Coming Soon

Red Peony Gambler

Directed by Kôsaku Yamashita
Film Movement Classics
1968
98 Minutes
Japan
Japanese
Action, Drama, Thriller, Classics, Asian
Not Rated

Oryu (Fuji Junko) is invited to stay with a local yakuza boss of a silk farming town. When a rival gang murders the boss Oryu takes it upon herself to protect his business and family. The huge success of this film kicked off what became the eight-film Red Peony Gambler (Hibotan Bakuto) series for Toei.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Kôsaku Yamashita
  • Starring: Junko Fuji
  • Starring: Ken Takakura
  • Starring: Tomisaburô Wakayama
  • Starring: Kyôsuke Machida

Where to Watch

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Yamashita's classically constructed script subordinates action to character and makes good use of romantic and comic sub-plots. Yamashita also has a flair for minor characterization that makes each scene rich in emotional detail and gives depth to conventional material."
    John Belton, The Village Voice
  • "[T]he incredible tightness of the script partnered with a strong sense of character, performances, and execution of the visuals make The Red Peony Gambler a brilliant film. Not only is it one of the best ninkyo eiga I’ve seen in the yakuza genre, but it’s a standout film for how it challenges its own tropes in subtle ways."
    Matt Reifschneider, Blood Brothers