Takeshi Kitano’s “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen”: A Roaring Success Story in Japan
Takeshi Kitano, the iconoclastic auteur celebrated for his unique blend of dark humor, gritty action, and poignant drama, has once again captivated Japanese audiences with his latest cinematic offering. His 17th directorial venture, “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen,” has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also proven to be a resounding box office success, firmly establishing its place as a popular hit.
Having been in theaters for just 21 days since its release, the film has already attracted an impressive audience of over one million viewers. This extraordinary achievement marks a significant milestone for Kitano, as it is the third time his work has surpassed the coveted one-million-viewer mark. Previous blockbusters that achieved this feat include the critically lauded period action film “Zatoichi” (released in 2003) and the intense yakuza crime thriller “Outrage” (from 2012), solidifying Kitano’s consistent appeal and mastery of filmmaking.
“Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” cleverly distinguishes itself within Kitano’s extensive filmography by leaning into the comedic elements, offering a unique blend of geriatric humor and classic yakuza tropes. The film’s charm lies largely in its exceptional ensemble cast, featuring a cohort of esteemed veteran actors whose collective experience brings a singular gravitas and comedic timing to their roles. Tatsuya Fuji, Masaomi Kondo, Akira Nakao, and Akira Onodera lead the cast, with their average age defying expectations at over 73 years old.
The narrative centers around Ryuzo, a former yakuza boss portrayed with seasoned charisma by Tatsuya Fuji, who finds himself relegated to a quiet, post-retirement life. However, his peace is abruptly shattered by the encroachment of a new generation of flashy, unscrupulous swindlers who prey on the elderly and disrupt the established order of the streets. Not one to stand idly by, Ryuzo decides it’s time to dust off his old tactics and reassemble his loyal, albeit equally greying, gang of “henchmen” for one last stand against these youthful upstarts, promising both laughs and unexpected action.
Image: The main group of “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” posing together, showcasing the experienced cast.
Unstoppable Box Office Momentum
Released nationwide on April 25, 2015, across 246 screens throughout Japan, “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” quickly resonated with audiences from diverse backgrounds, proving its broad appeal. The film’s impressive theatrical run continued its upward trajectory, and as of May 15, after just three weeks on the big screen, it had already amassed a staggering 1,011,178 viewers. Simultaneously, its gross earnings reached a significant milestone of 1,232,094,000 yen, which translates to approximately $8.4 million USD.
Image: Ryuzo (Tatsuya Fuji) in discussion with his assembled gang, illustrating a moment from the film.
These robust figures position “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” as one of Kitano’s most financially successful ventures. Industry analysts and projections suggest that the film is well on its way to surpassing the box office performance of “Outrage,” which accumulated 1.45 billion yen during its theatrical run. Such an accomplishment would solidify “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” as Takeshi Kitano’s highest-grossing film to date, further cementing his legendary status in Japanese cinema.
The film’s continued strong performance indicates its enduring appeal, ensuring its presence in theaters across Japan for the foreseeable future. “Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen” stands as a testament to Takeshi Kitano’s versatile talent, proving his ability to deliver a hit that entertains, amuses, and resonates with a broad audience while playfully pushing the boundaries of the traditional gangster genre.
Image: A focused shot on Tatsuya Fuji as Ryuzo, embodying the film’s blend of gravitas and comedic timing.