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American Yakuza

  • 1993
  • R
  • 1h 36m
IMDb RATING
5.6/10
3.1K
YOUR RATING
American Yakuza (1993)
Home Video Trailer from Columbia Pictures
Play trailer1:49
1 Video
99+ Photos
ActionCrimeDramaThriller

An American FBI agent is lured away by the Japanese Mafia--the Yakuza--in this action film.An American FBI agent is lured away by the Japanese Mafia--the Yakuza--in this action film.An American FBI agent is lured away by the Japanese Mafia--the Yakuza--in this action film.

  • Director
    • Frank A. Cappello
  • Writers
    • Takashige Ichise
    • Max Strom
    • John Allen Nelson
  • Stars
    • Viggo Mortensen
    • Ryô Ishibashi
    • Michael Nouri
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.6/10
    3.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Frank A. Cappello
    • Writers
      • Takashige Ichise
      • Max Strom
      • John Allen Nelson
    • Stars
      • Viggo Mortensen
      • Ryô Ishibashi
      • Michael Nouri
    • 28User reviews
    • 14Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    American Yakuza
    Trailer 1:49
    American Yakuza

    Photos104

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    + 96
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    Top cast23

    Edit
    Viggo Mortensen
    Viggo Mortensen
    • Nick Davis…
    Ryô Ishibashi
    Ryô Ishibashi
    • Shuji Sawamoto
    • (as Ryo Ishibashi)
    Michael Nouri
    Michael Nouri
    • Dino Campanela
    Franklyn Ajaye
    Franklyn Ajaye
    • Sam
    Yuji Okumoto
    Yuji Okumoto
    • Kazuo
    Anzu Lawson
    Anzu Lawson
    • Yuko
    • (as a different name)
    Robert Forster
    Robert Forster
    • Littman
    John Fujioka
    John Fujioka
    • Isshin Tendo
    Nicky Katt
    Nicky Katt
    • Vic
    Jimmy Taenaka
    Jimmy Taenaka
    • Taka
    • (as James Katsuyuki Taenaka)
    Saiko Isshiki
    • Aya
    Fritz Mashimo
    • Okazaki
    Jeff Bankert
    • Medical Student
    Rosine 'Ace' Hatem
    • Agent #1
    John Hammil
    • Agent #2
    Michael Westfall
    • Long Haired Man
    Nathan Jung
    • Giant Yakuza
    Chris Hubbell
    • Personnel Manager
    • Director
      • Frank A. Cappello
    • Writers
      • Takashige Ichise
      • Max Strom
      • John Allen Nelson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Viggo Mortensen, on being asked why he took the role: "I was quite broke and needed a job."
    • Goofs
      (at around 1 min) When the Japanese bodyguard fires the last bullet out of the Thompson machine gun, the scene cuts to a shot of the spent bullet casings hitting the ground. As the shells hit the ground, you can clearly see the that ends of the cartridges, where the bullet exits the shell have been crimped, indicating that these are spent blanks. Real spent bullet casings are smooth.
    • Alternate versions
      The 18-rated German video version was cut for violence in many scenes. The TV-Version and the DVD-Release are also cut. All cuts have finally been waived on the 2021 DVD release by Imperial Pictures/Cargo Records.
    • Connections
      Followed by Back to Back (1996)
    • Soundtracks
      Won't Be Long
      Written by Bro.KORN

      Published © 1990 by Burning Publishers Co., Ltd. & FUJIPACIFIC MUSIC INC.

    User reviews28

    Featured review

    Fantastic

    What a fantastic action B-movie with a very interesting plot. Viggo Mortenson saves the life of a Yakuza and wins his trust and respect. Of course it's action but the whole movie shows how important friendship is and for what the tradition of the Yakuza stays. Michael Nouri from "Flashdance" and "The Hidden" and "Jackie Brown"-Star Robert Forster are also in this interesting movie. Don't miss it!
    • wolfhell88
    • Nov 14, 2001
    • Permalink

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    FAQ15

    • How long is American Yakuza?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 22, 1993 (Japan)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • American Yacuza
    • Filming locations
      • Southern California, California, USA(Location)
    • Production companies
      • First Look International
      • NEO Motion Pictures
      • Overseas FilmGroup
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 36 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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