Onibi: The Fire Within (1997): cast, story & where to watch
1997 · Film · ★ 5.2
Released in 1997, Onibi: The Fire Within is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by Rokurō Mochizuki, running about 101 minutes.
What it’s about. After spending over half his life in prison, ex-hitman Kunihiro is determined to go straight. But the shortcomings of the new gangs mean that he is soon having to call on his old-school yakuza talents. And when he falls for Asako, a beautiful piano player, she unknowingly ignites a fire within Kuni that will immolate everything and everybody around him. Regarded by many as his masterpiece, Onibi has all the hallmarks of a Mochizuki film, with the gangster elements tightly compressed and controlled to allow space in which a subdued romance can bloom. Coming from a background in porno cinema, this master of sexual relations injects a fresh passion and tension into the macho world of the yakuza film.
Who’s in it. Onibi: The Fire Within stars Yoshio Harada as Noriyuki Kunihiro, Reiko Kataoka as Asako Hino, Show Aikawa as Naoto Tanigawa and Kazuki Kitamura as Hideyuki Sakata (as Yasushi Kitamura), among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.2/10, Onibi: The Fire Within has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Onibi: The Fire Within page.
If you liked it. Fans of Onibi: The Fire Within tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Onibi: The Fire Within (1997)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Onibi: The Fire Within change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Onibi: The Fire Within worth watching?
- Onibi: The Fire Within holds an audience score of 5.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Onibi: The Fire Within?
- Onibi: The Fire Within stars Yoshio Harada, Reiko Kataoka, Show Aikawa, Kazuki Kitamura and Ryushi Mizukami.
- When was Onibi: The Fire Within released?
- Onibi: The Fire Within was released in 1997, with a runtime of about 101 minutes.