lies and women. A remake of Bungaku no Issue, shot by Sadao Yamanaka in 1933.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-10-16
Popularity:
The Sands of Kurobe
1968-03-01
The Sands of Kurobe
Overview: Kitagawa is an engineer charged with construction of a gigantic tunnel through the Japan Alps for the transportation of equipment in the building of the massive Kurobe Dam. The tunnel crosses an earthquake fault and Kitagawa is beleaguered not only by cave-ins and flooding, but by strife between management and the workers's union. Adding to Kitagawa's stress is the knowledge that as his attention is pulled inexorably toward the tunnel construction, his youngest daughter is dying from leukemia.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-03-01
Popularity:
Brutal Tales of Chivalry 5: Man With The Karajishi Tattoo
1969-03-06
Brutal Tales of Chivalry 5: Man With The Karajishi Tattoo
Overview: Hidejuro is sent to prison after killing the boss of a rival family. After being released, he discovers that his family has scattered and he is taken in by a company of quarry workers, whose boss has a strict code of non-violence. When the rival family tries to take over the company and kills their boss, Hidejuro must choose between his promise of non-violence and his yakuza code of revenge...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-03-06
Popularity:
Casebooks of Dandy Sashichi: Blind Wolf
1955-03-01
Casebooks of Dandy Sashichi: Blind Wolf
Overview: In this movie, Sashichi tries to catch a serial killer who kills his victims with shurikens.
Genres: Crime Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-03-01
Popularity:
Yaji And Kita's Traveling Diary
1938-12-01
Yaji And Kita's Traveling Diary
Overview: A captivating operetta by Masahiro Makino based on Juppensha Ikku's humorous novel "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige" starring Chiezo Kataoka and Kyoji Sugi.
Genres: Comedy Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-12-01
Popularity:
The Three Treasures
1959-11-01
The Three Treasures
Overview: The legend of the birth of Shintoism. In Fourth Century Japan, the Emperor's son Ouso expects to succeed his father on the throne, but Otomo, the Emperor's vassal, prefers Ouso's stepbrother, and conspires to have Ouso die on a dangerous mission he has contrived. But Ouso prevails in the mission and returns to his father's castle under a new name, Prince Yamato Takeru. Otomo plots to have the Prince sent into even greater danger, but Otomo is unaware that the gods have favored the Prince and the outcome is far from what any of them expected.
Genres: Fantasy Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-11-01
Popularity:
The Militarists
1970-09-11
The Militarists
Overview:
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-09-11
Popularity:
A Whistle in My Heart
1959-03-29
A Whistle in My Heart
Overview: The story is about the social problems faced by Japan's indigenous Ainu, mostly centered on the reactions of the characters to their oppressed state.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-03-29
Popularity:
A Bullet Hole Underground
1949-05-02
A Bullet Hole Underground
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-05-02
Popularity:
Kurama Tengu
1938-03-15
Kurama Tengu
Overview: This is Kanjûrô Arashi's first film with Nikkatsu after his independent production company went bankrupt (many of these independent companies went bankrupt shortly after the transition to sound). As he is mostly famous for his portrait of Kurama tengu (and on the other hand, he's the definitive actor for Kurama Tengu as well), Nikkatsu made another version of Kurama tengu, co-directed by Masahiro Makino & Sadatsugu Matsuda who are both sons of Shozo Makino. Scripted by Yoshitake Hisa, a jidaigeki specialist who later scripted several Toei All-Star Jidaigeki.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-03-15
Popularity:
Taiko's Rising in the World
1938-06-17
Taiko's Rising in the World
Overview: Taikoki is a legendary biography of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose to the office of taikō. And the story of this film is about the rise to power of Toyotomi Hideyoshi from a farmer's son.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-06-17
Popularity:
Oda Nobunaga
1940-02-05
Oda Nobunaga
Overview: A classic wartime jidaigeki about the life of the famous samurai and first of the "Great Unifiers" of Japan, Oda Nobunaga, with Kataoka Chiezo and Shimura Takashi
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1940-02-05
Popularity:
Tora-san's Love Call
1971-12-29
Tora-san's Love Call
Overview: Taking a message from Hiroshi's father to heart, Torajiro attempts to give up his wandering ways.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1971-12-29
Popularity:
Yoru no keisha
1962-06-28
Yoru no keisha
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-06-28
Popularity:
Spring Awakens
1947-11-02
Spring Awakens
Overview: Slice of life film centered on a couple of years in the life of a rural high school girl.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1947-11-02
Popularity:
Evening Calm
1957-04-01
Evening Calm
Overview: A girl rebels against her mother, who runs a brothel in Yokohama, and attempts to find freedom on her own.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-01
Popularity:
Love and Faith
1978-06-03
Love and Faith
Overview: Sen Rikyu is a ceremonial tea master who advises warlord Hideyoshi in sixteenth-century feudal Japan. His daughter, the beautiful Lady Ogin, has an unrequited love for Lord Ukon, who has angered Hideyoshi by becoming a Christian convert. Ogin's father Rikyu also displeases Hideyoshi by opposing the warlord's plan to invade China and Korea. When the animalistic Hideyoshi is rejected by Ogin, he threatens her and her father with arrest and worse.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1978-06-03
Popularity:
Samurai Pirate
1963-10-26
Samurai Pirate
Overview: An adventurous and daring sailor sets sail to the castle of an ailing king to stop an evil premier, hungry for power and wealth, from succeeding the throne and marrying the king's beautiful daughter. Along the way, with the help of some courageous rebels and a lustful wizard, he must overcome the powers of a bewitching witch, a band of ruthless pirates, and the castle's Imperial guards. He must also free those kidnapped into slavery and restore the king's reputation.
Genres: Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-10-26
Popularity:
A Modern Yakuza: The Code of The Lawless
1969-02-01
A Modern Yakuza: The Code of The Lawless
Overview: Just released on parole, one young man hurtles towards a face-off with the gangsters controlling Shinjuku and its lucrative prostitutes.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-02-01
Popularity:
Jiraiya
1937-12-31
Jiraiya
Overview: Based on the old tale of Jiraiya, this 1937 version is essentially a revenge story with fantastic visuals.
Genres: Fantasy History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-12-31
Popularity:
Shogun's Holiday
1958-02-12
Shogun's Holiday
Overview: During the reign of Hidetada, the second shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, the advisor Okubo Hikozaemon (Ganjiro Nakamura) entrusts the young Takechiyo (Hiroshi Kawaguchi) to the fishmonger Isshin Tasuke (Kazuo Hasegawa) to help him understand the world. Tasuke, who does not know that Takechiyo is the shogun's heir, trains him harshly. Tasuke's wife Naka (Michiko Ai) is concerned about his harsh teaching style, but Takechiyo gains strength day by day and adapts to his new life. Soon, Takechiyo begins secretly talking about love with a city girl named Otoyo (Hitomi Nozoe), but...
