Kinji Fukasaku

Directing

Kinji Fukasaku

Born July 3, 1930 · Mito, Ibaraki, Japan

Died January 12, 2003 · aged 72

Kinji Fukasaku (July 3, 1930 – January 12, 2003) was a Japanese film actor, screenwriter, and best known as a celebrated and innovative filmmaker. He was born in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan, and died in Tokyo, from prostate cancer. He is best known in the west for directing the Japanese portion of the Hollywood film Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Battle Royale (2000).

Known For

Battle RoyaleBattle Royale · 2000
Battle Royale
7.32000
MovieDramaThriller
In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act.
Tora! Tora! Tora!Tora! Tora! Tora! · 1970
Tora! Tora! Tora!
7.21970
MovieWarHistory
In the summer of 1941, the United States and Japan seem on the brink of war after constant embargos and failed diplomacy come to no end. "Tora! Tora! Tora!", named after the code words used by the lead Japanese pilot to indicate they had surprised the Americans, covers the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, which plunged America into the Second World War.
Graveyard of HonorGraveyard of Honor · 1975
Graveyard of Honor
6.61975
MovieCrimeAction
A self-destructive man becomes a powerful member of the yakuza but quickly loses his self-control. Based on the true story of Rikio Ishikawa.
Gang vs. G-MenGang vs. G-Men · 1962
Gang vs. G-Men
7.51962
MovieCrime
Two rival gangs of gangsters clash for dominance of a neighborhood.
Proof of the ManProof of the Man · 1977
Proof of the Man
7.81977
MovieDramaCrime
When an American is murdered in a Japanese inn, Tokyo police detective Munesue follows the trail of the killer to New York. There he is joined by a New York City detective named Shuftan and together they sort out the crime.
Jakoman and TetsuJakoman and Tetsu · 1964
Jakoman and Tetsu
7.31964
MovieDrama
In a village subsisting on its herring fishery, a one-eyed criminal named Jakoman terrorizes the inhabitants. One of them, the son of the head of one of the fish companies by the name of Tetsu, decides to overthrow Jakoman and his cohorts.
Battle Royale II: RequiemBattle Royale II: Requiem · 2003
Battle Royale II: Requiem
5.02003
MovieActionThriller
It's three years after the events of the original Battle Royale, and Shuya Nanahara is now an internationally-known terrorist determined to bring down the government. His terrorist group, Wild Seven, stages an attack that levels several buildings in Tokyo on Christmas Day, killing 8000 people. In order for the government to study the benefits of "teamwork", the new students work in pairs, with their collars electronically linked so that if one of them is killed, the other dies as well. They must kill Nanahara in three days - or die.
Battles Without Honor and HumanityBattles Without Honor and Humanity · 1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
7.41973
MovieCrimeAction
In the teeming black markets of postwar Japan, Shozo Hirono and his buddies find themselves in a new war between factious and ambitious yakuza.

