A Trap 1965
Directed by the acclaimed Yoji Yamada, *A Trap* (1965) is a gripping mystery-drama that dives into themes of justice, desperation, and moral decay. The film follows Kiriko, a young woman from Kyushu who arrives in Tokyo seeking a high-powered lawyer to defend her accused brother.
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast
Chieko Baisho
Kiriko Yanagida
Osamu Takizawa
Kinzô Ôtsuka
Michiyo Aratama
Michiko Kôno
Yūsuke Kawazu
Ken'ichi Sugita
Yōsuke Kondō
Kôichi Abe
Taketoshi Naitō
Prosecutor Shimada
Shigeru Tsuyuguchi
Masao Yanagida
Etsuko Ichihara
Nobuko
Koji Kiyomura
Hisaoka
Masakazu Kuwayama
Okumura
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Trap (1965) about?
Kiriko travels from Kyushu to Tokyo to secure a top lawyer for her accused brother, only to face rejection and betrayal. Left with no options, she turns to survival and revenge, transforming her life in a city that offers no mercy.
Who directed A Trap?
Yoji Yamada directed *A Trap*, a filmmaker known for his sharp storytelling and deep character studies in post-war Japanese cinema.
Who stars in A Trap?
The film stars Chieko Baisho as the determined Kiriko, alongside veterans Osamu Takizawa, Michiyo Aratama, and Yūsuke Kawazu.
Is A Trap (1965) worth watching?
While unrated, *A Trap* offers a compelling narrative driven by strong performances and Yamada's direction. Its blend of mystery and drama makes it a rewarding watch for fans of classic Japanese films, though its dark themes may not suit all viewers.
How long is A Trap?
The film runs for 111 minutes.
About A Trap (1965) — A Woman's Fight for Justice Turns to Vengeance in Tokyo
Directed by the acclaimed Yoji Yamada, *A Trap* (1965) is a gripping mystery-drama that dives into themes of justice, desperation, and moral decay. The film follows Kiriko, a young woman from Kyushu who arrives in Tokyo seeking a high-powered lawyer to defend her accused brother. When financial constraints and cold legal reality dash her hopes, she spirals into a world of survival, transforming into a bar hostess and eventually embracing vengeance against the lawyer who abandoned her case. As the plot unfolds, another murder complicates the moral landscape, blending crime with deep personal tragedy.
Yamada's direction crafts a tense, atmospheric exploration of societal structures and individual resilience, where idealism crumbles under the weight of harsh realities. The film's noir-inspired tone and emotional rawness linger long after the credits roll, making it a standout entry in 1960s Japanese cinema. With stellar performances from Chieko Baisho and Osamu Takizawa, *A Trap* remains a masterclass in storytelling that challenges the boundaries between right and wrong.