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-02-12
Popularity:
The Masterless 47
1960-12-25
The Masterless 47
Overview: Part one of The Masterless 47.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-12-25
Popularity:
A Dangerous Hero
1957-07-30
A Dangerous Hero
Overview: A film by Hideo Suzuki.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-30
Popularity:
Navy
1943-12-08
Navy
Overview: Japanese war film.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1943-12-08
Popularity:
The Harbor of No Return
1966-08-13
The Harbor of No Return
Overview: A jazz pianist named Shiro Tsuda returns from an overseas tour unwittingly carrying drugs that have been sewn into his jacket. When he stops by to see his girlfriend Kyoko, he walks in to find an unknown man attacking her. While struggling with the man, who is armed, Shiro accidentally shoots and kills her. The intruder knocks Shiro down and takes the drugs from Shiro's jacket. Shiro realizes that he was being used as a drag smuggler. He is sent to prison for three years for killing his girlfriiend. When he is released, he is determined to find out who set him up.
Genres: Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-08-13
Popularity:
Escape from Prison
1950-01-04
Escape from Prison
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-01-04
Popularity:
Gambler Tales of Hasshu: A Man's Pledge
1963-06-30
Gambler Tales of Hasshu: A Man's Pledge
Overview: This is one of the many films based on the legend of Chuji Kunisada, a wandering gambler and a defender of the weak in the Edo period. In other words, he was the Japanese Robin Hood. In this film Kunisada (Chiezo Kataoka) arrives to a small town terrorized by an evil gang. He insists that he is not Kunisada, as the word is Kunisada has been executed, but of course the audience know better. Sonny Chiba plays an unusual supporting role as a helpless young man unable to defend himself from the gangsters. He does, however, get to play taiko drums and dance with Junko Fuji (who makes her film debut here). Chiba's father, an old judge who helps Kunisada, is played by Takashi Shimura. The film hardly anything exceptional, but it's a pretty decent jidai geki / yakuza drama.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-06-30
Popularity:
The Traveling Ruffian
1958-06-30
The Traveling Ruffian
Overview: Adventures of Mori no Ishimatsu, a famous member of Jirocho gang. Ishimatsu is strong in righteousness weak to mercy, who falls in love at first sight to a woman just as fiery as he is. Great all-star cast brings to life the story of a true yakuza.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-06-30
Popularity:
The Skull Coin
1938-01-01
The Skull Coin
Overview: “Dokuro sen” (The Skull Coin) is the first film adaptation of the popular novel by Kikuo Sumita. The story evolves around the seven cursed coins (the Skull Coin) that are supposed to reveal the secrets of the hidden Tokugawa treasure.
Genres: History Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-01-01
Popularity:
Dorei kōjō
1968-01-25
Dorei kōjō
Overview: After the death of a colleague, the workers at a factory form a labor union.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-01-25
Popularity:
Sanshiro Sugata
1965-05-29
Sanshiro Sugata
Overview: Remake of Kurosawa's films Sanshiro Sugata and Sanshiro Sugata part 2. A young man, Sanshiro Sugata, troubled by personal problems, takes up judo. His teacher, Shogoro Yano, is a devout man who has aroused the enmity of the local practitioners of jujitsu, the older and more accepted of the two sports. Sugata uses his newly learned prowess to gain a measure of respect from others; however, Shogoro insists that the sport has a spiritual side, a lesson Sugata has yet to learn. Eventually, in hand-to-hand combat with the father of a young woman he loves, he comes to understand the true meaning of judo.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-05-29
Popularity:
Wicked Priest 5: Breaking The Commandments
1971-02-25
Wicked Priest 5: Breaking The Commandments
Overview: As the Killer Priest Shinkai travels around Japan during the Meiji era, he comes to the aid of a village headman fighting corruption from up above. Before he can do anything for the townspeople, he must first face his nemesis, Whipmaster, the blind Priest, a master killer thirsting for revenge.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1971-02-25
Popularity:
Asakusa at Night
1954-07-14
Asakusa at Night
Overview: A young scriptwriter with a yakuza upbringing, an iron-fire dancer, a young painter, and a pure-hearted downtown girl fall in love in Asakusa in this entertaining tale of love and action.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-07-14
Popularity:
The Gambler's Code
1961-06-14
The Gambler's Code
Overview: One of Japan's most popular stories is the tale of Kutsukake Tokijiro, a traveling gambler who finds that he must take care of the wife and child of a yakuza he had been forced by the code of the gamblers to fight man to man. In a brilliant performance from super-star Ichikawa Raizo, with strong support from two of the greats from Toho, Shimura Takashi (7 Samurai) and Aratama Michiyo (Sword of Doom) the heartfelt story reaches new heights. Tokijiro, having learned the true nature of the boss to whom he was obligated for having spent a night and eaten at the gang's headquarters takes up arms against them in a running battle fought across the back roads of the entire nation. Another powerful rendition of this superb story, it is not to be missed!
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-06-14
Popularity:
Hadaka no Machi
1957-07-23
Hadaka no Machi
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-23
Popularity:
Fūryū onsen bantō nikki
1962-12-16
Fūryū onsen bantō nikki
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-12-16
Popularity:
Akagaki Genzo
1938-11-17
Akagaki Genzo
Overview: Forty-seven Ronin of the Ako clan are waiting for the right moment to avenge the insult and death of their master. The film tells the story of one of them named Akagaki Genzo.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-11-17
Popularity:
Echo of Love
1937-07-14
Echo of Love
Overview: A man is brutally murdered and his famed shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument) called the "Yamabiko" stolen. Prince Kogenta swears to avenge his father-in-law's death and retrieve the family heirloom.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-07-14
Popularity:
Godzilla
1977-01-01
Godzilla
Overview: A re-edited Italian-language dubbed version of the original Godzilla, using as a basis the U.S. version, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" (1956), plus WWII newsreel footage and clips from other science fiction films. The re-edited film was then colorized via a process called "Spectrorama 70" consisting of applying various colored gels to the black and white footage. The film's opening and ending also features new music composed by musicians Fabio Frizzi, Franco Bixio, and Vince Tempera (under the pseudonym Magnetic System).
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: it
Release Date: 1977-01-01
Popularity:
Talk of the Town Tora-san
1978-12-27
Talk of the Town Tora-san
Overview: After a chance encounter with Hiroshi's father on a bus, Tora decides to get serious and reflect on the mortality of man. His plans are derailed when a beautiful lady starts working at Toraya.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1978-12-27
Popularity:
Gorath
1962-03-21
Gorath
Overview: In 1976, a drifting star named Gorath is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Although it is smaller than Earth, its enormous mass is enough to destroy the planet totally. A mission sent to observe Gorath is destroyed after the ship is drawn into the star, with a later mission barely escaping the same fate. However, Astronaut Tatsuma Kanai is left in a catatonic state due to his near death experience. Unable to destroy the invading star, Earth's scientists undertake a desperate plan to build giant rockets at the South Pole to move the planet out of Gorath's path before it is too late.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-21
Popularity:
It's Tough Being a Man
1969-08-27
It's Tough Being a Man
Overview: Tora-san, an itinerant peddler who is thrown out of his father's house twenty years before but reconnects with his aunt, uncle and sister Sakura. Tora wreaks some havoc in their lives, like getting drunk and silly at a marriage meeting and ruining Sakura's chance to marry someone, as well as just being a real pain to those around him. There is a sentimental side to him also, and the best way to describe him is that he grows on you.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-08-27
Popularity:
Phantom Castle
1940-10-10
Phantom Castle
Overview: Early Japanese three-part samurai / fantasy serial.
