Cast
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Koji Tsuruta
as Shinjirô Nakai
Sumiko Fuji
as Hiroe
Hiroko Sakuramachi
as Tsuyako
Hiroshi Nawa
as Kôhei Ishido
Harumi Sone
as Iwakichi Mizutani
Takamaru Sasaki
as Gisuke Kawashima
Shinichirō Mikami
as Otokichi Kobayashi
Tomisaburō Wakayama
as Tetsuo Matsuda
Nobuo Kaneko
as Tasaburô Senba
Meichō Soganoya
as Uichirô Nishio
Yōichi Numata
as Susumu Noguchi
Kinji Nakamura
as Yūsaku Aoki
Michimaro Otabe
as Tsuneji Kitagawa
Kensaku Hara
as Tomojirô Goi
Keishiro Kojima
as Konishi
Crew
Director
- Kōsaku Yamashita
Producer
- Keiichi Hashimoto
- Kōji Shundō
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Big Time Gambling Boss examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kōsaku Yamashita brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1968, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Big Time Gambling Boss took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1974 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Big Time Gambling Boss shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Troublemakers, which focuses more on action than character development, Big Time Gambling Boss subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Pocketful of Miracles explore similar territory, Big Time Gambling Boss stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 14, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
