The Official Sonny Chiba Thread!

[HungFist]

New addition to my wall: Yakuza Deka: Poison Gas Affair (やくざ刑事　恐怖の毒ガス) (1971) B0 poster (approx. 100 x 141cm)

[Takeuchi_Yoko]

Oh, nice one

[HungFist]

Hard Core Chocolate released three new Chiba t-shirts on Saturday.
https://core-choco.shop-pro.jp/











Deadly Battle in Hiroshima actually sold out online in 10 hours (ALL sizes), but I managed to grab one a few minutes before they were gone, albeit in L-size (M suits me better). They announced they'll be getting more stock next month so I might order the M alongside Karate Inferno later, or I might just settle for the L which might be more future proof, haha.

[HungFist]

More Chiba coming to DVD via Best Field (who do most of the Toei catalogue releases these days as Toei seem too lazy to bother with physical media). They will be releasing the two Narcotics Prostitution G-Men films (1972) and the short lived but good detective TV show Emergency Line (1976) in September. Here’s hoping someone will pick them for a BD release in the UK or US, particularly the first Narcotics Prostitution G-Men aka A Narcotic’s Agent’s Ballad which I think is one of Chiba’s best movies.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0C6K5QL92
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0C6K7J3HM

[HungFist]

Viva early Chiba! HD stills.

1 警視庁物語 不在証明 Police Department Story: Alibi (1961)


2 警視庁物語 十五才の女 Police Department Story: 15 Year Old Woman (1961)


3 警視庁物語 十二人の刑事 Police Department Story: 12 Detectives (1961)


4 石松社員は男でござる Tale of A Company Boss: Part 3 (Ishimatsu shain wa otoko degozaru) (1961)


5 恋愛学校 Love School (1962)


6 浅草の侠客 Gambler's Love (Asakusa no kyoukaku) (1963


7 君たちがいて僕がいた Here Because of You (1964)


8 浪曲子守唄 Game of Chance (1966)


9 続浪曲子守唄 Game of Chance 2 (1967)


10 出世子守唄 Game of Chance 3 (1967)

[HungFist]

November 14, 2023

SEVEN SPECTACULAR FILMS FROM THE MARTIAL ARTS ICON!

Brace yourself for seven more high-octane films from the legendary career of Sonny Chiba! This second box set offers thrilling highlights from Chiba's highly influential legacy, and some of these films are making their North America Blu-ray debut. Greatly missed by his legion of fans, Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba – The "Street Fighter" – remains an icon for all time!

DISC ONE:
THE DEFENSIVE POWER OF AIKIDO (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 82 min.)
Jiro Chiba tackles the role of Morihei Ueshiba, born in Wakayama to a farming family and destined for martial arts greatness as he learns from the masters (including brother Sonny Chiba) and develops his own well-polished Aikido.

13 STEPS OF MAKI (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 78 min.)
Based on a comic book, 13 Steps Of Maki follows the leader of the all-female Stray Cats gang who use their fighting skills to help others. But when Maki crosses the daughter of a powerful man with connections to the yakuza, she winds up in prison on false charges.

DISC TWO:
KARATE WARRIORS (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 89 min.)
A street fighter (Sonny Chiba) arrives in a town ruled by two warring gangs headed by feuding yakuza brothers. He does everything he can to keep them feuding while tracking down a lucrative stash of drugs and befriending the son of a sword-wielding samurai ...

THE GREAT OKINAWA YAKUZA WAR (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 95 min.)
Co-starring alongside Hiroki Matsukata, Sonny Chiba makes for a striking, animalistic gangster battling his way through the streets of Okinawa in this eye-popping martial arts powerhouse set one year before the return of power to the mainland.

DISC THREE:
KARATE FOR LIFE (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 90 min.)
The final film in the Masutatsu Oyama trilogy, Karate For Life follows our hero through US-occupied Okinawa, where he leaves a professional wrestling job ... but must return to the ring in order to help a friend in desperate need of medical supplies.

GOLGO 13: ASSIGNMENT KOWLOON (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 92 min.)
International spy Duke Togo has taken on a tricky assignment from an American drug syndicate: take out a Hong Kong kingpin who has been selling their drugs on his own. Duke faces danger at every turn ... and competition from a detective who wants the kingpin for himself!

