Storyline
Ken Takakura's screen debut, following his admission into Toei ranks via the studio's annual New Faces program, came surprisingly enough in this pair of Okinawa karate films. The two-parter was released on Jan. 29, 1956 as two thirds of a triple feature. Both halves run just under one hour. The fighting is actually pretty good for the time, and it's fun to see Takakura as an impatient, bearded karate rascal.
Cast & Crew
Ken Takakura
—
Lead
Harumi Urazato
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Susumu Namishima
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Takashi Kanda
Higa Saburo (Gisen's Disciple)
Isao Yamagata
Nagoe Gisen
Toranosuke Ogawa
—
Yoshi Katō
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Takamaru Sasaki
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What People Are Saying
0.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Fujio Tsuda's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Lightning Karate Blow is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
