Young Boss: Prison Release (1965)
A classic Japanese crime drama following yakuza boss Takeshi Nanjo, brought to life by the legendary Raizō Ichikawa.
Young Boss: Prison Release - Movie Information
- Original Title: 若親分出獄
- Release Year: 1965
- Directed by: Kazuo Ikehiro
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 14, 1965 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Return of the Young Boss (US), Waka oyabun shutsugoku (JP)
- Production Companies: Daiei Film
- Production Countries: Japan
Young Boss: Prison Release - Plot
The further adventures of Takeshi Nanjo, the Young Boss.
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Young Boss: Prison Release - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kazuo Ikehiro
Main Cast
- Raizō Ichikawa
- Yukiji Asaoka
- Mikiko Tsubouchi
- Goichi Yamada
- Akihisa Toda
- Kōichi Mizuhara
- Jōtarō Senba
- Takashi Kanda
- Asao Uchida
- Tatsuya Ishiguro
Writers
- Shozaburo Asai
Young Boss: Prison Release - FAQs
What is Young Boss: Prison Release about?
Young Boss: Prison Release follows Takeshi Nanjo, a yakuza boss freshly out of prison, as he navigates the treacherous world of Japanese organized crime. Directed by Kazuo Ikehiro and starring Raizō Ichikawa, it's a stylish 1965 crime drama from Daiei Film steeped in loyalty, rivalry, and street-level tension.
Is Young Boss: Prison Release a sequel?
Yes, Young Boss: Prison Release is part of a series of films featuring the character Takeshi Nanjo, the Young Boss. It continues the adventures established in earlier entries, with Raizō Ichikawa reprising his role as the charismatic yakuza protagonist across the Daiei Film franchise.
Who plays Takeshi Nanjo in this film?
Raizō Ichikawa plays Takeshi Nanjo, the Young Boss. Ichikawa was one of Japan's most celebrated actors of the 1960s, known for his magnetic screen presence and prolific work in samurai and crime films at Daiei. His performance is central to the film's appeal.
Who directed Young Boss: Prison Release?
Kazuo Ikehiro directed the film. A prolific filmmaker at Daiei during the 1960s, Ikehiro is best known for his work on the Zatoichi series. He brought a sharp, atmospheric style to crime and period dramas, and his collaboration with Raizō Ichikawa produced some of the era's most compelling genre films.
What are similar films to Young Boss: Prison Release?
If you enjoy Young Boss: Prison Release, you might also like Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima (1973), Fudoh: The New Generation (1996), Graveyard of Honor (2002), House of Bamboo (1955), and Vengeance Is Mine (1979) — all compelling entries in the crime and yakuza genre.
When was Young Boss: Prison Release released?
Young Boss: Prison Release hit Japanese theaters on August 14, 1965. It was produced by Daiei Film, one of Japan's major studios of the era, and is also known internationally as Return of the Young Boss. The film is part of a series released throughout the mid-1960s.
How long is Young Boss: Prison Release?
Young Boss: Prison Release runs for 87 minutes — a tight, well-paced runtime that keeps the story moving without overstaying its welcome. It's a lean crime drama that delivers its yakuza action and character drama efficiently, making it an easy watch for fans of classic Japanese genre cinema.
Is Young Boss: Prison Release worth watching for yakuza fans?
Absolutely. For fans of classic Japanese crime cinema, Young Boss: Prison Release offers an authentic slice of 1960s yakuza storytelling. Raizō Ichikawa's charismatic lead performance, Kazuo Ikehiro's assured direction, and the Daiei Film production values make it a rewarding entry in the genre's golden age.
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