DISC FOUR:
THE OKINAWA WAR OF TEN YEARS (1080p High-Definition Widescreen (2.35:1), DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, 101 min.)
It's brother against brother and friend against friend when Okinawa is returned to mainland Japan ... and the local yakuza does not take kindly to being strong-armed by mainland gangs. The result is mayhem and the biggest yakuza war ever fought in Okinawa.

https://shoutfactory.com/products/the-s ... 5853079686

[HungFist]

This is an absolutely fantastic set!

The Defensive Power of Aikido (1975) is one of the very best and most neglected Japanese martial arts movies. The screenplay by Koji Takada is basically a martial arts version of a ninkyo yakuza film, pitting two fundamentally honourable men (Jiro Chiba as young and reckless Morihei Ushiba, and Sonny Chiba as a gun for hire bodyguard working for villains) against each other. Great scrip dealing with honour and duty conflicts, and fantastic action especially between the two Chiba’s. Etsuko Shihomi appears as well.

13 Steps of Maki (1975) is another absolute gem! If The Defensive Power of Aikido was a martial arts version of a ninkyo film, then this movie is a martial arts version of a Pinky Violence film with Etsuko Shihomi starring as a girl gang leader, and basically the only female in the entire film who doesn’t lose her robe. Lots of entertaining action and it even turns into a women in prison film for a while. I’ve been praying for a home video release for decades, and travelled to Tokyo twice to see this in 35mm. Chiba only does a cameo, though.

Some readers here may be aware of this, but in Japan Karate Warriors (1976) is often considered a loosely related 4th film in the Street Fighter series despite Chiba playing a different character. The film’s Japanese title Kozure satsujin ken is literally a crossover between Love Wolf and Cub (Kozure ookami) and Street Fighter (Satsujin ken), though there’s also a heavy dose of Yojimbo thrown in. It’s karate meets katana, and you get to see Chiba fight with both swords and empty hands. And sometimes both at the same time! And let’s not forget about the incredible slow motion trick that was later used in Shogun’s Ninja and Soul of Chiba, where you see a slow motion move that reverts back to normal speed for a second just at the moment of impact and then back to slow motion. It’s ridiculously cool and fun to watch!

The Great Okinawa Yakuza War (1976) is a legendary, insanely violent true account yakuza film set in Okinawa briefly after the island was returned to Japan from USA, which opened the floodgates to mainland yakuza invading the island. It even got banned in Okinawa in fear that it would initiate another gangster war. Someone once summarized the film as being what would happen if Sonny Chiba’s character from The Street Fighter had decided to join the yakuza. Hiroki Matsukata stars, but Sonny Chiba steals the show as a homicidal, karate obsessed yakuza psycho. Also listen carefully and you can hear the music tune that would later be used in Tomoyasu Hotei’s Battle Without Honor or Humanity which plays in Kill Bill.

Karate for Life (1977) is the last film in the Oyama trilogy and also Chiba’s last karate movie as a leading man. It was the end of an era. It’s not one of Chiba’s best efforts, but it has some of his very best fight scenes such as the Chiba vs. 100 karate student opening and a fantastic final duel against Masashi Ishibashi, not to mention the Enter the Dragon rip-off mirror hall fight.

Golgo 13 (1977) is another film that doesn't need big introductions. Chiba plays the world’s most badass assassin, and even John Woo seems to have copied one scene from this to The Killer. It’s frankly not the greatest movie ever made with some clunky stuff in it, including a non-charismatic Chinese co-lead, but it’s a very entertaining trashy action picture full of sex, violence, martial arts and some delightfully nonsensical bits, filmed on location in Hong Kong. Etsuko Shihomi is in it too. A saw this a few years ago in 35mm on a huge screen and kind of had a blast with it. Just approach it without expecting great art.

The Okinawa War of 10 Years (1978) is another true account yakuza film based on the Okinawa conflicts. This was made in the late 70s when yakuza films were starting to tone down sex and violence in favour of plot and characterization, and isn’t as outrageous as Okinawa Yakuza War. It however features one of Chiba’s most charismatic turns as a yakuza boss trying protect his family in the middle of a gang war. And Chiba’s bearded look alone is enough to make straight man question their sexual orientation! Great machine gun climax as well. A small if flawed gem that is long overdue on home video!

[Killer Meteor]

Can't wait for 13 Steps of Maki!

[HungFist]

Sorry for not having had the time and energy to keep this thread up to date. There's been quite a few Eureka BDs released / announced over the past one year or so.

Bodyguard Kiba 1 and 2 (Blu-ray) (UK Only)
- https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/bodyguard-kiba-1-and-2/

A double bill of Japanese martial arts mayhem starring action superstar Sonny Chiba!

