The complete cast for Takeshi Kitano’s ‘Broken Rage,’ which he directed and wrote, has been announced, alongside the release of the film’s poster and scene images.
An Amazon Original Film produced by Amazon MGM Studios, ‘Broken Rage,’ explores the theme of “comedy in violent films.” The movie begins as a gritty crime action narrative, featuring a hitman caught in a struggle between the police and the yakuza. The latter half transitions into a comedic self-parody of the first half’s story. Beat Takeshi stars as the hitman Nezumi, while Tadanobu Asano and Nao Omori play detectives aiming to use Nezumi as an undercover agent in a drug investigation.
In addition to the previously revealed cast members, 13 new actors have been announced. Shido Nakamura will portray the yakuza boss involved in drug trafficking, and Hakuryu, a frequent collaborator with Kitano, will play the young gang member. Also joining the cast are Takashi Nishina and Hajime Kaku. Comedians such as Hitori Gekidan, Masaki Hasegawa (Nishiki Goi), Azusa Babazono, Mogura Suzuki (Kuki Kadan), and Shiro Maeda (Biko!) will also appear, along with professional wrestler Jun Akiyama from DDT Pro Wrestling.
When I first read the script for Broken Rage, I was astonished by the unprecedented twists and turns, and at the same time, I was thrilled to be part of the director’s new challenge!
— Tadanobu Asano (playing Detective Inoue)
First and foremost, I was thrilled to join Takeshi Kitano’s “Kitano Crew” once again, whom I deeply admire. When I first read the script, I felt that it presented a new and unique world from Kitano that I hadn’t seen before, and I found myself pondering how best to approach it. However, on set, despite the tension, it was the usual wonderful Kitano Crew environment filled with laughter.
— Nao Omori (playing Detective Fukuda)
The poster visual features Nezumi in a suit and another Nezumi dressed head-to-toe in black, standing in a booth. Additionally, scene photos have been released showing Nezumi in similar attire, heightening anticipation for both the story and its self-parody elements.
The film will have its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Friday, September 6, Italy local time, and is scheduled for global distribution on Prime Video in 2025. This marks the first time a Japanese streaming film has been officially selected for the Venice International Film Festival.
Takeshi Kitano previously won the Golden Lion for Best Film with ‘HANA-BI’ in 1997 and the Silver Lion for Best Director with ‘Zatoichi’ in 2003. Since then, many of his films have been featured at the festival, with Outrage Coda being selected as the closing film in 2017.
‘Broken Rage’
Director & Screenplay: Takeshi Kitano
Cast: Beat Takeshi, Tadanobu Asano, Nao Omori, Takashi Nishina, Shohei Uno, Shoken Kunimoto, Azusa Baba, Masaki Hasegawa (Kinsugi), Seito Yanagida, Hajime Kaku, Shiro Maeda (Biko!), Jun Akiyama, Mogura Suzuki (Kuki Kadan), Hitori Gekidan, Hakuryu, Shido Nakamura
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