20th Century Boys 3: Redemption (2009)
The epic manga-based trilogy reaches its thunderous conclusion as the truth behind Friend is finally, irrevocably revealed.
20th Century Boys 3: Redemption - Movie Information
- Original Title: 20世紀少年 －最終章－ ぼくらの旗
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Yukihiko Tsutsumi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 2h 36m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 19, 2009 (Japan), August 20, 2009 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: 20世纪少年3 (CN), 20th Century Boys - Chapter 3: Our Flag (DE), 20th Century Boys 3, la nostra bandera (ES), 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption (IT), 20世紀少年 －最終章－ 我們的旗幟 (MO), 20th Century Boys - Chapter 3 - Our Flag (UK), 20th Century Boys 3 (US), 20世紀少年 －最終章－ 我們的旗幟 (HK)
- Production Companies: Nippon Television Network Corporation, Toho Eizo Bijutsu, Shogakukan, TOHO, VAP, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, dentsu, Cine Bazar, Office Crescendo, d-rights
- Production Countries: Japan
20th Century Boys 3: Redemption - Plot
The final showdown, and the final reveal. Who is Friend? How can he be stopped?
20th Century Boys 3: Redemption - Trailer
See the climactic finale unfold in the official trailer:
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20th Century Boys 3: Redemption - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Main Cast
- Toshiaki Karasawa
- Etsushi Toyokawa
- Airi Taira
- Takako Tokiwa
- Teruyuki Kagawa
- Naoto Takenaka
- Ryunosuke Kamiki
- Renji Ishibashi
- Arata Iura
- Koichi Yamadera
Writers
- Yasushi Fukuda
Producers
- Futoshi Ohira
- Nobuyuki Iinuma
- Ryûji Ichiyama
- Morio Amagi
20th Century Boys 3: Redemption - FAQs
Who is Friend in 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption?
The identity of Friend is the central mystery of the entire trilogy, finally resolved in this third film. Without spoiling it, the reveal ties directly back to Kenji's childhood circle of friends and the "Book of Prophecy" they wrote as kids — making the answer both shocking and deeply personal.
What is 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption about?
The film wraps up the epic trilogy adapted from Naoki Urasawa's acclaimed manga. It follows Kanna Endo and the surviving resistance as they race to stop Friend's apocalyptic plan once and for all. Themes of memory, friendship, and the power of music run throughout this emotionally charged finale.
Is 20th Century Boys 3 a direct sequel to the previous films?
Yes, absolutely. Redemption is the third and final chapter of a continuous story — you really need to watch 20th Century Boys: Beginning of the End (2008) and 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope (2009) first. Jumping in here without the earlier films would leave you completely lost.
Where can you watch 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption?
Streaming availability for 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption varies by region. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your country, so you always get the most up-to-date information.
Who are the main actors in 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption?
The cast is led by Toshiaki Karasawa as Kenji Endo and Etsushi Toyokawa as Otcho, with Airi Taira taking center stage as Kanna Endo. Teruyuki Kagawa, Takako Tokiwa, Naoto Takenaka, and a young Ryunosuke Kamiki round out the ensemble in this star-studded Japanese production.
Is 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption based on a manga?
Yes — the entire trilogy adapts Naoki Urasawa's celebrated manga series 20th Century Boys, published by Shogakukan between 1999 and 2006. Urasawa is widely regarded as one of manga's greatest storytellers, and the series won multiple awards including the prestigious Kodansha Manga Award.
How long is 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption?
The film runs 2 hours and 36 minutes — a substantial runtime that reflects the sheer amount of story threads it needs to resolve. Given the scale of the trilogy's mysteries and its large cast of characters, most fans feel the length is well justified for a proper send-off.
Did 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption receive positive reviews?
Critical reception was generally positive among fans of the manga and the earlier films, with praise for the ambitious scope and the emotional payoff of the Friend reveal. Some reviewers noted that the trilogy works best viewed as a single epic story rather than three standalone entries.
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