Shooting Star (1949): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1949, Shooting Star is a notable film directed by Yutaka Abe, running about 83 minutes.

What it’s about. Based on that testimony, an investigation is launched in the entertainment district, and through a brief conversation between Toda and Nanako at the cabaret "R-Red," it becomes apparent that her lover, Kaneda, is suspicious. Toda and Kaneda are, in fact, members of the gang currently being frantically pursued by the Metropolitan Police. Their leader is a ruthless man named Yoshio Matsui, known as "Tetsu the Murakumo," who has his mistress, Aiko, working as a singer at this cabaret. Kaneda, using his leg injury caused by Detective Mishima as leverage, demands a large sum of money from Tetsu, but is instead met with gunfire from Tetsu's gang. Upon hearing the gunshots, Officer Fujita, who was patrolling nearby, gives chase. As Kaneda lies dying, he reveals the truth before drawing his last breath. With this near-confirmation, Fujita puts out an all-points bulletin for Tetsu.

Who’s in it. Shooting Star stars Yoshiko Yamaguchi as 原口愛子, Den Obinata as 藤岡俊作, Masao Wakahara as 速水恭輔 and Akira Nakamura as 三島, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, Shooting Star 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 Shooting Star page.