The original Japanese crime epic that made Yujiro Ishihara a legend — tattoos, coal mines, and pure swagger.
In the late 1890s, coal is a precious new natural resource. During an era of rapid economic growth, dreams are instilled into the lives of many across Japan. A vigorous young man with a look of fearless determination, sets foot on the northern part of Kyushu, an area where Yakuza thrived. His name is Kingoro Tamai (Yujiro Ishihara). With plans to travel the world, Kingoro worked diligently at a coal mine. His loyalty and hard work earned the respect of his peers, his courage won the heart of the beautiful Mon (Ruriko Asaoka), and his success evoked jealousy in his enemies.
Acting
Ishihara's smoldering screen presence defined Japanese masculinity for a generation.
Direction
Masuda's confident hand bridges traditional melodrama with emerging New Wave energy.
Production
Authentic Taisho-period detail that makes the coal mine feel lived-in and dangerous.
Director
Toshio Masuda
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film cemented the 'ninkyo' (chivalry) yakuza genre that dominated Japanese cinema until the 1970s, when Fukasaku's grittier realism took over.
Ishihara and Asaoka became one of Japanese cinema's most iconic on-screen couples, starring in over 20 films together — their chemistry here was just getting started.
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