Professional Killer (1932)
A 1932 Japanese period film directed by Mansaku Itami and starring jidaigeki icon Chiezo Kataoka, produced by Kataoka Chiezo Productions.
Professional Killer - Movie Information
- Original Title: 闇討渡世
- Release Year: 1932
- Directed by: Mansaku Itami
- Type: Movie
- Original Language: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 3, 1932 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Yamiuchi tosei (JP)
- Production Companies: Kataoka Chiezo Productions
- Production Countries: Japan
Professional Killer - Plot
Directed by Mansaku Itami.
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Professional Killer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mansaku Itami
Main Cast
- Chiezo Kataoka
- Shinpachirō Asaka
- Kobunji Ichikawa
- Minoru Takase
- Tominosuke Hayama
- Kōichi Katsuragi
- Michisaburō Segawa
- Shuichiro Atsumi
- Mitsuo Kobayashi
- Waichi Narimatsu
Professional Killer - FAQs
What is Professional Killer about?
Professional Killer is a 1932 Japanese film helmed by Mansaku Itami, one of the great pioneers of Japanese cinema. Featuring the beloved jidaigeki star Chiezo Kataoka, the film fits within the rich tradition of pre-war Japanese period drama, blending action and character-driven storytelling in the style Itami made his own.
Who directed Professional Killer?
Mansaku Itami directed the film. A towering figure in 1930s Japanese cinema, Itami was celebrated for bringing wit, warmth, and sharp social commentary to the jidaigeki genre. His collaborations with Chiezo Kataoka produced some of the most admired period films of pre-war Japan.
Who stars in Professional Killer?
The film stars Chiezo Kataoka, one of the defining jidaigeki actors of his generation, alongside Shinpachirō Asaka, Kobunji Ichikawa, Minoru Takase, and Tominosuke Hayama. Kataoka's star power was so significant that his own production company, Kataoka Chiezo Productions, backed the film.
When was Professional Killer released?
Professional Killer hit Japanese screens on June 3, 1932. It arrived during a pivotal moment in Japanese film history, when the industry was navigating the gradual shift from silent pictures to sound — making it a compelling artifact of early 20th-century Japanese cinema.
Is Professional Killer a silent film?
Given its 1932 production date, Professional Killer was almost certainly made as a silent or early sound film. Japan's transition to talkies lagged slightly behind Hollywood, and many Japanese studios — including smaller independent outfits — were still producing silent features well into the early 1930s.
What is the original Japanese title of this film?
The original Japanese title is 闇討渡世, romanized as Yamiuchi tosei. The English title Professional Killer serves as the internationally recognized alternative. Both titles appear in film archives and scholarly databases dedicated to pre-war Japanese cinema.
Who produced Professional Killer?
Kataoka Chiezo Productions handled the film's production — the company founded by and named after its lead star Chiezo Kataoka. This kind of star-owned production setup was common in pre-war Japan, giving major performers direct creative and financial control over their projects.
Where can I find more information about Professional Killer?
IMDb and TMDb both carry records for this 1932 Japanese film, including cast details and production notes. These are your best starting points for digging deeper into the film's history and its place within Mansaku Itami's broader filmography and the golden age of Japanese period cinema.
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