The Aftermath of War (1967): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1967, The Aftermath of War is an action, drama and crime film directed by Shōgorō Nishimura, running about 89 minutes.

What it’s about. After World War II life in Japan was hard. There was lawlessness, rapine, never enough food or money. One girl, raped by three men, called out the name of Kentaro before she died and this was something that people in this small section of downtown Tokyo remembered. Life went on, however, and local boss Hiramatsu Daizo decided to build a market, aided by his daughter Aya. They met opposition until one day a young man named Kentaro appears who it is rumored he was the vengeful lover of the murdered girl. He lives with Sabu and Yukari, the children the girl looked after before she died, and helps with the market, coming to the rescue with a bulldozer when Daizo is threatened by a rival group. When Daizo is finally killed, Kentaro carries on the work. Finally the market is completed, the rival group makes a last stand but is machine-gunned down by Kentaro who, after saying that he was not the one whose name the dying girl called out, leaves town for good.

Who’s in it. The Aftermath of War stars Tetsuya Watari, Joe Shishido, Chieko Matsubara and Tatsuya Fuji, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Aftermath of War page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Aftermath of War tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.