Return of the Street Fighter
Return of the Street Fighter

Movie spotlight

Return of the Street Fighter

1974
Movie
83 min
Japanese

Martial artist Takuma Tsurugi returns to take on a Yakuza family that may be embezzling money from charities to finance their own operations. Both the police and the Yakuza find themselves battling Tsurugi, but Tsurugi's fight ultimately is with the mob, and he concentrates on them.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Shigehiro OzawaGenres: Action, Crime, Martial Arts

Plot Summary

Terry Tsurugi, also known as 'J.J.', is a mercenary martial artist with a deadly sense for justice. When a young woman seeks his help to avenge her father's murder, Tsurugi finds himself caught between ruthless yakuza syndicates and corrupt businessmen. He must use his formidable fighting skills to navigate a dangerous world of betrayal and violence to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Critical Reception

Return of the Street Fighter is recognized as a seminal entry in the martial arts genre, known for its increased violence and graphic nature compared to earlier films. While not always critically lauded for its plot, it is highly regarded for its visceral action sequences and Sonny Chiba's iconic performance, solidifying its status as a cult classic that pushed the boundaries of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its brutal and impactful fight choreography.

  • Sonny Chiba's performance as Terry Tsurugi is a standout, embodying a tough and uncompromising hero.

  • The film's increased violence and grit set it apart from other martial arts movies of its era.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

This film, along with its predecessor 'The Street Fighter', was highly controversial upon release due to its graphic violence and gore, leading to stricter censorship in some regions and influencing the rating systems for future martial arts films.

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