Genres: Action History Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1940-10-10
Popularity:
Kigeki: koko kara hajimaru monogatari
1973-05-02
Kigeki: koko kara hajimaru monogatari
Overview:
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1973-05-02
Popularity:
Wakare mo tanoshi
1945-09-13
Wakare mo tanoshi
Overview: 1945 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-09-13
Popularity:
The Whale God
1962-07-15
The Whale God
Overview: A fishing village is terrorized by a giant whale, and the fishermen are determined to kill it.
Genres: Adventure Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-07-15
Popularity:
Seven from Edo
1958-04-30
Seven from Edo
Overview: When Katsukawa, a low ranking vassal, learns that his greedy superior, Tatewaki, has hatched a plan to expand his territory, he and his comrades decide to take matters into their own hands. Lots of action in this all-star production from Toei Films, the foremost studio during that era. As with so many of their films, this is highly entertaining, with lots of plot twists and exciting swordplay
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-04-30
Popularity:
Fuun Senryobune
1952-12-16
Fuun Senryobune
Overview: 1952 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-12-16
Popularity:
The Storm of the Pacific
1960-04-26
The Storm of the Pacific
Overview: Lt. Koji Kitami is a navigator-bombardier in Japan's Naval Air Force. He participates in the Japanese raid on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and is welcomed with pride in his hometown on his return. As Japan racks up victory after victory in the Pacific War, Kitami is caught up in the emotion of the time and fights courageously for the standard of Japanese honor. But his assuredness of his government's righteousness is shaken after the Japanese navy is defeated in the debacle of Midway.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-04-26
Popularity:
The Day the Sun Rose
1968-11-23
The Day the Sun Rose
Overview: Shinkichi, a peasant employed as a cloth-dyer, has a dream: in the midst of the civil war which ravages Japan, he hopes to revive the long-banned custom of the Kyoto Gion Festival, and by doing so, bring together the warring clans and rampaging brigands in peaceful celebration.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-11-23
Popularity:
The Eagle of the Pacific
1953-10-21
The Eagle of the Pacific
Overview: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, a brilliant tactician, is a loyal subject of the emperor, despite his grave misgivings about leading Japan's navy into war with the United States. He opposes the attack on Pearl Harbor, but, overruled, he leads his forces to the best of his ability.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-10-21
Popularity:
Three Yakuza
1965-05-22
Three Yakuza
Overview: A tale of three Yakuza gamblers who traveled Japan during the samurai era living by their wits and sword skills. Told in 3 separate vignettes, each part tells the story of a different drifter’s life. Part 1: A man is on the run after killing two Hasshu Officials to avenge his Boss. He must make a life or death decision as he is asked to protect a gang from attack. Part 2: A pair of gamblers chased out of a crooked game must fight not only their pursuers, but the ghosts of their pasts as well. Part 3: A wanderer who wants to live according to the Yakuza Code, but is not sure that he can do so when asked to save a town from an evil official.
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-05-22
Popularity:
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha
1959-12-06
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha
Overview: Koharu, a young geisha, is in love with Kenichi, an apprentice carpenter to her father Masagoro. Their love life comes to a sudden halt after an argument between their two fathers. Can their love survive in spite of the bitterness between their two families?
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-12-06
Popularity:
Human Torpedoes
1968-01-03
Human Torpedoes
Overview: Story of loyal sailors giving their lives for their country as human torpedoes towards the end of the War.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-01-03
Popularity:
When the Cookie Crumbles
1967-06-09
When the Cookie Crumbles
Overview: Japanese film directed by Tadashi Imai.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-06-09
Popularity:
Mother's First Love
1954-09-17
Mother's First Love
Overview: A melodrama based on the novel by Yasunari Kawabata, telling about the tragic fate of a mother and daughter who are attracted to the same man.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-09-17
Popularity:
The Revolt
1980-01-15
The Revolt
Overview: When a young soldier is killed while trying to prevent his younger sister, Kaoru, from being sold into a life of prostitution, his commander, Col. Miyagi, tries to honor his dying wish to rescue his sister. Upon finding Kaoru at a party working as a geisha and later rescuing her from committing suicide, Col. Miyagi allows her to move in with him. Over time, the two grow close, but in spite of Kaoru's growing feelings for him, Col. Miyagi is unable to bring himself to return her love. On the night of his deployment to war, Col. Miyagi finally admits his feelings for Kaoru, but will they ever be able to enjoy a peaceful life together now that a very violent and bloody military revolt is under way...
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1980-01-15
Popularity:
The Way of Drama
1944-05-11
The Way of Drama
Overview: The Way of Drama unfolds in the world of kabuki in Osaka, but also addresses the politics of popular culture and the rivalry between theatrical styles like those used by amateur actors to dramatise contemporary events.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-05-11
Popularity:
Life of Hishakaku 3
1964-03-01
Life of Hishakaku 3
Overview: Third part in Tadashi Sawashima's Theater of Life trilogy.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-03-01
Popularity:
The Angry Street
1950-05-14
The Angry Street
Overview: The Angry Street includes a great deal of location shooting in the rebuilt city, including downtown streets, residential neighborhoods, the campus of the University of Tokyo, and the high life of jazzy dance halls. Sudo (Hara Yasumi) and Mori (Uno Jukichi) are two university students who make money by picking up rich girls in dance clubs and conning them into giving them cash. Mori is the brains of the operation, and Sudo is the suave dancer who picks up the girls. Over the course of the film, Sudo becomes involved with three different girls and is drawn into the gangster milieu, which he seems unable to resist even though he is responsible for his mother, grandmother, and sister, Masako (Wakayama Setsuko). In this world of bad boys and girls, Masako is the pillar of strength and moral virtue who finally enables Mori to straighten out.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-05-14
Popularity:
Daredevil in the Castle
1961-01-03
Daredevil in the Castle
Overview: During the raging war between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans, the swordsman Mohei (whose family has been completely decimated) is recruited by Toyotomi to overcome the seat of power, Osaka Castle. Mohei's daredevil skills will be put to severe tests.
Genres: History War Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
Popularity:
The End of the Night
1953-04-08
The End of the Night
Overview: Walking home late one night, a down-on-his-luck sewage worker runs into a drunk businessman with a briefcase full of cash. His impulsive decision will lead to a long, dark night of the soul, while his lady love, a bar hostess, tries to cope with her sudden change of fortune.
