サンクチュアリ (1996): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1996, サンクチュアリ is a drama, krimi and animation film directed by Takashi Watanabe, running about 67 minutes. “Two friends. Two destinies. One Japan.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Two Japanese survivors of the Khmer Rouge massacres in Cambodia vow to find a sanctuary, even if they have to build it themselves. Returning to Japan, they take seemingly opposite paths: one becomes a politician, the other a gangster. As Asami and Houjou work through the linked worlds of politics and crime in modern Japan, they don't hesitate to do anything necessary to secure their own positions and stay true to their vow. Loyal to no one else, they find their friendship increasingly tested as they rise in their chosen fields.

Who’s in it. サンクチュアリ stars Kazuhiro Nakata as Chiaki Asami, Takaya Hashi as Tokai, Masako Katsuki as Hojo's Lover and Takeshi Watabe as Norimoto Isaoka, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.4/10, サンクチュアリ has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch サンクチュアリ page.

If you liked it. Fans of サンクチュアリ tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.