Movies

Battle RoyaleBattle Royale · 2000
Battle Royale
7.32000
MovieDramaThriller
In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act.
Tora! Tora! Tora!Tora! Tora! Tora! · 1970
Tora! Tora! Tora!
7.21970
MovieWarHistory
In the summer of 1941, the United States and Japan seem on the brink of war after constant embargos and failed diplomacy come to no end. "Tora! Tora! Tora!", named after the code words used by the lead Japanese pilot to indicate they had surprised the Americans, covers the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, which plunged America into the Second World War.
Graveyard of HonorGraveyard of Honor · 1975
Graveyard of Honor
6.61975
MovieCrimeAction
A self-destructive man becomes a powerful member of the yakuza but quickly loses his self-control. Based on the true story of Rikio Ishikawa.
Gang vs. G-MenGang vs. G-Men · 1962
Gang vs. G-Men
7.51962
MovieCrime
Two rival gangs of gangsters clash for dominance of a neighborhood.
Proof of the ManProof of the Man · 1977
Proof of the Man
7.81977
MovieDramaCrime
When an American is murdered in a Japanese inn, Tokyo police detective Munesue follows the trail of the killer to New York. There he is joined by a New York City detective named Shuftan and together they sort out the crime.
Jakoman and TetsuJakoman and Tetsu · 1964
Jakoman and Tetsu
7.31964
MovieDrama
In a village subsisting on its herring fishery, a one-eyed criminal named Jakoman terrorizes the inhabitants. One of them, the son of the head of one of the fish companies by the name of Tetsu, decides to overthrow Jakoman and his cohorts.
Battle Royale II: RequiemBattle Royale II: Requiem · 2003
Battle Royale II: Requiem
5.02003
MovieActionThriller
It's three years after the events of the original Battle Royale, and Shuya Nanahara is now an internationally-known terrorist determined to bring down the government. His terrorist group, Wild Seven, stages an attack that levels several buildings in Tokyo on Christmas Day, killing 8000 people. In order for the government to study the benefits of "teamwork", the new students work in pairs, with their collars electronically linked so that if one of them is killed, the other dies as well. They must kill Nanahara in three days - or die.
Battles Without Honor and HumanityBattles Without Honor and Humanity · 1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
7.41973
MovieCrimeAction
In the teeming black markets of postwar Japan, Shozo Hirono and his buddies find themselves in a new war between factious and ambitious yakuza.
VirusVirus · 1980
Virus
6.31980
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
Scientists in Antarctica desperately try to find a cure to a military virus that was released in a plane crash and has wiped out the rest of the world.
Gambler's FarewellGambler's Farewell · 1968
Gambler's Farewell
8.01968
MovieDramaCrime
The story of men devoted to the yakuza lifestyle and their struggles during a time of fading yakuza power.
Crest of BetrayalCrest of Betrayal · 1994
Crest of Betrayal
5.41994
MovieHorrorDrama
Weaving two storylines together: the first is the story of 18th-century shogunate intrigue and loyalty, and the second is a ghost story about a beautiful woman who falls victim to passion and evil.
The Green SlimeThe Green Slime · 1968
The Green Slime
5.31968
MovieScience FictionHorror
A giant asteroid is heading toward Earth so some astronauts disembark from a nearby space station to blow it up. The mission is successful, and they return to the station unknowingly bringing back a gooey green substance that mutates into one-eyed tentacled monsters that feed off electricity. Soon the station is crawling with them, and people are being zapped left and right!
House on FireHouse on Fire · 1986
House on Fire
4.51986
MovieDrama
In the 50s, the complicated life of a popular writer who must share his life with his family, his numerous mistresses and his work
Legend of the Eight SamuraiLegend of the Eight Samurai · 1983
Legend of the Eight Samurai
5.81983
MovieFantasyAdventure
The evil Hikita clan rises from the dead to fulfill a curse on the Satomi clan by restoring the face of their warlord by using the skin of Princess Shizu. In the process of trying to capture her, the clan murders her entire family, but Princess Shizu escapes their clutches. She enlists the aid of eight samurai warriors, possessors of powerful magic crystal, led by Dosetsu (Sonny Chiba!) to help rescue the remaining members of her court and revenge her family. Along the way, they must fight undead warriors, evil spirits, poisonous beauties and a giant centipede.
Lovers LostLovers Lost · 1982
Lovers Lost
6.31982
MovieDramaRomance
A poignant love story between a 29-year-old woman, who has once been a prostitute but is now the mistress of a wealthy jewelry merchant, and a 19-year-old college student.
Gate of YouthGate of Youth · 1981
Gate of Youth
7.21981
MovieDrama
The story of Shinsuke, a young man who lives through a stormy life as a poverty-stricken coal miner. Ranging from Shinsuke's infanthood to his mid-teens. Coal workers and the mines dominate nearly every aspect of his life. Shinsuke's father a group leader at the mine, dies while bravely using dynamite to rescue a group of trapped Korean miners. Several older men attempt to help he and his mother cope, including a friendly Harley-riding yakuza boss. This movie has it all, drama, romance, sex, yakuza and violence! It is based on a story by Hiroyuki Itsuki that was originally serialized in the magazine Shukan Gendai in 1969-70.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy WarBattles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War · 1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
7.01973
MovieActionDrama
Shozo Hirono has managed to separate from the Yamamori family and create his own small family, and extend his circle of acquaintances. These new friendships include a powerful underboss of the Muraoka family, Noboru Uchimoto.
Samurai ReincarnationSamurai Reincarnation · 1981
Samurai Reincarnation
5.91981
MovieActionFantasy
After surviving the slaughter of many Christians 350 years ago, a samurai denounces God for ignoring the pleas of believers. He sells his soul to Satan and receives the power to resurrect the dead to join him in a murderous rampage.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in HiroshimaBattles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima · 1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima
7.31973
MovieDramaCrime
Repeatedly beat to a pulp by gamblers, cops, and gangsters, lone wolf Shoji Yamanaka finally finds a home as a Muraoka family hitman and falls in love with boss Muraoka's niece. Meanwhile, the ambitions of mad dog Katsutoshi Otomo draws our series' hero, Shozo Hirono, and the other yakuza into a new round of bloodshed.
The Final Battleground — Making of Battle Royale IIThe Final Battleground — Making of Battle Royale II · 2003
The Final Battleground — Making of Battle Royale II
2003
MovieDocumentary
Prolific director Kinji Fukasaku died suddenly during the production of Battle Royale 2. His son and screenwriter Kenta took over as director and completed the film.
Shogun's SamuraiShogun's Samurai · 1978
Shogun's Samurai
6.91978
MovieActionDrama
Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police TacticsBattles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics · 1974
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics
7.01974
MovieCrimeDrama
As Japan gears up for the 1964 Olympic games, the cops start to crack down on the gangs, under pressure from the public and the press, adding a new dimension in the war for power among the yakuza families of Hiroshima.
Fall GuyFall Guy · 1982
Fall Guy
6.41982
MovieDramaComedy
Ginshiro, threatened by poor repute and upcoming star Tachibana, forces his friend Yasu to marry Konatsu, Ginshiro's pregnant mistress; Yasu becomes a stuntman to make ends meet.
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final EpisodeBattles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode · 1974
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode
7.21974
MovieActionDrama
While Hirono is in prison, his rival Takeda turns his own crime organization into a political party, whose two executives stir up new tensions in their thirst for power.

