Beat (1998): cast, story & where to watch

1998 · Film · ★ 8

Beat poster

Released in 1998, Beat is a drama and romance film directed by Amon Miyamoto, running about 101 minutes.

What it’s about. In the 1960s, Okinawa was under American military occupation. Young Takeshi leads a passive go-with-the-flow existence, working as a bartender at a bar called Sekai where his ex-girlfriend Michi also worked. When Takeshi launches a flare bomb during a military blackout, expressing his frustration with the American military as well as himself, he encounters a mysterious boy with no name. He undergoes various changes living with him, but then an event occurs which will destroy Takeshi's identity to the very roots.

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Beat sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Beat tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Beat (1998)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Beat change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Beat worth watching?
Beat holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Most viewers rate it highly.
When was Beat released?
Beat was released in 1998, with a runtime of about 101 minutes.