Based upon the manga by celebrated writer Ikki Kajiwara, Bodyguard Kiba follows the eponymous karate master and professional bodyguard (Chiba) as he is hired to protect the mysterious Reiko (Mari Atsumi), a woman embroiled in the world of organised crime. Kiba’s involvement with Reiko brings him into conflict with the yakuza, leading to a final bloody showdown. Then, in Bodyguard Kiba 2, Kiba is released from prison after taking revenge on the rival martial artists who blinded his sister Maki (Etsuko Shihomi). Back on the streets, he takes a job working for shady nightclub owner Akamatsu (Shoki Fukae), once again forcing him to take on Japan’s criminal underworld.

Two riotously entertaining tales of betrayal and bloodshed from director Ryuichi Takamori, Bodyguard Kiba and Bodyguard Kiba 2 were released just a year before Sonny Chiba would find international success with his breakout hit The Street Fighter. Eureka Classics is proud to present both films for the first time ever in the UK from new restorations.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon
1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
Original Japanese mono audio
Optional English Subtitles
Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
The Bodyguard – alternate US version of Bodyguard Kiba
Talking Chiba – Brand new interview with action choreographer and director Kenji Tanigaki
Kiba or Chiba – Brand new interview with Tom Mes & Jasper Sharp
Original theatrical trailers
A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jasper Sharp

[HungFist]

Yakuza Wolf 1 and 2 (Blu-ray) (UK Only)
- https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/yakuza-wolf-1-and-2/

A duo of ultra-violent Yakuza thrillers starring the late great Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba available for the first time ever in the UK.

In the spaghetti Western inspired I Perform Murder, a mysterious black-clad killer (Chiba) with a personal vendetta against the yakuza manipulates two rival clans in order to draw out his targets, leading to a climactic bloody shootout that must be seen to be believed.

Then in Extend my Condolences, Chiba plays a criminal who is betrayed and sent to prison. After serving his time, he wages war on the yakuza, eventually raiding the mansion of the crime boss who turned on him in a spectacular action packed climax that would later be directly homaged by John Woo in A Better Tomorrow II.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon [2000 copies]
1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
Original Japanese mono audio
Optional English Subtitles
Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films
Brand new featurette by Howard Hughes looking at the spaghetti Western influences on Yakuza Wolf, and the broader influence Japanese cinema had on the Western genre
Original theatrical trailers
A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Tom Mes and Howard Hughes [2000 copies]

[HungFist]

The Fall of Ako Castle (Blu-ray) (UK Only)
- https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/the-fall-of-ako-castle/

Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) brings together an ensemble cast, including two icons of Japanese cinema — Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) and Sonny Chiba (The Street Fighter) — for this samurai epic, a retelling of the classic story of the 47 ronin.

When an injustice costs his master his life and estate, loyal retainer Ōishi (Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Bushido) vows revenge. Because the target of his vengeance is protected by the ruling shogunate, any retaliation would be seen as an act of treason. Ōishi assembles the remaining ranks of the now-masterless samurai and the 47 of them pledge a blood oath to avenge their slain lord. Tensions rise among the ranks of the ronin eager to launch the mission, as Ōishi bides his time awaiting the right time to strike. Enemy spies and assassins track Ōishi, who has seemingly fallen into vice: Has he lost his sense of honour, or is it just a part of his plan?

The Fall of Ako Castle offers a moving tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice where classical history explodes into brutal samurai carnage. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Fukasaku’s retelling of one of Japan’s most resonant events.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon [2000 copies]
Presented in 1080p HD from a restoration of the original film elements by Toei
Uncompressed original Japanese Mono audio
Optional English subtitles
New feature-length audio commentary by critic Tom Mes
Tony Rayns on The Fall of Ako Castle – new interview with Asian film expert Tony Rayns
King of my Castle – new video essay by author and critic Jasper Sharp
Reversible sleeve
A collector’s booklet featuring a new essay on the film by Jonathan Clements and a filmography of works by Kinji Fukasaku

[HungFist]

Samurai Reincarnation (Blu-ray) (UK Only)
- https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/samurai-reincarnation/

In the aftermath of a failed rebellion, Amakusa Shiro (Kenji Sawada) is crucified, but returns as a vengeance-filled demon with the power to resurrect the dead. Shiro uses his power to assemble a team of undead warriors—including legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (Ken Ogata)—and the only one who can stop them is the wandering samurai, Yagyu Jubei (Sonny Chiba).

