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The Challenge (1982 Film)
''The Challenge'' is a 1982 American action film directed by John Frankenheimer and written by John Sayles, Richard Maxwell, and Marc Norman. The film stars Scott Glenn and Toshirō Mifune, and features several aikido-based action scenes choreographed by Steven Seagal, prior to the start of his own film career. Plot A katana, one of a pair known as "The Equals", was an heirloom of the Yoshida family, passed down through the generations before being lost during World War II. It was finally tracked down and recovered in California by Toshio and Akiko. Hoping to return its rightful owner, their father Toru, Toshio hires down-on-his luck prize fighter Rick Murphy to smuggle the sword back to Japan. Upon their arrival, Murphy and Toshio are captured by Hideo's thugs. Murphy learns that the sword is a fake and himself a decoy, intended to ward off potential thieves. Toshio is murdered and Murphy is faced with the prospect of being killed by Toru's brother, a well-connected ''kuromaku' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kenta Fukasaku
is a Japanese filmmaker and screenwriter. He is the son of film director Kinji Fukasaku and actress Sanae Nakahara. Biography He made his writing debut in the popular Japanese cult film '' Battle Royale'', which his father directed. He wrote the screenplay to the sequel, '' Battle Royale II: Requiem'', and took over directing when his father died of cancer. The film was released in Japan during the winter of 2003. In 2005, he directed a film called which starred ''Battle Royales Tarō Yamamoto. His adaptation of the manga '' Sukeban Deka'' was released in 2006, under the title ''Yo-Yo Girl Cop''. He also directed horror film ''X-Cross''. Filmography Actor * '' The Challenge'' (1982) Screenwriter * '' Battle Royale'' (2000) * '' Battle Royale II: Requiem'' (2003) Director * '' Battle Royale II: Requiem'' (2003) * ''Under the Same Moon'' (2005) * ''Yo-Yo Girl Cop'' (2006) * ''X-Cross'' (2007) * '' Rebellion: The Killing Isle'' (2008) * ''Black Rat The black rat (''Rattus ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Film Poster
A film poster is a poster used to promote and advertise a film primarily to persuade paying customers into a theater to see it. Studios often print several posters that vary in size and content for various domestic and international markets. They normally contain an image with text. Today's posters often feature printed likenesses of the main actors. Prior to the 1980s, illustrations instead of photos were far more common. The text on film posters usually contains the film title in large lettering and often the names of the main actors. It may also include a tagline, the name of the director, names of characters, the release date, and other pertinent details to inform prospective viewers about the film. Film posters are often displayed inside and on the outside of movie theaters, and elsewhere on the street or in shops. The same images appear in the film exhibitor's pressbook and may also be used on websites, DVD (and historically VHS) packaging, flyers, advertisements in newspap ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bushido
is a moral code concerning samurai attitudes, behavior and lifestyle. There are multiple bushido types which evolved significantly through history. Contemporary forms of bushido are still used in the social and economic organization of Japan. ''Bushido'' is also used as an overarching term for all the codes, practices, philosophies and principles of samurai culture. It is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry, but there are major differences. Origin Bushido formalized earlier samurai moral values and ethical code, most commonly stressing a combination of sincerity, frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery and honour until death. Born from Neo-Confucianism during times of peace in the Edo period (1603–1868) and following Confucian texts, while also being influenced by Shinto and Zen Buddhism, it allowed the violent existence of the samurai to be tempered by wisdom, patience and serenity. Bushido developed between the 16th and 20th centuries, debated by pundi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Miiko Taka
