Vengeance Is Mine 1979
"Living only for today — for pleasure. A killer who gets what he wants — including death."
In *Vengeance Is Mine (1979)*, Shōhei Imamura crafts a chilling character study of Iwao Enokizu, a thief and murderer whose life spirals into chaos as he evades the law with reckless charm.
Director: Shōhei Imamura
Cast
Ken Ogata
Iwao Enokizu
Mayumi Ogawa
Haru Asano
Mitsuko Baisho
Kazuko Enokizu
Frankie Sakai
Inspector Kawai
Kazuo Kitamura
Shigomi Deike
Chōchō Miyako
Kayo Enokizu
Nijiko Kiyokawa
Hisano Asano
Rentaro Mikuni
Shizuo Enokizu
Taiji Tonoyama
Tanejiro Shibata
Gorō Tarumi
Daihachi Baba
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vengeance Is Mine (1979) about?
The film follows Iwao Enokizu, a thief and murderer who becomes a fugitive, living solely for the thrill of the moment. As he evades authorities, his charm masks a violent streak, leading to a life fueled by crime and fleeting pleasures.
Who directed Vengeance Is Mine?
Vengeance Is Mine was directed by Shōhei Imamura, a celebrated filmmaker known for his unflinching portrayals of human nature and societal dysfunction.
Who stars in Vengeance Is Mine?
The film stars Ken Ogata as Iwao Enokizu, alongside Mayumi Ogawa, Mitsuko Baisho, Frankie Sakai, and Kazuo Kitamura in pivotal roles.
Is Vengeance Is Mine (1979) worth watching?
For fans of gritty crime dramas with thematic depth, *Vengeance Is Mine (1979)* is a compelling watch. Imamura's direction and Ogata's performance elevate it beyond a typical thriller, though its bleak tone may not suit all viewers.
How long is Vengeance Is Mine?
Vengeance Is Mine (1979) has a runtime of 140 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
Vengeance Is Mine (1979): A Dark Character Study — Full Movie Info
In *Vengeance Is Mine (1979)*, Shōhei Imamura crafts a chilling character study of Iwao Enokizu, a thief and murderer whose life spirals into chaos as he evades the law with reckless charm. Imamura's direction blends raw realism with a darkly poetic gaze, immersing viewers in the frenetic world of a man defined by his desire for immediate gratification—whether through crime, seduction, or the thrill of escape. The film's atmosphere crackles with tension, as Enokizu's pursuit of pleasure and power paints him as both predator and victim, leaving audiences to question the true cost of his defiance.
With standout performances from Ken Ogata as the enigmatic killer and a supporting cast that grounds the story in gritty authenticity, *Vengeance Is Mine (1979)* transcends its crime-drama roots to explore themes of obsession, morality, and the fleeting nature of freedom. Imamura's unflinching lens exposes the cracks in Japan's post-war society, where desperation and hedonism collide in explosive fashion.
