
Portrait of the Beast 1998
Directed by Masato Hironishi, *Portrait of the Beast (1998)* is a gripping 90-minute action thriller that dives into the brutal underworld of gang violence and redemption.
Director: Masato Hironishi
Cast






Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portrait of the Beast (1998) about?
The film centers on a notorious gangster dubbed the 'Manslayer Demon,' whose life unravels when a rookie cameraman films him committing murder. Sentenced to prison, he loses everything—until he rediscovers the savage instincts that once made him feared. It's a story of survival, vengeance, and the blurred line between humanity and brutality.
Who directed Portrait of the Beast?
Masato Hironishi directed the film, bringing a raw, unflinching style to this intense action drama.
Who stars in Portrait of the Beast?
The film features Naomi Hosokawa as the brave cameraman, Koji Matoba as the fallen gangster, and Chiho Terada, Masaki Nishimori, and Hiroshi Okochi in pivotal supporting roles.
Is Portrait of the Beast (1998) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, its 90-minute runtime and high-stakes action make it a solid choice for fans of gritty gangster films. The moral dilemmas and intense performances give it depth beyond typical action fare.
How long is Portrait of the Beast?
The runtime is 90 minutes.
About Portrait of the Beast (1998) — A Gritty Gangster Thriller with Raw Redemption
Directed by Masato Hironishi, *Portrait of the Beast (1998)* is a gripping 90-minute action thriller that dives into the brutal underworld of gang violence and redemption. The film follows a ruthless criminal, nicknamed the "Manslayer Demon," whose life spirals into chaos after a violent confrontation is captured on camera by a young female cameraman. Sentenced to five years in prison, he loses everything—but as the years pass, he reclaims the feral instincts that once defined him. With a relentless pace and raw intensity, the movie explores themes of survival, vengeance, and the blurred line between man and beast.
Naomi Hosokawa stars as the determined cameraman whose footage becomes both a curse and a catalyst, while Koji Matoba delivers a chilling performance as the fallen gangster. The stark cinematography and gritty atmosphere amplify the film's emotional weight, making it a compelling watch for fans of hard-hitting action dramas. Whether you're drawn to its moral complexities or its high-stakes storytelling, *Portrait of the Beast (1998)* leaves a lasting impression.