Two Restored Crime Film Classics From ‘Battle Royale’ Director Kinji Fukasaku Headed To VOD And Digital
by David Lewis
Fans of international crime films are likely familiar with the name of Kinji Fukasaku.
The ultra-prolific Japanese auteur directed over 60 movies in his long career, and is probably best remembered for his epic multi-film Yakuza saga, Battles Without Honor and Humanity (AKA The Yakuza Papers), and his explosive final film, 2000’s bloody, action-packed high school satire Battle Royale.
Film Movement will release two of Fukasaku’s lesser-seen crime films on VOD/Digital on September 27th.
In the 1964 Yakuza tale Wolves, Pigs and Men Three, brothers (played by Ken Takakura, Rentarô Mikuni, and Kin’ya Kitaôji) end up on opposite sides of a ruthless gang war involving millions in stolen loot.
1976’s Violent Panic: The Big Crash finds expert bank robber Takashi (Battles Without Honor and Humanity vet Tsunehiko Watase) betrayed by his partners and on the run from the cops, the crooks, his girlfriend (Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs star Miki Sugimoto), and others.
Both films have been digitally restored in 2K from the original film elements and will be available to rent or purchase on VOD and Digital on September 27th.
