The Rough One
The Rough One

The Rough One

1969Movie86 minJapanese

A tale of wannabe yakuza youths. When not cooking up scams with his buddies, Zenkichi develops a crush on Taro's disgusted sister, Miki. But soon the young hoods run afoul of their underworld idols when they rob the wrong gang, led by brutal boss Konno. When Zenkichi's pals start to bite the dust, he hooks up with a more traditional yakuza, Tetsugoro, to retaliate.

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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: William G. WhiteGenres: Drama, Western

Plot Summary

A tough, enigmatic rancher finds himself in a moral quandary when he must protect a naive young woman from a ruthless outlaw gang. Set against the harsh backdrop of the American West, he grapples with his own violent past as he navigates a treacherous landscape where survival often means making difficult choices.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Rough One' received mixed to negative reviews, with critics often citing its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. However, some appreciated its gritty portrayal of the Western genre and its lead performance. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, failing to make a significant impact at the box office.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a derivative storyline and a lack of originality.
  • While the lead actor delivers a serviceable performance, the supporting characters are largely forgettable.
  • The cinematography offers some redeeming visual elements, capturing the desolate beauty of the Western landscape.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Rough One' are scarce, with most commentary noting its forgettable nature and its failure to stand out among other Westerns of its era. Some viewers found it a passable time-killer, while others found it too generic to recommend.

Fun Fact

Although Jeff Chandler played the lead, the film was released posthumously, as he tragically passed away from a heart attack in 1961, with 'The Rough One' being completed and released much later in 1969, utilizing footage he had shot.

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