Genres: Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-04-08
Popularity:
Saga of the Vagabonds
1959-08-09
Saga of the Vagabonds
Overview: Lord Taro must deliver a money chest but is robbed by brigands led by Jibu. One of Jibu's men, Rokuro, steals the money from Jibu, but after meeting and befriending Taro, Rokuro decides to return the money to Taro. But Taro's unscrupulous brother Jiro falsely accuse Taro of the theft, and Taro reactively joins the outlaw band and encourages them to steal from the nobles and give to the poor.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-08-09
Popularity:
Singing Lovebirds
1939-12-14
Singing Lovebirds
Overview: An umbrella maker with a shopping addiction finds himself in dire straits when his debts force him to consider selling his attractive, desirable daughter to a suitor she doesn't love.
Genres: Music Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-12-14
Popularity:
Points and Lines
1958-11-11
Points and Lines
Overview: Based on Matsumoto Seicho's classic mystery novel of the same name, the story centers around a group of detectives who are determined to find the truth behind an apparent double suicide.
Genres: Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-11-11
Popularity:
Nichiren and the Great Mongol Invasion
1958-10-01
Nichiren and the Great Mongol Invasion
Overview: During the 1200's, legendary Buddhist monk Nichiren returns from his studies to lead Japan out of moral crisis and prepare to fight Mongol invaders by creating a new form of Buddhism. He runs afoul of the existing Buddhist sects and their government supporters and is persecuted. Can Nichiren persevere before the Mogol fleet reaches Japanese shores?
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-01
Popularity:
The Lovelorn Geisha
1960-07-12
The Lovelorn Geisha
Overview: A woman and her daughter are in love with the same man, a chef at the restaurant that the mother manages. He is slightly crippled from frostbite in his years in Siberian labor camps and considers himself 'already dead'.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-07-12
Popularity:
The Eleventh Hour
1957-11-24
The Eleventh Hour
Overview: Based on a 1956 television feature on Japan’s national network, NHK, this is one of Uchida’s rarest films. A socially conscious drama with a contemporary backdrop, Dotanba focuses on the attempts to rescue a group of trapped miners. The title is a figure of speech — (essentially “last minute” or “eleventh hour”) — that refers to a situation of peril. The film boasts a script co-written by Uchida and Akira Kurosawa’s frequent screenwriter, Shinobu Hashimoto, and stars Kurosawa’s frequent star Takashi Shimura.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-11-24
Popularity:
The Loyal 47 Ronin
1958-04-01
The Loyal 47 Ronin
Overview: Japan, 1701. A group of samurai become rônin after their lord is forced to commit seppuku for assaulting a court official, who will become the target of a merciless revenge.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-04-01
Popularity:
The Elephant Who Waited
1949-11-20
The Elephant Who Waited
Overview: The story of Kanesuke and Entaro who are master elephant trainers in charge of two elephants, Taro and Hanako at the Metropolitan Zoo.
Genres: Comedy War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-11-20
Popularity:
The Life of a Horse Trader
1951-12-07
The Life of a Horse Trader
Overview: The tale of Katakana Yonetaro aka "The Shark," a rough-and-tumble horse trader in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, despite being a father and a husband he is frequently drawn to taverns.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-12-07
Popularity:
New Prison Walls of Abashiri
1968-12-28
New Prison Walls of Abashiri
Overview: Former soldier, Suehiro Katsuji, fights violent gangs and powerful Chinese merchants during the post-war period in Japan.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-12-28
Popularity:
Street of Violence
1950-02-26
Street of Violence
Overview: An attempt is made to suppress a journalist's investigation of collusion between a rural police chief and the local gangster bosses.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-02-26
Popularity:
Patience Has An End
1971-06-25
Patience Has An End
Overview: Young coal miner Takeda leaves Kyushu in search of a better job in Tokyo, only to fall into the lucrative yet dangerous life of a yakuza.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1971-06-25
Popularity:
Colonel Kato's Falcon Squadron
1944-03-09
Colonel Kato's Falcon Squadron
Overview: A 1944 propaganda film that depicts the fictionalised career of IJAAF pilot Tateo Kato, who led the 64th Sentai during the early months of the Pacific War. The film has scenes featuring Ki-43 fighters escorting Ki-21 bombers to attack Rangoon, where they are attacked by P-40 Warhawk and Brewster Buffalo fighters.
Genres: War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-03-09
Popularity:
Nichijô no tatakai
1944-08-03
Nichijô no tatakai
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-08-03
Popularity:
Three Women Around Yoshinaka
1956-01-15
Three Women Around Yoshinaka
Overview: The story of Yoshinaka during the tumultuous period of warring related to us in the Heike Monogatari. Close in setting to Kinugasa’s famous Gate of Hell (1953).
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-15
Popularity:
Three Women of the North
1945-08-05
Three Women of the North
Overview: The story of an airport and its air traffic control crew in a remote and northern Japanese town. Three of the air traffic controllers are female with one of them working with her dead fiancé's sister. The engaged man had gone to war and never returned.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-08-05
Popularity:
Foghorn
1952-03-03
Foghorn
Overview: A Japanese woman, the mistress of an American, falls in love with her servant.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-03-03
Popularity:
The Bride In Uguisu Castle
1958-06-22
The Bride In Uguisu Castle
Overview: The life of three beautiful princesses in feudal Japan.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-06-22
Popularity:
Beauty and the Thief
1952-09-22
Beauty and the Thief
Overview: The picture belongs to the jidai gekki (historic) genre. It is a powerful story of violence and eroticism, picturing a world at once sordid and poetic, with two central themes which intermingle to compound an admirable panel of a critical period in Japanese history: the great famine in the mid 19th Century.
Genres: Adventure Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-09-22
Popularity:
No Time for Tears
1955-05-10
No Time for Tears
Overview: Coach Shimamura of the hapless Sparrows baseball team is pleased to obtain a hot new pitcher named Onishi. But when Onishi begins a romantic relationship with the coach's daughter Michiko, Shimamura becomes angry with the young man, lashing out at him when he disobeys instructions during a game. In turn, Michiko becomes angry with her father, who becomes increasingly depressed. When a tragedy strikes the family, Coach Shimamura begins losing control of his life, just when his family and his team need him most.
