Tainted Badge 2013
In *Tainted Badge (2013)*, directed by Shoichi Shibuya, a relentless detective named Kazan (Koji Matoba) operates on the fringes of the law, tearing through Tokyo's underworld with brute force and a refusal to conform.
Director: Shoichi Shibuya
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Tainted Badge* (2013) about?
*Tainted Badge* follows Kazan, a detective in the organized crime division who thrives on chaos, defying every rule in his pursuit of justice—or perhaps vengeance. When his only true partner dies unexpectedly, Kazan's solitary path takes a turn as he reluctantly forms a bond with a yakuza boss, forcing him to confront the past he's tried to outrun.
Who directed *Tainted Badge*?
The film was directed by Shoichi Shibuya, a filmmaker known for his work in crime and thriller genres.
Who stars in *Tainted Badge*?
The cast includes Koji Matoba as Detective Kazan, Kazuyoshi Ozawa as Utagawa, Yasukaze Motomiya, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, and Haruna Yabuki in pivotal roles.
Is *Tainted Badge* (2013) worth watching?
While *Tainted Badge* isn't widely rated, its tight 81-minute runtime and neo-noir grit make it a compelling pick for fans of stylish crime dramas with moral complexity. Matoba's intense performance and Shibuya's direction bring a fresh take on Japan's crime underbelly, though it may lack the polish of bigger-budget productions.
How long is *Tainted Badge*?
*Tainted Badge* has a runtime of 81 minutes.
About Tainted Badge (2013) — A Rogue Detective's Unstoppable Descent into Tokyo's Underworld
In *Tainted Badge (2013)*, directed by Shoichi Shibuya, a relentless detective named Kazan (Koji Matoba) operates on the fringes of the law, tearing through Tokyo's underworld with brute force and a refusal to conform. His unorthodox methods—from raiding illegal gambling dens to clashing with suspects—paint him as a loose cannon, but beneath the aggression lies a trauma he's desperate to bury. When his only ally, veteran detective Utagawa (Kazuyoshi Ozawa), dies in a sudden accident, Kazan is left adrift in a world that demands order, yet he finds solace in an unexpected alliance with a traditional yakuza boss. This gritty neo-noir blends moral ambiguity with the raw tension of Japan's crime landscape, capturing the clash between personal demons and systemic corruption.
Against the neon-lit backdrop of a city teeming with secrets, *Tainted Badge (2013)* explores themes of isolation, redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. With a runtime of 81 minutes, this compact yet intense film delivers a punchy narrative driven by Matoba's commanding performance and the director's sharp visual storytelling. It's a story for those who prefer their crime dramas with a side of existential grit and unapologetic edge.