Tokyo Elegy (1999): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1999, Tokyo Elegy is a thriller, drama, crime and romance film directed by Aryan Kaganof, running about 85 minutes. “Seven Days in the Snake Pit” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This transnational production featuring a South African- born director, a Dutch leading man, and a Japanese cast and crew tells the story of a passionate love affair between a convict and a porn star, which is undone by greed and private ghosts. Escaping from the Japanese police, Jack meets Keiko, a money-hungry adult film actress and the younger sister of his ex-wife. He takes refuge in her flat and soon they fall in love. Jack is unable to leave her apartment because he quickly learns that both the police and the dreaded yakuza are after the criminal. He grows distraught and despondent, spending hour upon hour alone as Keiko works long hours on the set. At one point, Keiko visits the yakuza don who placed the hit on Jack and agrees to hand him over in exchange for a pile of cash. But she has one stipulation: that she get to spend three days with her soon-to-be deceased lover. The boss agrees only if she engages in kinky sex with him. The deal seems set until unforeseen events occur.

Who’s in it. Tokyo Elegy stars Thom Hoffman as Jack, Mai Hoshino as Keiko, Kiyomi Itō as Reiko and Yoji Tanaka as Yakuza boss, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 3.5/10, Tokyo Elegy has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tokyo Elegy page.

If you liked it. Fans of Tokyo Elegy tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.