A spectacular chanbara fantasy epic from Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), Samurai Reincarnation makes its UK debut from a stunning 2K restoration as part of the Masters of Cinema series.

SPECIAL FEATURES

1080p presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K restoration of the original film elements
Uncompressed original Japanese mono audio
Alternate English dubbed audio
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by Tom Mes
Brand new interview with filmmaker Kenta Fukasaku
Original Japanese trailer
A collectors booklet featuring new writing on the film

[HungFist]

Message From Space (Blu-ray) (coming 2024/7/22) (UK Only)
- https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/message-from-space/

Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) directs an international cast led by Sonny Chiba, Vic Morrow and Etsuko Shihomi in the science fiction spectacle Message from Space – the Toei Company’s answer to the barnstorming box-office success that was Star Wars.

Somewhere in a far flung galaxy lies the planet of Jillucia. Once a peaceful utopia, it has now fallen under the control of the Gavanas Empire, a warlike race ruled by the ruthless Emperor Rockseia (Mikio Narita). Desperate for help, the leader of the Jillucian people (Junkichi Orimoto) launches eight Liabe seeds into space – glowing orbs that, according to legend, will each summon a powerful warrior to the planet’s aid. The seeds are followed into the void by Princess Emeralida (Shihomi) and loyal Jillucian soldier Urocco (Makoto Satō), who attempt to find the prophesied protectors of their home world: ex-military commander General Garuda (Morrow) and his robot companion Beba-2 (Isamu Shimizu), thrill-seekers Shiro (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Aaron (Philip Casnoff), gambler Jack (Masazumi Okabe), aristocrat Meia (Peggy Lee Brennan) and swordsman Hans (Chiba), who has a deeply personal score to settle with the Gavanas Empire.

Boasting a sweeping score and special effects that impress to this day, Message from Space was the most expensive Japanese film ever made at the time of its release – a cosmic fantasy designed to replicate the success of Star Wars while drawing upon Japan’s own genre tradition, recalling such films as Battle in Outer Space, Gorath and Fukasaku’s own The Green Slime. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Message from Space on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK from an immaculate restoration of the original film elements by Toei.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Scott Saslow [2000 copies]
Limited edition reversible poster [2000 copies]
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a restoration of the original film elements supplied by Toei
Original Japanese audio
English dub
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by Tom Mes
An appreciation of the film by film writer Patrick Macias
Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
Stills gallery
Trailers
A collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Christopher Stewardson

[HungFist]

Beast Fighter (Blu-ray) (Coming 2024/6/25) (US only)

The mighty Sonny Chiba (Bodyguard Kiba) stars in two spectacular martial arts movies based upon the real life of Masutatsu “Mas” Ōyama – the fabled bull-slaying karate master who trained none other than Chiba himself.

In Karate Bullfighter (or Champion of Death), a karate tournament is crashed by an enigmatic martial artist calling himself Ōyama (Chiba), who arrives in tattered rags and beats all who dare challenge him. But Ōyama’s entrance into the world of karate has unforeseen consequences, and soon he is fighting for far more than sporting victory. Then, in Karate Bearfighter, Ōyama is expelled from the karate community for refusing to pull his punches. With no where else to turn, he takes a job with the yakuza after running into Kimura (Hideo Murota), who Ōyama once knew as a fellow member of the Imperial Japanese Air Service before he turned to a life of crime. Ultimately, though, Ōyama has no more respect for his superiors on the streets than he did in the dojo…

Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi (Sister Street Fighter), Karate Bullfighter and Karate Bearfighter were adapted from the popular manga series Karate Baka Ichidai by Ikki Kajiwara, which ran from 1971 to 1977 and chronicled the life and legend of Mas Ōyama. Eureka Classics is proud to present both films for the first time ever on Blu-ray from brand new restorations of the original film elements by Toei.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by JJ Harrison
1080p presentations of both films across two Blu-ray discs, from new restorations of the original film elements by Toei
Original Japanese mono audio
Brand new feature length audio commentaries on both films by action cinema experts Mike Leeder & Arne Venema
In Search of the Ultimate Truth – Brand new video essay by Jonathan Clements, author of A Brief History of the Martial Arts
Original theatrical trailers
Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Eddie Falvey

[HungFist]

And finally, in related news:


- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/ ... of-attacks

Holy shit! Real life karate bearfighter found!