Genres: Romance Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-05-10
Popularity:
The Underworld
1956-02-26
The Underworld
Overview: Yakuza boss Furuya leans more and more on his protege Takao Shoji, though Shoji has become romantically involved with Furuya's mistress, Natsue. Furuya himself has fallen in love, with a nurse after his recent hospital stay. As the gang grows more jealous of the favoritism Furuya shows Shoji, they decide to reveal Shoji's relationship with Natsue. But Furuya's affection for Shoji cannot be easily destroyed, even in the gang war that erupts.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-02-26
Popularity:
Man Against Man
1960-08-14
Man Against Man
Overview: Kikumori runs a cabaret on the docks, while his friend Kaji operates transport boats. When a gang of drug dealers tries to force the pair to cooperate in a smuggling scheme, conflict arises between the two friends. Falsely blamed for murder, Kikumori is blackmailed into an attempt to sabotage Kaji's boats and kill him. But the friendship between the two men proves an obstacle to the gangleader's plans.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-08-14
Popularity:
Beyond Love and Hate
1951-01-11
Beyond Love and Hate
Overview: A young man, convicted of a crime and imprisoned in the penitentiary, comes to believe that his wife is being unfaithful to him. He contrives his escape from the prison in order to seek her out and learn the truth, but the police give chase and he must flee into the mountains.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-01-11
Popularity:
The Last Embrace
1953-03-11
The Last Embrace
Overview: Yukiko Nogami is rescued during a mountain blizzard by handsome forester Shinkichi, and the two subsequently fall in love. But when Shinkichi dies in an avalanche, Yukiko leaves the mountains in despair and takes a job in a bar where she becomes deeply involved in the personal lives of several of the patrons. One day she thinks she sees Shinkichi alive, but it turns out to be a gangster named Hayakawa, a man on the run who bears an astonishing resemblance to Yukiko's lost love. Against her better judgment, she is drawn to help Hayakawa, though clearly danger follows him.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-03-11
Popularity:
Life of a Country Doctor
1960-08-14
Life of a Country Doctor
Overview: A skilled country doctor's talents are such that he can even perform operations as difficult and novel as removing a patient's kidney for the first time in Japan. Unfortunately for him, however, his wife's addiction to gambling is of such a magnitude that he is down to selling his underwear to make money. The image sticks and he becomes known as the 'underwear doctor.' On the other hand, his successful surgery's patient is so grateful he himself wants to become a physician.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-08-14
Popularity:
Brand of Evil
1964-05-29
Brand of Evil
Overview: A Japanese detective, Kikuchi, is framed for a murder and sent to prison. When he is paroled, he joins a private detective agency to investigate his case and investigates Mitsue Takazawa, the wife of a local trading firm whom is really a crime lord responsible for Kikuchi's imprisonment and now sets sights on Setsuko, a woman Kikuchi becomes romantically involved with.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-05-29
Popularity:
The Revenge and the Death
1963-08-07
The Revenge and the Death
Overview: A gritty, noirish gangster saga.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-08-07
Popularity:
The Retreat from Kiska
1965-07-04
The Retreat from Kiska
Overview: In 1943, the Aleutian island of Kiska was fortified by a small contingent of Japanese soldiers. When word arrived of an impending attack by an overwhelming force of Americans, the Japanese Navy attempted one of the most daring and unlikely evacuations in military history. This is that story.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-07-04
Popularity:
Zoku Shimizu Minato
1940-07-10
Zoku Shimizu Minato
Overview: An actor, hit on the head, dreams that he has become legendary one-eyed gangster Mori no Ishimatsu.
Genres: History Comedy Adventure Music Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1940-07-10
Popularity:
New Prison Walls of Abashiri 2
1969-08-13
New Prison Walls of Abashiri 2
Overview: Suehiro Katsuji, a prisoner of Abashiri, is sent to Shikoku to work at a dock where a fierce turf battle takes place between a local gang and the dock operator.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-08-13
Popularity:
Human Revolution II
1976-06-19
Human Revolution II
Overview: Dramatic story of one man trying to make a difference.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1976-06-19
Popularity:
Hoodlum Match
1965-02-13
Hoodlum Match
Overview: A good set-in-per-WW2 ninkyô type film with outstanding performances.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-02-13
Popularity:
No Greater Love
1966-09-17
No Greater Love
Overview: In 1943, Japan is amidst the Pacific War. Sobei Sonoda is one of the wealthiest landowners of the San'in region. His land spread for miles, as far as the eye can see. People treated him with respect. But even the richest must think about the future. One day, he decides to arrange a marriage between his only son, Junkichi and the daughter of an even more powerful family. Sobei, hoping to benefit from this union, soon discovers that his son was in love with a lower class girl.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-09-17
Popularity:
The Protector
1966-04-13
The Protector
Overview: Mine, the only daughter of Kiyagen, is faced with running the family's timber business when her father falls ill. Under a great deal of pressure to continue the five generation long run of the business, Mine is put to the ultimate test when a former gangster sets his sights on closing her down.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-04-13
Popularity:
Last of the Wild Ones
1954-06-08
Last of the Wild Ones
Overview: A legendary gangster raises himself out of a small town and gathers followers on his rise to power.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-06-08
Popularity:
The Chivalrous Life
1967-05-30
The Chivalrous Life
Overview: Ryoma is a former military man who gets to know the leader of a yakuza group and begins to work with them, helping them defend themselves against other yakuza gangs.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-05-30
Popularity:
Sword for Hire
1952-05-22
Sword for Hire
Overview: Soldiers Hayate and Yaheiji secretly escape from their besieged castle. Hayate has left behind his lover, Kano. On his way, Hayate is wounded and cared for by O’Ryo, who falls in love with him. But when Hayate accidentally kills her caretaker, he flees, with O’Ryo in pursuit. Subsequently, Hayate's comrade Yaheiji falls in love with Oryo. Kano, the lover left behind by Hayate, believes him dead, and becomes involved with another soldier, Jurota. When Jurota defects to the opposing army, he takes Kano with him. A double set of love triangles has developed, wherein each man and each woman loves one and is loved by another. Finally only combat and self-sacrifice can untangle the weave.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-05-22
Popularity:
The Magoichi Saga
1969-09-13
The Magoichi Saga
Overview: Lord Oda Nobunaga gains control of nearly all of Japan and tries to enlist the aid of Magoichi and his 3.000 gunners.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-09-13
Popularity:
Snow in the South Seas
1961-09-29
Snow in the South Seas
Overview: Japanese soldiers stranded in Manokwari, New Guinea, improvise a theater play to keep their spirits up and endure the extremely difficult conditions.
Genres: Comedy Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-09-29
Popularity:
Blood and Diamonds
1964-07-01
Blood and Diamonds
Overview: A group of criminals whose diamond heist goes wrong retreat to a WWII era bunker where tensions begin to rise.
Genres: Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-07-01
Popularity:
Vanquished Foes
1964-01-09
Vanquished Foes
Overview: A skilled assassin's services are called upon to put an end to the ugly turf battle between two yakuza families, Mitsuwa and Aikawa. Forced by the code of the yakuza to put one's life on the line for a Boss who offered a meal and lodging, each side manages to get hold of powerful swordsmen who will stop at nothing to pay their obligations.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-01-09
Popularity:
The Bullet Train
1975-07-05
The Bullet Train
Overview: A Japanese bullet train is threatened with a bomb that will explode automatically if the train slows below 80 km/h, unless a ransom is paid. Police race to find the bombers so the train crew can learn how to defuse the bomb.
Genres: Action Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1975-07-05
Popularity:
The Bride from Hades
1968-06-15
The Bride from Hades
Overview: On the night of the summer Obon festival, Hagiwara Shinzaburo meets a beautiful courtesan named Otsuyu. Not knowing she's a ghost, he becomes infatuated by her.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-06-15
Popularity:
King of the Gang
1967-08-25
King of the Gang
Overview: The 11th and final film in the Gang series. Most of the films had different directors and cast, and were only connected by the title and Toei's marketing department. Unlike the early entries, which were jazzy capers, this final entry is a prototype jitsuroku yakuza film. Just back from the war, Noboru Ando leads a gang of war vets turned gangster in the US occupied streets of Tokyo. They get into a conflict with a Chinese gang as well as the military police. Tetsuro Tamba appears as a police chief trying to bring peace to the streets; 1st wave pinky violence star Masumi Tachibana is a girl grieving his dead gangster father.