TV Shows

Key HunterKey Hunter · 1968
Key Hunter
7.01968
SeriesDrama
Key Hunter is a prime-time Japanese television detective series. It aired on Saturday nights in the 9:00–9:56 p.m. time slot on the Tokyo Broadcasting System network from April 6, 1968 to April 7, 1973. There were a total of 262 episodes, and it was one of the most popular action dramas in Japan at the time. The story involved "Key Hunter", a special clandestine unit of the International Police, which endeavored to solve various crimes. "Key Hunter" was a unique TV show, which started out as a grand scale spy thriller never before seen in Japan. The episodes were individually themed on global crimes and political strife. The initial hardboiled theme later evolved to include intellectual elements involving action, and occasionally with comical elements as well. Tetsuro Tamba starred in the 1967 film You Only Live Twice as Japanese Secret Service agent Tiger Tanaka, an ally of James Bond. This role greatly influenced his image in "Key Hunter".
Shadow WarriorsShadow Warriors · 1980
Shadow Warriors
8.01980
SeriesDrama
Shadow Warriors is a Japanese television jidaigeki show featuring Sonny Chiba that ran for four seasons in the early 1980s. Chiba played different ninja characters in each series. In the first series he played Hattori Hanzō III, in second one he played Tsuge Shinpachi, in the third one he played Tarao Hanzō, in the fourth series and in Bakumatsu Hen, he played Hattori Hanzō XV. In the 2003 direct-to-DVD series Shin Kage no Gundan he played Hattori Hanzō I.
Professional KillersProfessional Killers · 1972
Professional Killers
8.01972
SeriesDramaCrime
A shikakenin was an under-the-cover trade that undertook killing in Edo. Hanemon of Otowa, an agency that introduced laborers and maids, was also one of these. Katsugoro Iseya was a timber dealer who had come in as a client. His target was the constructions magistrate Hanno, and the Tatsumiya who sipped on the benefits. Hanemon who had a stong code towards killing, where he would only kill those who do no good to be in the world, accepts this request. Baian Fujieda, a needle doctor would carry out the killing. However, the professional killer Baian fails to bring down Tatsumiya. Hanemon then looks to another shikakenin, the ronin Sanai Nishimura for the role. Although Sanai's ability with the sword is good, he lives poorly in a tenement, and accepts this commission on the condition that it is kept a secret from his wife and child. Here, they close in on Hanno and Tatsumiya again...
Wounded AngelsWounded Angels · 1974
Wounded Angels
10.01974
SeriesCrime
Two lovable idiot "private detectives" (or at least, that's their cover story —more like gangsters) try to make ends meet on the mean streets of Tokyo.
Unified ShadowsUnified Shadows · 1975
Unified Shadows
1975
SeriesDrama
During the Tenpo period, the three samurai under the command of the Nanba magistrate were responsible for handling exceptional cases. However, their true identities as shadow assassins were hidden because they were secretly sent to eliminate villains who had escaped punishment by the law.