(born Miiko Shikata July 24, 1925 – January 2023) was an American actress, popular for her film and TV roles from the late 1950s until the early 1980s. Her best known role was as an elegant Japanese dancer starring opposite Marlon Brando in the Korean War drama ''Sayonara''. She also acted in several other films and TV shows with fellow performers such as Miyoshi Umeki, James Garner, Bob Hope, Cary Grant, and Toshirō Mifune. Early years Taka was born in 1925 in Seattle, but raised in Los Angeles, California as a Nisei; her parents had immigrated from Japan. In 1942, following the signing of Executive Order 9066, she was interned with her family at the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona. Career After director Joshua Logan's first choice for the role of Hana-ogi, Audrey Hepburn, turned him down, he looked to cast an unknown actress. Taka, who at the time was working as a clerk at a travel agency in Los Angeles, was discovered by a talent scout at a local Nisei festival ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Seiji Miyaguchi
was a Japanese actor who appeared in films of Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu, Mikio Naruse, Tadashi Imai and many others. He succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 71. Distinctions One of Kurosawa's iconic ''Seven Samurai'', Miyaguchi won the 1955 Mainichi Film Concours Best Supporting Actor award for his role. In 1983 he was awarded Japan's Medal with Purple Ribbon. A character designed as a caricature of Miyaguchi is regularly featured in the cat-oriented manga ''Mon-chan and Me'', published in Fusosha's popular webzine ''Joshi Spa!'' (Women's Spa!). Selected filmography *1945: ''Sanshiro Sugata Part II'' - Kohei Tsuzaki *1946: ''Urashima Tarô no kôei'' *1947: ''Sanbon yubi no otoko'' *1951: '' The Good Fairy'' - Editor-in-chief *1951: ''Early Summer'' - Nishiwaki *1951: '' Fireworks over the Sea'' - Gunzô Ishiguro *1951: ''Inochi uruwashi'' - Oshima *1952: ''Ikiru'' - Yakuza Boss *1953: ''The Last Embrace'' - Gangster *1953: ''Senkan Yamato'' *1953: '' An Inlet of Muddy ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yoshio Inaba
was a Japanese actor best known for his role as Gorobei in Akira Kurosawa's '' Seven Samurai''. In addition to his career in film, Inaba was also a prolific theater actor and a member of the prestigious Haiyuza Theatre Company. He died of a heart attack at the age of 77. Filmography Film * ''Umi no hanabi'' (1951) * ''Wakare-gumo'' (1951) * '' Seven Samurai'' (1954) - Gorobei Katayama * ''Horafuki tanji'' (1954) - Escaped Prisoner Iwagorō * ' (1955) - Mijagi * '' Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple'' (続宮本武蔵 一乗寺の決闘 Zoku Miyamoto Musashi: Ichijōji no kettō) (1955) * ''Uruwashiki haha'' (1955) - Shigematsu * ''Shujinsen'' (1956) * ''Arashi'' (1956) - Detective of the special political police * ''Mitsu-kubi-tou'' (1956) - Shōshichi Kitō * ''Throne of Blood'' (1957) - Third Military Commander * ''Ninjitsu'' (1957) * ''Jun'ai Monogatari'' (1957) - Doctor at Nisseki Hospital * ''Ballad of the Cart'' (1959) - Fujitaro * '' Fires on the Plain'' (1959) * ''Fuj ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Shōgo Shimada (actor)
(1905–2004) was a Japanese film actor. Filmography Shōgo Shimada appeared in 49 films from 1951 to 1995. * '' Natsumatsuri Sandogasa'' (1951) - Shinzô * ''Kunisada Chūji'' (1954) - Enzô * ''Jigoku no kengô Hirate Miki'' (1954) - Shûsaku Chiba * '' Kutsukake Tokijirō'' (1954) - Kutsukake Tokijirō * ''Rokunin no Ansatsusha'' (1955) * ''Osho ichidai'' (1955) - Irie * ''Tôi hitotsu no michi'' (1960) - Takamori Saigo * ''Satan's Sword'' (1960) - Shimada Toranosuke * ''Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold'' (1964) * ''Showa zankyo-den: Ippiki okami'' (1966) * ''Japan's Longest Day'' (日本のいちばん長い日 Nihon no ichiban nagai hi) (1967) - Lt. General Takeshi Mori - CO 1st Imperial Guards Division * ''Yûbue'' (1967) - Ginzô Tsutsui * ''Jinsei-gekijô: Hishakaku to kiratsune'' (1968) * ''Aa, kaigun'' (1970) - Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto * ''Ezo yakata no ketto'' (1970) - Jirozaemon Ezo * ''Hana to namida to honoo'' (1970) - Seijuro Fujihana * ''Tora! Tora! Tora!'' (197 ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sab Shimono
is a Japanese-American actor. He began his career on stage on Broadway and in regional theaters, starring in musicals like ''Mame'', ''Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen'', and ''Pacific Overtures''. He has appeared in dozens of movies and television shows in character roles, including '' Midway, Gung Ho, Presumed Innocent, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, The Shadow, Jackie Chan Adventures, Samurai Jack,'' and ''Southland Tales.'' Early life and education Shimono was born and raised in Sacramento, California, to restaurant owners Edith Mary (née Otani) and Masauchi Shimono. During World War II, following the signing of Executive Order 9066, Shimono and his family were interned at the Tule Lake War Relocation Center and the Granada War Relocation Center. He attended Sacramento High School and graduated from University of California, Berkeley. Career Shimono has appeared on Broadway and in regional theaters including San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater and Berkeley Repe ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Clyde Kusatsu