Genres: Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-08-25
Popularity:
The Woman Champion
1968-07-01
The Woman Champion
Overview: Fifth film in the long-running series Daiei Studio's Woman Gambler with Kyoko Enami starring where she plays the woman gambler Ogin.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-07-01
Popularity:
Woman Gambler and the Nun
1968-10-30
Woman Gambler and the Nun
Overview: Eighth film in the long-running series Daiei Studio's Woman Gambler with Kyoko Enami starring where she plays the woman gambler Ogin.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-10-30
Popularity:
Those Who Make Tomorrow
1946-05-02
Those Who Make Tomorrow
Overview: Two sisters, one a dancer and the other a script supervisor at a big movie studio, become embroiled in union activities when a strike is called in sympathy with striking railroad workers, one of whom boards with the sisters and their parents. The girls' father argues with them about their strike but finds his views changing when he loses his job.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1946-05-02
Popularity:
Stop the Old Fox
1959-09-27
Stop the Old Fox
Overview: Historical and political detective. The main characters are drawn into court intrigues, and the investigation of corruption in the administration of the shogun Ienari Tokugawa comes to the fore in the plot. Based on the novel of the same name by Matsumoto Seicho.
Genres: Mystery History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-09-27
Popularity:
The Maizuru Showdown between The Yakuza Brothers
1974-06-01
The Maizuru Showdown between The Yakuza Brothers
Overview: With a Kansai syndicate vying for Tokyo, one man reunites with his roguish half-brother in the midst of negotiations, when all hell breaks loose.
Genres: Crime Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-06-01
Popularity:
Festival Across the Sea
1941-05-04
Festival Across the Sea
Overview: There is an inn named Asano Ya in the port town, and a beautiful woman works there. Every year, during a local festival, travelling artists and teachers gather from all over the country, including sesame oil sellers and organ grinders. The day before the festival, trouble arises with some horses.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1941-05-04
Popularity:
Industrial Spy
1968-05-21
Industrial Spy
Overview: Kogure, an industrial spy, is tasked by Sawada, head of the research department of the Nisshin Corporation, to learn the secrets of the design of a new engine invented by a rival company. Kogure manages to obtain the secrets, but Sawada's goal was not the secrets themselves, but to use them to obtain the position of president of the company. Angered by Sawada's dirty tricks, Kigure begins to take revenge... Spy action film directed by Eiichi Kudo and starring Tatsuo Umemiya as a lone industrial spy.
Genres: Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-05-21
Popularity:
Snake Princess: Oshima and Sentaro
1965-09-18
Snake Princess: Oshima and Sentaro
Overview: Young Sentaro struggles to avenge the murder of his younger sister Osuga and their father.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-09-18
Popularity:
Greatest Boss of the Showa Era
1966-05-30
Greatest Boss of the Showa Era
Overview: Somewhat unique as it appears to be one of the very rare appearances of master thespian Itô in a yakuza role.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-05-30
Popularity:
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Ikiru'
2002-10-25
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Ikiru'
Overview: Documentary made by Toho for the Masterworks reissue of all of its Kurosawa films. This one focuses on "Ikiru" (1952).
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2002-10-25
Popularity:
The Drifting Avenger
1968-06-14
The Drifting Avenger
Overview: Ken, son of a former samurai settles with his family in the west from Japan. Soon his family is killed in front of him by stagecoach robbers, making him aim to get revenge. Marvin an experienced gunman befriends Ken and becomes his mentor.
Genres: Drama Western
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-06-14
Popularity:
Love Never Fails
1955-04-01
Love Never Fails
Overview: Two youths - the serious son of a Buddhist abbot and his rakish pal - quarrel over a restaurant keeper's daughter. When one of the youths die the other boy and the girl find they cannot forget him.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-01
Popularity:
The Blue Pearl
1951-08-03
The Blue Pearl
Overview: The Blue Pearl depicts the interplay between a young man from Tokyo and two ama (pearl divers; literally “women of the sea”) in a superstitious coastal town. Though raised within the same tradition-bound crucible, the two women – Noe and Riu – are portrayed as diametric opposites; the former meek but affectionate, the latter strong-willed but jaded by a tryst with metropolitan life.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-08-03
Popularity:
Man of Thirteen Eyes
1958-01-15
Man of Thirteen Eyes
Overview: Japanese mystery film.
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-01-15
Popularity:
Structure of Hate
1961-11-12
Structure of Hate
Overview: Drama about two college friends, now working for the same banking firm, torn apart by jealousy over their inequitable positions and love lives.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-11-12
Popularity:
Untamed Woman
1957-05-28
Untamed Woman
Overview: A woman marries, gives birth to a stillborn child, and divorces, falls in love with a hotel-keeper, only to find herself subordinated to his drive for success, takes up with a tailor who cannot console himself with her strong personality.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-05-28
Popularity:
The Sword Knows
1958-09-03
The Sword Knows
Overview: In the midst of the warring age, a young samurai Kyonosuke defies his former lord Hojo Ujikatsu in order to avenge his parents’ deaths.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-09-03
Popularity:
A Circus Girl
1966-02-25
A Circus Girl
Overview: Japanese drama film.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-02-25
Popularity:
The Skin of the South
1952-02-28
The Skin of the South
Overview: When a group of young geologists declares a mountainside marked for residential development unstable, they are met with scorn on two fronts. On one end, they must contend with the local villagers who balk at the prospect of relocation; on the other, they face the ambitions of the headstrong lumber baron, whose actions will only further destabilize the land. Their pleas for reason ignored, the scientists can do little but observe as nature runs its inevitable course.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-02-28
Popularity:
The Happy Family
1959-01-28
The Happy Family
Overview: Japanese family drama.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-28
Popularity:
The Image of Mother
1963-12-24
The Image of Mother
Overview: A resolute young man searching for his mother, whom he was separated from as a child, defies a family who mistreat the poor and homeless.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-12-24
Popularity:
House of Gamblers
1970-03-29
House of Gamblers
Overview: Ken Takakura stars as Ryoji one of the Aramasa family's loyal lieutenants whao takes the burden of his family being insulted by the Tanuma's family goons, by retaliating on his own. After injuring the head of Tanuma's family, and slaying others along the way, he then surrenders to the law and serves time. Before his last year to serve, the head of the Aramasa family falls ill and decides to retire, Ryoji miss chance to be successor, his old friend is reluctant but accepts. Now this gives the Tanuma family a chance for revenge! But with Tomisaburo Wakayama (Sekine) always having your back, how can you go wrong?
