Kaoyaku (1971)
A gritty Japanese crime drama in which a determined detective takes on the shadowy world of banking corruption, directed by and starring the legendary Shintarō Katsu.
Kaoyaku - Movie Information
- Original Title: 顔役
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Shintarō Katsu
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 12, 1971 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: The Big Boss (US), Kaoyaku (JP)
- Production Companies: Katsu Production
- Production Countries: Japan
Kaoyaku - Plot
A detective is charged with investigating a bank corruption scandal.
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Kaoyaku - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shintarō Katsu
Main Cast
- Shintarō Katsu
- Tsutomu Yamazaki
- Kiwako Taichi
- Tomisaburō Wakayama
- Takuya Fujioka
- Junzaburō Ban
- Isao Yamagata
- Gin Maeda
- Hideji Ōtaki
- Junkichi Orimoto
Writers
- Ryuzo Kikushima
- Shintarō Katsu
Kaoyaku - FAQs
Where can you watch Kaoyaku online?
Kaoyaku is a relatively rare 1971 Japanese film, and mainstream streaming availability is limited. Your best option is to check JustWatch for the most current regional streaming and rental options, as availability can change. Physical media or specialty platforms focusing on Japanese cinema may also carry it.
Who directed and starred in Kaoyaku?
Kaoyaku was both directed by and stars Shintarō Katsu, the celebrated Japanese actor best known for his iconic role as Zatoichi. The film represents one of his notable forays into directing, allowing him to shape the story of detective Ryota Tachibana from behind and in front of the camera.
What is Kaoyaku about?
Kaoyaku follows a tenacious detective named Ryota Tachibana who is assigned to investigate a murky bank corruption scandal. As he digs deeper, he uncovers layers of deceit, power, and crime within the financial establishment, navigating a world where institutional authority and criminal enterprise dangerously overlap.
Who are the main actors in Kaoyaku?
The principal cast includes Shintarō Katsu as detective Ryota Tachibana, Tsutomu Yamazaki as Toshio Sugiura, Kiwako Taichi as Mayumi Takigawa, and Tomisaburō Wakayama as Hoshino. The supporting ensemble also features Takuya Fujioka, Junzaburō Ban, Isao Yamagata, Gin Maeda, Hideji Ōtaki, and Junkichi Orimoto.
When was Kaoyaku released?
Kaoyaku was released in Japan on August 12, 1971. The film was produced by Katsu Production, the independent production company founded by Shintarō Katsu, giving him significant creative control over the project. It was also released in the United States under the alternative title The Big Boss.
Is Kaoyaku based on a true story?
Kaoyaku does not appear to be directly based on a specific true story. The screenplay was written by Ryuzo Kikushima and Shintarō Katsu, crafting an original crime narrative centered on financial corruption. However, its themes of institutional graft and systemic dishonesty resonated strongly with the social anxieties of early 1970s Japan.
How long is the film Kaoyaku?
Kaoyaku has a runtime of 98 minutes, making it a tightly paced crime drama. Directed by Shintarō Katsu, the film uses its running time efficiently to build tension around the bank corruption investigation without overstaying its welcome, keeping the narrative focused and propulsive throughout.
What language is Kaoyaku filmed in?
Kaoyaku is filmed entirely in Japanese. It is a Japanese production made by Katsu Production and set within Japan, featuring an all-Japanese cast. Viewers watching outside Japan will typically require subtitles, and the film is considered a notable entry in the Japanese crime and detective cinema of the early 1970s.
More About Kaoyaku
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