P. P. Rider (1983)
A wild, irreverent Japanese coming-of-age adventure pitting three determined teenagers against bumbling yakuza and indifferent cops.
P. P. Rider - Movie Information
- Original Title: ションベン・ライダー
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: Shinji Sōmai
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 11, 1983 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: PP Rider (US), Shonben raidā (JP)
- Production Companies: Kitty Films, TOHO
- Production Countries: Japan
P. P. Rider - Plot
Three high-school students tangle with indulgent yakuza and lackadaisical police as they set out in search of the class bully, who has been kidnapped.
P. P. Rider - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold:
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P. P. Rider - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shinji Sōmai
Main Cast
- Tatsuya Fuji
- Michiko Kawai
- Masatoshi Nagase
- Shinobu Sakagami
- Hideko Hara
- Masatô Ibu
- Hiroaki Murakami
- Casey Takamine
- Minori Terada
- Ichirō Zaitsu
Writers
- Takuya Nishioka
- Chieko Schrader
- Leonard Schrader
P. P. Rider - FAQs
What is P. P. Rider about?
P. P. Rider follows three Japanese high-school students who embark on a chaotic rescue mission after their class bully is kidnapped. Their journey pulls them into encounters with bumbling yakuza gangsters and indifferent police, blending coming-of-age comedy with crime-thriller energy in early 1980s Japan.
Who directed P. P. Rider?
P. P. Rider was directed by Shinji Sōmai, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker known for his naturalistic approach to youth and adolescence. The film is considered one of his defining early works, showcasing his ability to blend comedic energy with genuine emotional depth.
Is P. P. Rider based on a true story?
No, P. P. Rider is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional work scripted by Takuya Nishioka, Chieko Schrader, and Leonard Schrader. The story draws on universal coming-of-age themes and the colorful world of 1980s Japanese youth culture rather than any specific real-life events.
Who are the main actors in P. P. Rider?
The film stars Tatsuya Fuji as Gonbei, Michiko Kawai as Bruce, and Masatoshi Nagase as Jojo — three teenagers at the center of the story. The supporting cast includes Shinobu Sakagami, Hideko Hara, Masatô Ibu, Hiroaki Murakami, Casey Takamine, Minori Terada, and Ichirō Zaitsu.
Where can you watch P. P. Rider online?
Streaming availability for P. P. Rider varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your country.
When was P. P. Rider released?
P. P. Rider was released in Japan on February 11, 1983. The film is also known internationally under the alternative titles PP Rider (US) and Shonben raidā (JP), reflecting its distribution across different markets in the years following its original theatrical debut.
How long is P. P. Rider?
P. P. Rider has a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes (118 minutes). The film's generous length allows Shinji Sōmai to develop his young characters at a leisurely, observational pace, giving the comedic and dramatic moments room to breathe across the full story.
What genre is P. P. Rider?
P. P. Rider blends Crime, Comedy, and Drama. It operates as a coming-of-age road adventure with yakuza-tinged crime elements and a strong comedic undercurrent. Shinji Sōmai balances absurdist humor with genuine emotional stakes, making it a distinctive hybrid of genres within Japanese cinema of the early 1980s.
More About P. P. Rider
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