Genres: Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-03-29
Popularity:
Challenge to Live
1961-06-17
Challenge to Live
Overview: An employee at an oil cartel (Mihashi) is haunted by an act years before when he euthanized a fellow soldier when the two were adrift at sea during the Pacific War. Matters are complicated further when he falls in love with the soldier's younger sister (Tsukasa).
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-06-17
Popularity:
A Yakuza Has His Way
1972-07-03
A Yakuza Has His Way
Overview: The eighth installment in the popular film series starring Tomisaburo Wakayama. Embarrassed by the chairman of the Seiyu-kai for not having a family crest, Seikichi Shimamura sets out with his henchmen on a journey to acquire the crest of a local bankrupt family. The local Iwahashi clan and the fishermen fought over the construction of the industrial complex, but when Seikichi learned that the Seiyu-kai was behind the Iwahashi clan, he sided with the fishermen...
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1972-07-03
Popularity:
Japan's Violent Gangs: The Boss and the Killers
1969-11-20
Japan's Violent Gangs: The Boss and the Killers
Overview: An honorable yakuza syndicate deeply rooted in Kyoto fights for survival when a new breed of gangsters threaten their very existence.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-11-20
Popularity:
Blood Spilled at Takadanobaba
1937-12-31
Blood Spilled at Takadanobaba
Overview: The tale of Nakayama Yasubei’s duel is famous, even if he in reality probably did not cut down 18 opponents. The story has been related in film, rakugo, kodan and on stage many times, in part because Nakayama later joined the famous 47 Ronin (Chushingura) as Horibe Yasubei. But Makino and Inagaki’s version gives no hint of this more serious future, playing up the thrills and the comedy with Bando’s bravura performance. The multiple pans of Yasubei running to the duel are an exemplar of the experimental flourishes of 1930s Japanese cinema and the final duel, performed virtually like a dance number, is a marker of Makino’s love of rhythm and one of the best sword fights in Japanese film history. The film was originally released under the title Chikemuri Takadanoba (Bloody Takadanobaba) with a length of 57 minutes, but suffered some cuts and a title change when it was re-released in 1952.
Genres: Action Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-12-31
Popularity:
Red Peony of Night
1950-12-08
Red Peony of Night
Overview: A romantic melodrama about the shifting relationship between Ryosuke and Miki as their precarious employment and social circumstances shift around them.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-12-08
Popularity:
To Love and Forgive
1955-11-08
To Love and Forgive
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-11-08
Popularity:
The Den of Beasts
1951-06-08
The Den of Beasts
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-06-08
Popularity:
Gigantis, the Fire Monster
1959-05-21
Gigantis, the Fire Monster
Overview: A prehistoric monster called Gigantis emerges alongside another creature named Angurus.
Genres: Action Horror Science Fiction Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-05-21
Popularity:
Samurai Banners
1969-03-01
Samurai Banners
Overview: Kansuke Yamamoto is a samurai who dreams of a country united, peaceful from sea to sea. He enters the service of Takeda, the lord of Kai domain. He convinces Takeda to kill the lord of neighboring Suwa and take his wife as a concubine. He then convinces the widow, Princess Yu, to accept this arrangement and to bear Takeda a son. He pledges them his life. He then spends years using treachery, poetic sensibility, military and political strategy to expand Takeda's realm, advance the claim of Yu's son as the heir, and prepare for an ultimate battle with the forces of Echigo. Has Kansuke overreached? Are his dreams, blinded by love, too big?
Genres: Action War History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-03-01
Popularity:
Chushingura
1938-03-31
Chushingura
Overview: The vassals of the Asano clan, who surrendered the castle & became wanderers, deceive the enemy and the public, wait for an opportunity to avenge their master and his family.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-03-31
Popularity:
Young Tree
1956-01-22
Young Tree
Overview: A young girl moves to Tokyo and endures the rivalries between other high school girls of varying cultural and economic backgrounds.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-22
Popularity:
The Bitch
1951-08-10
The Bitch
Overview: The fall of an accountant enthralled by the sexual charms of a cabaret dancer.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-08-10
Popularity:
Princess Sen in Edo
1960-01-14
Princess Sen in Edo
Overview: A gorgeous tragic love picture scroll depicting a beautiful woman who weeps over her strange fate and falters in her search for true love!
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-14
Popularity:
Hadashi no seishun
1975-04-12
Hadashi no seishun
Overview: Youth movie.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1975-04-12
Popularity:
The Masterless 47 – Part II
1961-02-25
The Masterless 47 – Part II
Overview:
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-02-25
Popularity:
The Man Who Came to Port
1952-11-27
The Man Who Came to Port
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-11-27
Popularity:
Good Luck to These Two
1957-02-19
Good Luck to These Two
Overview: A young man and woman are determined to marry despite opposition from her parents.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-02-19
Popularity:
The Story of Iron Arm Inao
1959-03-21
The Story of Iron Arm Inao
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-03-21
Popularity:
I Saw the Killer
1956-01-29
I Saw the Killer
Overview:
Genres: Crime Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-29
Popularity:
An Ocean to Cross
1980-01-26
An Ocean to Cross
Overview: Set in Japan's Tenpyou era (729-749 CE), four young monks are sent to China to study Buddhism and bring a high priest back to Japan with them. The film tells the tale of the four monks' youth and the life and times of the high priest Ganjin.
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1980-01-26
Popularity:
Virtue in Spades
1956-05-03
Virtue in Spades
Overview: Adaptation of the novel by Kan Shimozawa.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-05-03
Popularity:
Prophecies of Nostradamus
1974-08-03
Prophecies of Nostradamus
Overview: Professor Nishiyama, after studying and interpreting the prophecies of Nostradamus, realizes that the end of the world is at hand. Unfortunately, nobody listens to him until it is too late. As the effects of mankind's tampering of the earth - radioactive smog clouds, hideously mutated animals, destruction of the ozone layer - rage out of control, the world leaders hurtle blindly toward the final confrontation. The film sparked controversy in Japan and was subsequently pulled out of circulation, with no official video release of the uncut film.
Genres: Drama Action Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-08-03
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Seven Samurai
1954-04-26
Seven Samurai
Overview: A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-04-26
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Ishimatsu of the Forest
1949-06-04
Ishimatsu of the Forest
Overview: The tale of a feudal swordsman who cynically takes no responsibility for anything, relegating it to others, and then taking the credit.
