A Taxing Woman's Return (1988)
Jūzō Itami's razor-sharp sequel sends Japan's most tenacious tax inspector after a fraudulent religious cult in this acclaimed satirical thriller.
A Taxing Woman's Return - Movie Information
- Original Title: マルサの女2
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Jūzō Itami
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 15, 1988 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: A Taxing Woman 2 (US), Marusa no Onna 2 (JP)
- Production Companies: Itami Productions
- Production Countries: Japan
A Taxing Woman's Return - Plot
Ryōko Itakura returns as the tough-as-nails government taxing agent. This time she must figure out a way to expose a fanatical religious cult lead by a corrupt sociopath.
A Taxing Woman's Return - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Ryōko Itakura take on her most audacious adversary yet:
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A Taxing Woman's Return - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jūzō Itami
Main Cast
- Rentaro Mikuni
- Nobuko Miyamoto
- Toru Masuoka
- Masahiko Tsugawa
- Tetsuro Tamba
- Yasuo Daichi
- Kinzō Sakura
- Yoriko Doguchi
- Mach Fumiake
- Yoshihiro Katō
Writers
- Jūzō Itami
Producers
- Seigo Hosogoe
- Yasushi Tamaoki
A Taxing Woman's Return - FAQs
What is A Taxing Woman's Return about?
A Taxing Woman's Return follows Ryōko Itakura, a dogged government tax inspector, as she sets her sights on a fraudulent religious cult run by a ruthless and manipulative leader. The film blends sharp social satire with thriller tension, skewering both organized religion and financial corruption in contemporary Japan.
Is A Taxing Woman's Return a sequel?
Yes, A Taxing Woman's Return is the direct sequel to Jūzō Itami's 1987 hit A Taxing Woman. Both films star Nobuko Miyamoto as tax investigator Ryōko Itakura. While the first film targeted real estate tax fraud, this sequel broadens its scope to expose a corrupt religious organization.
Who are the main actors in A Taxing Woman's Return?
The film stars Nobuko Miyamoto as determined tax agent Ryōko Itakura and Rentaro Mikuni as the menacing cult leader Teppei Onisawa. The supporting cast includes Toru Masuoka, Masahiko Tsugawa, Tetsuro Tamba, Yoriko Doguchi, Mach Fumiake, and Yoshihiro Katō.
Does A Taxing Woman's Return satirize religion?
Absolutely. Itami uses the corrupt cult at the film's center as a vehicle for biting social commentary on how religious organizations in Japan exploited tax-exempt status for financial gain. The film was notably prescient, arriving years before real-world scandals involving Japanese religious groups drew national attention.
Where can I stream A Taxing Woman's Return?
A Taxing Woman's Return is available to stream on the Criterion Channel, which offers a curated library of classic and world cinema. Check the Criterion Channel's current catalog for availability in your region.
Who directed A Taxing Woman's Return?
A Taxing Woman's Return was written and directed by Jūzō Itami, one of Japan's most distinctive filmmakers of the 1980s and 1990s. Itami was celebrated for his satirical comedies that examined everyday Japanese life, including the acclaimed Tampopo (1985) and the original A Taxing Woman (1987).
How long is A Taxing Woman's Return?
A Taxing Woman's Return has a runtime of 127 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. The film's generous length allows Itami to develop both the procedural investigation and the satirical portrait of the cult with considerable depth and detail.
What are similar films to A Taxing Woman's Return?
Fans of A Taxing Woman's Return will likely enjoy the original A Taxing Woman (1987), also directed by Jūzō Itami and featuring the same lead character. Other thematically related picks include sharp Japanese social satires and procedural crime comedies that blend wit with institutional critique.
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