Cast
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Bunta Sugawara
as Isamu Okita
Noboru Andō
as Boss Yato
Asao Koike
as Kizaki
Hideo Murota
as Miyahara
Kyōsuke Machida
as Takeo Gunji
Mayumi Nagisa
as Kimiyo
Noboru Mitani
as Taniguchi
Nobuo Yana
as Karasawa
Asao Uchida
as Eisaku Owada
Takeo Chii
as Yasuo
Nenji Kobayashi
as Tetsuo
Mayumi Fujisato
as Katsuko
Sayoko Tanimoto
as Okita's Mother
Toshiyuki Tsuchiyama
as Kazama
Keijirō Morozumi
as Takigawa
Crew
Director
- Kinji Fukasaku
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Street Mobster distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Kinji Fukasaku 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Street Mobster took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 56 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Street Mobster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ariel, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Street Mobster subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dancer in the Dark and Sand Trap explore similar territory, Street Mobster stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 6, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 32m
Where to Watch