Genres: History Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-06-04
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Devil's Gold
1950-02-19
Devil's Gold
Overview: 1950 film directed by Senkichi Taniguchi
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-02-19
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Actress
1947-12-29
Actress
Overview: Sumako, a country girl, becomes a great actress with the help of Hogetsu,a scholar who brought some of European realism to the Japan's stage. The relationship leads to the end of his marriage and the breakup of his Arts Society. This is another version of Kenji Mizoguchi's film "The Love of Sumako the Actress" ("Joyû Sumako no koi"), from the same year. Both tells the story of the famous actress Sumako Mitsui (1886-1919), considered the first great modern theater actress in Japan. Mizoguchi himself is said to have preferred Kinugasa's version.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1947-12-29
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Scoundrel
1956-05-10
Scoundrel
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-05-10
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Chikagai nijuyojikan
1947-04-29
Chikagai nijuyojikan
Overview: 1947 Toho film directed by Tadashi Imai
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1947-04-29
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Lady From Hell
1949-03-15
Lady From Hell
Overview: Three and a half years after Japan was bombed, the tax authorities organized the T-Men. Nango is in love with a girl called Mibu, and the two are against the T-Men organization. Mibu whats to kill all of the T-Men one-by-one.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-03-15
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Eleven High School Girls
1946-08-21
Eleven High School Girls
Overview: With his simple appearance, eyes shining with love and a sense of justice, and voice burning with youthful passion, the eleven students felt unexpectedly in each other's hearts that "this teacher will surely be our confidant," and looked at each other and nodded their heads. This was the beginning of their collective affection for the new Ms. Shiono. The school for girls is a sacred place where the hearts of hundreds of innocent girls should ferment beautifully and freely for the day when they will become wives and mothers to come. How can we abandon them in such a state? Even after the nightmarish war was over, the nightmare remained at Shuei Girls' School.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1946-08-21
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Theater of Life
1958-11-23
Theater of Life
Overview: 1958 Theater of Life adaptation.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-11-23
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君死に給うことなかれ
1954-10-20
君死に給うことなかれ
Overview: Set at the end of World War II and after Japan's defeat, it is a melodrama about a man and a woman at the mercy of war. Wataru is entrusted by his best friend who has gone off to war with his sister Reiko to marry her, but he is not ready to abandon his love for Kumiko, a nurse at his mother's hospital.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-10-20
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No Response from Car 33
1955-05-31
No Response from Car 33
Overview: Film directed by Senkichi Taniguchi
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-05-31
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Ticket to Hell
1955-09-28
Ticket to Hell
Overview:
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-09-28
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A Second Life
1948-02-03
A Second Life
Overview: 1948 Japanese drama film.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1948-02-03
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Restoration Fire
1961-10-14
Restoration Fire
Overview: Megastar Kataoka Chiezo is Vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo of the Shinsengumi in this realistic tale of Japan’s inner battles that led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. Excellent performances and extremely good swordplay highlight this glimpse into the heart and soul of Japanese history. Although known as “Razor Blade” Hijikata, the vice-commander is a man of deep conviction with a little-known sense of humanity. Starting after the famed Ikedaya Incident, in which they saved Kyoto from Choshu’s plot to burn the city to ashes, they work hard to change the public’s view of them as merciless killers to their true mission of protecting the shogun. This is an extraordinary tale of blood and guts! From the pen of award winning author Shotaro Ikenami (Bandit Vs. Samurai, Hunter in the Dark, Misumi's The Last Samurai)
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-10-14
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Code of Ruffians
1965-12-04
Code of Ruffians
Overview: Because of trickery, the Jinya Group has only seven days to complete a mountain road project or it will forfeit a major dam construction job to the scheming Ojika Group.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-12-04
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Otome no iru kichi
1945-04-01
Otome no iru kichi
Overview: Japanese war movie.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-04-01
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Sagohei the Three-footer
1944-07-06
Sagohei the Three-footer
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-07-06
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Lion Festival of Echigo
1962-09-30
Lion Festival of Echigo
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-09-30
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The Tattooed Hitman
1974-04-27
The Tattooed Hitman
Overview: The most dangerous hired gun in Kyushu's underworld has managed to trigger a vicious gang war, and now, there's a contract on his life. Though nobody is more skilled in the arts of dealing death, can the tattooed hitman fend off the entire Japanese mafia as he searches for the man who wants him dead?
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-04-27
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Crazy Uproar
1950-07-23
Crazy Uproar
Overview: Also known as Crazy Uproar.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-07-23
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The Black Hooded Man 5
1958-08-20
The Black Hooded Man 5
Overview:
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-08-20
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Elegy
1951-02-22
Elegy
Overview: Wataru Naohiko who has the prosecutor general as his father became a young composer and its symphony "saint" invoked the world echoed. But his disciple Uchiyama and his best friend prosecutor Daisuke Toki accused his music as a sesame of pause-only technique, not a truly heart-hungry art.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-02-22
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Lord for a Night
1946-07-11
Lord for a Night
Overview: Lord for a Night is a 1946 Japanese film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1946-07-11
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Mother and Child Grass
1942-06-04
Mother and Child Grass
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1942-06-04
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Last Days of Edo
1941-11-28
Last Days of Edo
Overview: It is a historical drama that follows Katsu Kaishu's efforts to surrender Edo Castle bloodlessly in the first year of the Meiji period.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1941-11-28
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An Enemy of the People
1946-04-25
An Enemy of the People
Overview: Tadashi Imai 1946 movie
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1946-04-25
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Devoted Servant Naosuke
1939-12-07
Devoted Servant Naosuke
Overview: Naosuke, a servant of Okajima Yasoemon, devoted himself to his master. One day, his master Okajima Yasoemon, lost his face in front of people. It was a revenge by Oono, a karo (minister) who lost his chance to earn money by selling a fake antique to the lord. Okajima told the lord it was fake. Okajima endured Oono's humiliation. But, his servant Naosuke, could not. But what could he do? Oono is superior of his master. Naosuke would not hesitate to lay down his life for his master. But killing Oono would ruin his master. He wanted to clear his master's disgrace. What to do?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-12-07
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Chuji for Sale
1935-02-28
Chuji for Sale
Overview:
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1935-02-28
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Goblin Courier
1949-01-04
Goblin Courier
Overview: Jida-geki by Santaro Marune.
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-01-04
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A Woman's Life
1949-01-25
A Woman's Life
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-01-25
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Fearless Opposition
1958-05-07
Fearless Opposition
Overview: This action film depicts the conflict between two brothers, one a detective and the other a yakuza.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-05-07
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Oniisan to oneesan
1961-12-08
Oniisan to oneesan
Overview: A 1961 film directed by Yoshiyuki Kuroda.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-12-08
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Mother
1958-03-05
Mother
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-03-05
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Miyamoto musashi Ichijōji kettō
1942-03-25
Miyamoto musashi Ichijōji kettō
Overview: 1942 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1942-03-25
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The Earth is Born Again
1971-02-26
The Earth is Born Again
Overview: A dramatic film that recorded the history of Japan in the period of high economic growth. This work deals with Kashima Rinkai industrial zone development. The men who dream of making the overlooking wasteland as a big industrial area draw the courage to realize the ideal purely with the fishy desire swirling back to the coastal industrial area of Kashima Nada in Ibaraki prefecture.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1971-02-26
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晴小袖
1961-01-09
晴小袖
Overview: 1961 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-09
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The Last Days of Planet Earth
1981-04-18
The Last Days of Planet Earth
Overview: In 1853, Gentetsu Nishiyama tells his students that the French prophet Nostaradamus foretells great change for Japan, some of his students revolt, calling his words heresy and his wife flees with a book of Nostradamus’s predictions… In the present day, Dr. Nishiyama has to combat increasingly bizarre goings on which seem all to familiar to the prophet's predictions…
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-04-18
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