Clyde Kusatsu (born September 13, 1948) is an American actor and trade union leader of Japanese descent. Since 2013, he has served as the National Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local. Life and career Clyde Kusatsu was born in Hawaii and attended Iolani School where he began acting and in Honolulu summer stock. After graduating with a theatre degree from Northwestern University, he got his first TV role on ''Kung Fu'' where was in four episodes. On ''M*A*S*H'' he played three roles in four episodes. Kusatsu also played Rev. Chong on several episodes of ''All in the Family''. During this period Kusatsu was also a member of East West Players, the oldest Asian-American theatre company in Los Angeles. Kusatsu has been a regular on several television series, beginning with ''Bring 'Em Back Alive'' on CBS (1982–83) and the Hawaii-set medical drama ''Island Son'' on CBS(1989–90), playing the Richard Chamberlain character's best friend, Dr. Kenji Fushida. His many televisi ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Calvin Jung
Calvin Jung (born February 17, 1945) is an American actor who is best known for his appearances in the films ''The Day After'', '' RoboCop'' and ''Lethal Weapon 4''. Career 1970's: Early work In the 1970s, Jung appeared in the "Ancient Chinese Secret" commercials for Calgon. Prior to his career in movies and television, Jung appeared in several plays of note in New York. He acted in Frank Chin's '' The Chickencoop Chinaman'', the first play written by an Asian American to be produced by a major New York company, The American Place Theatre. Jung also appeared in Tina Howe's Museum, and David Henry Hwang's FOB. On Broadway, Jung has appeared in three plays, all in one calendar year. Jung made his debut in two plays only two days apart; he appeared in the Arthur Miller one-act ''A Memory of Two Mondays'' on January 26, 1976, and appeared in a revival of '' They Knew What They Wanted'' by Sidney Howard the following night. Both productions were running in repertoire on Broadway un ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Atsuo Nakamura
is a Japanese actor and politician. He has appeared in more than 50 films since 1964. His younger brother Katsuyuki Nakamura is a writer. Career Nakamura first joined the Haiyuza theatre troupe in 1962, and became famous for his starring role in the television jidaigeki ''Kogarashi Monjirō'', which began broadcasting in 1972. He later hosted several television news programs before becoming elected to the House of Councillors The is the upper house of the National Diet of Japan. The House of Representatives is the lower house. The House of Councillors is the successor to the pre-war House of Peers. If the two houses disagree on matters of the budget, treaties, ... in 1998. He lost his seat in the 2004 election. Selected filmography Films TV References External links * (in Japanese) * People from Tokyo Japanese male film actors Japanese male television actors Members of the House of Councillors (Japan) 1940 births Living people Japanese actor-pol ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Toshiro Mifune
was a Japanese actor who appeared in over 150 feature films. He is best known for his 16-film collaboration (1948–1965) with Akira Kurosawa in such works as ''Rashomon'', ''Seven Samurai'', ''The Hidden Fortress'', ''Throne of Blood'', and ''Yojimbo''. He also portrayed Miyamoto Musashi in Hiroshi Inagaki's ''Samurai Trilogy'' and one earlier Inagaki film, Lord Toranaga in the NBC television miniseries ''Shōgun'', and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in three different films. Early life Toshiro Mifune was born on April 1, 1920 in Seitō, Japanese-occupied Shandong (present-day Qingdao, China), the eldest son of Tokuzo and Sen Mifune. His father Tokuzo was a trade merchant and photographer who ran a photography business in Qingdao and Yingkou, and was originally the son of a medical doctor from Kawauchi, Akita Prefecture. His mother Sen was the daughter of a ''hatamoto'', a high-ranking samurai official. Toshiro's parents, who were working as Methodist missionaries, were some of t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
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