Two Lives, Two Yakuza (1964): cast, story & where to watch
1964 · Film
Released in 1964, Two Lives, Two Yakuza is a drama and crime film directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi, running about 99 minutes.
What it’s about. An early ninkyo film from before the genre had truly established its form. Koji Tsuruta plays an honourable outlaw who saves an older man from an ambush. It turns out the man is the head of a hard working clan appointed to a railway construction project. A ruthless yakuza gang is also trying to get their share of the project and attempts to sabotage the work. After the old man dies, his son (Sonny Chiba) and daughter (Junko Fuji) try to complete the project. Tsuruta joins them while also falling in love with a local woman working in a bar (after all, Tsuruta always was more of a lover than his stoic colleague Takakura).
Who’s in it. Two Lives, Two Yakuza stars Koji Tsuruta as Shinjiro Kusakari, Sumiko Fuji as Yukiko Matsuhashi, Shigeru Amachi as Seiji Nawate and Takeshi Katō as Makoto Misugi, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Two Lives, Two Yakuza page.
If you liked it. Fans of Two Lives, Two Yakuza tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Two Lives, Two Yakuza (1964)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Two Lives, Two Yakuza change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Two Lives, Two Yakuza?
- Two Lives, Two Yakuza stars Koji Tsuruta, Sumiko Fuji, Shigeru Amachi, Takeshi Katō and Eijirō Yanagi.
- When was Two Lives, Two Yakuza released?
- Two Lives, Two Yakuza was released in 1964, with a runtime of about 99 minutes.