Nemuri Kyoshiro, a youthful and cynical ronin with unparalleled skill, is approached by both sides in a game of corruption, ambition, and double crosses. The leader of the Kaga clan, who thinks he has killed his smuggling partner, fears that the shogunate will discover his illegal activities. He learns of evidence that will prove his guilt. Meanwhile, his partner is not dead, and, assisted by a master of Shorenji boxing, is looking for revenge and for his loot. The Kaga leader sends the beautiful Chisa to enlist Nemuri's aid. The unexpected happens: the hard-bitten Nemuri falls in love. Can he protect her, topple the criminals, and avoid the boxer's deadly skill?
Acting
Raizō Ichikawa's sleepy-eyed charisma defines cool for the entire genre.
Direction
Tanaka crafts shadowy intrigue that would make Melville jealous.
Cinematography
Candlelit interiors and snow-dusted streets—pure atmospheric noir.
Director
Tokuzō Tanaka
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Raizō Ichikawa made twelve Sleepy Eyes films in four years before his tragic death at 37, cementing this as his signature role.
The Shorenji boxing style depicted was largely invented for cinema, blending actual kempo with theatrical flourish to give Nemuri a worthy unarmed opponent.
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1963
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